Dinner Casseroles
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Potatoes have to be one of my favorite foods: versatile, comforting, satisfying, and cheap. I mash them, roast them, fry them, make soup out of them, but I’ve only ever been able to create a mediocre gratin. I’m not sure why – the concept is simple enough, thin potatoes with a cream mixture poured over top then baked to perfection. Except, sometimes the cream mixture breaks, or the potatoes don’t quite get soft enough. Bleh. Last night, however, I finally nailed it! All it took was marrying the concept of parboiling with the cheese sauce I use for the base to my potato soup. Et voilà!
Easy Enchiladas
These easy enchiladas are quick to make and can feed a crowd. There are some dishes I’ll claim to be authentic with, and others where I’ll admit that I’ve taken liberties. Last night’s dinner? I call them “enchiladas” but anyone from Mexico, where enchiladas originated, would probably laugh at my attempts. One day I’ll come up with a better name, but for now I simply call them: easy enchiladas. Prep is simple. Just brown ground beef with onions, garlic and seasoning (packet or homemade taco seasoning), and then roll it up into tortillas. A good slathering of enchilada sauce and cheese, then the oven does the rest of the work…
Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich Casserole
Hot ham and cheese sandwich casserole is the perfect savory recipe to feed a crowd on game day, for a holiday, or just because! Who doesn’t need good party recipes now and again, right? When hosting a larger gathering, I normally find myself gravitating to things like no bean pork chili or baked ziti as easy-to-make crowd-pleasers. I like to go with a tried and true staple, because it’s less stressful and I’m of the notion that the host should enjoy the party, too! (Thank you, Ina!) For my son’s 2nd birthday party (with 20 guests) years ago, I decided to try something new after hearing about various iterations of…
Baked Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich Casserole
I first made this baked hot ham and cheese sandwich casserole in 2008, years after it was originally mentioned to me by a friend at work. I’m not sure what took me so long, except that — until I tried it — it was hard to fathom how a casserole made with rolls, cheese and ham could be that good. But, ooohhhh … is this hot ham and cheese sandwich casserole good! Like, supremely good. Beyond the savory, ooey-gooey cheesy goodness, my love for this recipe is further compounded by the fact that it can be made ahead. I love a good make-ahead meal, particularly when I’m hosting a crowd. Let’s…
