Casserole de Patatas Ralladas

Casserole de Patatas Ralladas, also known as Shredded Potato Casserole, is a comforting and hearty dish that features shredded potatoes combined with cheese, cream, and often a variety of seasonings. This casserole is perfect as a side dish for holidays or any family meal. Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded potatoes (about 4 large potatoes, peeled and grated)
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the shredded potatoes in a large bowl and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, melted butter, sour cream, heavy cream or milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Spread the potato mixture evenly in the dish.

1. Add Topping:

• In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
• Add-ins: You can mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped green peppers for additional flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Make sure all ingredients used are vegetarian if that’s a requirement. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat sour cream and milk instead of heavy cream.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

This Casserole de Patatas Ralladas is a delicious and versatile dish that will become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a comforting side dish or as a standalone meal!