Easter is a time to gather around with family and friends and enjoy a delicious feast. One of the most versatile and loved ingredients for any Easter meal is the humble potato. From classic mashed potatoes to crispy roasted potatoes, this vegetable can be transformed into a range of mouth-watering dishes. Here are two of the best Easter potato recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
1. Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of small potatoes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them in half.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss them in the mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the potatoes for 30-35 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Equipment:
Baking sheet, parchment paper, large bowl
Serving Suggestions:
These potatoes are a perfect side dish for any Easter meal. Serve them alongside ham, turkey, or lamb for a delicious and hearty feast.
Variations:
Try adding other herbs and spices to the potato mixture, such as thyme, paprika, or cumin. You can also add chopped onions or bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary instead. You can also substitute the olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter.
Storage:
Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use larger potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use larger potatoes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 cups of cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, stirring constantly.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, stirring frequently.
- Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder and stir to combine.
- Add the potatoes and ham to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
- Pour the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the potato mixture.
- Bake the scalloped potatoes for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 810mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 22g
Cooking Time:
60-70 minutes
Equipment:
Large saucepan, wooden spoon, 9×13 inch baking dish
Serving Suggestions:
These scalloped potatoes make a perfect main dish for any Easter meal. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and delicious meal.
Variations:
Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss, for a different flavor. You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, to the potato mixture.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with more milk. You can also use diced bacon or sausage instead of ham.
Storage:
Store any leftover scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips:
Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure that they cook through properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes up to a day ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
Personal Thoughts
Both of these Easter potato recipes are delicious and easy to prepare. The garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes are perfect for a simple and flavorful side dish, while the scalloped potatoes with ham and cheese are a filling and satisfying main dish. I love how versatile potatoes are and how they can be used in so many different ways. These recipes are sure to impress your guests and will become a staple at any Easter feast.