With Easter just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your Easter feast. While ham, lamb, and turkey are often the star of the meal, let’s not forget about the importance of a good side dish. And what could be more classic than a potato side dish? Potatoes are versatile, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. Here are two Easter potato side dishes to add some fun and flavor to your Easter meal.
Recipe 1: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat until just simmering.
- Layer the sliced potatoes in a 9×13 inch baking dish, alternating with the grated cheddar cheese.
- Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese, making sure to cover all the potatoes.
- Dot the top of the potatoes with the small pieces of butter.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 297
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 66mg
Sodium: 296mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Equipment:
Medium saucepan
9×13 inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Serving Suggestions:
Cheesy scalloped potatoes pair well with ham, turkey, or lamb. Serve as a side dish for your Easter feast.
Variations:
Try adding chopped cooked bacon or sliced green onions to the potato layers for extra flavor. You can also substitute other types of cheese, such as Gouda or Swiss, for the cheddar.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all milk instead. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Storage:
Cheesy scalloped potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips:
Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly so that they cook evenly. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice them. Also, make sure to cover the potatoes with the cream mixture so that they don’t dry out while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make cheesy scalloped potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the potatoes and cream mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Cover with foil and bake when ready to serve.
Recipe 2: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 head garlic
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
- While the garlic is roasting, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the roasted garlic cloves (remove them from the skin first), milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the pot with the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or handheld mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 189
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 23mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Equipment:
Large pot
Aluminum foil
Potato masher or handheld mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a great side dish for any Easter meal. Serve with ham, turkey, or lamb.
Variations:
Try adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead.
Storage:
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Tips:
Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are very tender so that they mash easily. Also, don’t overmix the potatoes or they will become gummy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make roasted garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
These two Easter potato side dishes are sure to be a hit at your Easter feast. The cheesy scalloped potatoes are creamy and indulgent, while the roasted garlic mashed potatoes are comforting and flavorful. Both dishes are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So why not add some fun and flavor to your Easter meal with these delicious potato side dishes?