Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and pierced with a fork
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bake the potatoes in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then peel off the skins and roughly chop them.
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the chopped potatoes and mash them with a potato masher until smooth.
- Stir in the milk or cream and bring the soup back to a simmer.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, bacon, and green onions if desired.
4. Crispy Potato Latkes
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream or applesauce for serving
Instructions:
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with a spatula.
- Fry the latkes for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven while frying the remaining latkes.
- Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce on the side.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until just simmering.
- Pour half of the hot cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer them mashed, roasted, souped, fried, or baked, potatoes offer endless possibilities for creating delicious and satisfying dishes. These easy and delightful potato recipes are perfect for potato lovers of all ages and skill levels. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your potatoes, and start cooking up some comfort today!