O'Brien's Potato Casserole 🥔🧀

This hearty and comforting casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. With layers of creamy potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and savory cheese, it's a delightful dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout on any table. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup of diced green bell pepper
• 1 cup of diced red bell pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of milk
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping

• 1 cup of crushed cornflakes
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

🔥 Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking. Make sure to set it right before you start prepping!

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.

• Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sautéed vegetables and half of the cheese. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the layers.

• Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, vegetables, cheese, and creamy sauce.

🥔 For extra flavor, consider adding diced cooked bacon or ham between the layers!

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

• While the casserole is baking, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter in a small bowl.

• After 45 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cornflake mixture on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

• Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

🌟 Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before serving will make it easier to cut into squares without falling apart.

Variations

• For a spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mixture.
• Vegetarian: Omit any meat ingredients and consider adding more vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms.
• Cheesy delight: Mix in a variety of cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you're ready to bake, adjust the baking time as needed, adding time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

Enjoy this delightful O'Brien's Potato Casserole as a comforting meal that friends and family will love! 🥰🥔🍽️