Once Steamed/Once Baked Potato Casserole

Mashed potato is a definite go-to in my recipe repertoire. You’re hungry… potatoes available… make a potato mash. But sometimes you want something more substantial that feels more like a main course, rather than a glorified side dish.

The other day I saw the Idaho potatoes in my sister’s fridge and we were all hungry now… what to do? I wanted to do some twice-baked potatoes, but we just didn’t want to wait to bake and re-bake. So this is a quicker alternative with the same flavor punch of the original.

I do not bake the potatoes first… but I do not boil them either, like for regular mashed potatoes. I steam them. To me is a faster method to cook potatoes and yields the same delicious result.

ONCE STEAMED /ONCE BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

3 large russet or baking potatoes

1 large onion, diced finely

1 small carrot, grated or chopped finely

2 large garlic clove, minced or grated

2 tbs butter

2 ounces of plain yogurt or sour cream

2 ounces of cream cheese

2 scallions, chopped

2 tbs of Vegan Bac’n – optional

2 generous handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

1. I steam the potatoes in a medium pot with just a few inches of water. I season the water with salt. And let them steam for about 10-15 minutes.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat sauté the onions, garlic and carrot in a little bit of olive oil. Cook them until they’re softened.
3. When the potatoes are cooked, strain them and add all the fixin’s… the butter, sour cream or yogurt, cream cheese, the cooked onions/carrot mixture, scallions, shredded cheese and veggie bacon if using. Mash it all well until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a drizzle of olive oil if you feel the mixture needs some moisture.
4. Take the potato mash and spoon it into individual ramekins. I like to mound the mixture so it looks luscious and abundant. Place what’s left of the shredded cheese on top.
5. Place in a toaster oven on 450F or broiler for about 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese on top.

Tags: cheddar cheese, cheese, food, potato, scallion, vegetarian