Holiday Potato Puff!

We do love our potatoes in this part of the south.  You won't find a holiday meal that doesn't feature some type of potato dish.   This potato recipe is a good one for big meals, because it can be prepared the night before or morning of and then baked just before serving.  This is also a good potato recipe for anytime of the year, not just the holidays.  It's like taking mashed potatoes and kicking them up several notches.  Here is what you will need for these decadent potatoes:

9-10 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tsp. salt
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup half and half (can use milk)
3/4 cup butter
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chives, chopped (optional)


Place peeled and diced potatoes in a pan covered with water. Add 1 tsp. salt to water.  Cook until tender. Drain well.  Place them back in the warm pan with the cream cheese.  Mash potatoes with the cream cheese until smooth. 

In a saucepan, melt together the butter, cheese and half and half (or milk) until smooth.  Pour into the mashed potatoes and fold in the beaten eggs.  Add the black pepper, seasoned salt and garlic powder.  Blend all together until smooth. 

Pour into a casserole dish that has been sprayed well with nonstick cooking spray.  Sprinkle the top with a little more seasoned salt or a little paprika.  Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until slightly puffed and golden brown.  If you like sprinkle with the chives right before serving.  This is always a hit and there usually isn't a bite left!

 

 

You can prepare this the night before or the morning of your dinner, cover and refrigerate.  Take it out and allow to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

 

 

Holiday Potato Puff!