Healthy Recipe Makeover: Cheesy Potato Casserole
I LOVE comfort food, but I don't love all the calories and fat that usually come along with it. One of my favorite comfort food dishes is Cheesy Potato Casserole. I don't make it very often, because of the high calorie and fat content, but have been craving it lately, so decided to make a healthier version. It turned out so very good!
It's not a "clean" meal for those of you following a clean diet, but it is a really good replacement for the original recipe, especially when you are craving some comfort food! It also makes a great dish to take to a potluck. People won't even know it's a healthier version! :)
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Makes 12 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)
32 oz. package frozen southern style diced hash brown potatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. butter, melted and divided
10 3/4 oz. can condensed reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
8 oz. light Velveeta cheese, cubed
8 oz. light sour cream
2 cups cornflakes, coarsely crushed
Cooking Spray
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Combine the first 4 ingredients and 1 tbsp. of the melted butter in a large bowl.
- Combine soup and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring every couple of minutes
- Add sour cream to cheese mixture
- Pour cheese mixture over potato mixture, and stir well.
- Spread mixture evenly in a 13x9 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- Combine the cornflakes and remaining 1 tbsp. melted butter and sprinkle evenly over top of potato mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 181
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 25.5 g
Sodium: 494 mgFiber: 1.5g
Protein: 7gNot bad considering the original version has over 350 calories and 21 grams of fat per serving!
And for added flavor, you can add 1/2 tbsp of bacon bits and some diced green onion tops. It only adds about 15 more calories and makes the potatoes taste just like a twice baked potato!
Do you have a favorite recipe that needs a healthy makeover? Send it to me and I'll see if I can lighten it up for you.
February 8, 2011 at 9:14 PM
Wow! This recipe looks amazing. I am going to try it this weekend.
February 10, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Thanks for that recipe. I LOVE cheesy potatoes. This one I am making for sure!!
http://blogmyselfthin.blogspot.com/
August 10, 2011 at 1:07 PM
I made this, but substituted the velveeta for rice cheese, it melts and tastes just like cheddar! And has considerably lower calories than velveeta..and isnt has horrible for you! I also used the vegan sour cream for whole foods! Still tasted delicious and without all the guilt! Thanks for your recipe!