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:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Combine the first 4 ingredients and 1 tbsp. of the melted butter in a large bowl.
  3. Combine soup and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring every couple of minutes
  4. Add sour cream to cheese mixture
  5. Pour cheese mixture over potato mixture, and stir well.
  6. Spread mixture evenly in a 13x9 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
  7. Combine the cornflakes and remaining 1 tbsp. melted butter and sprinkle evenly over top of potato mixture.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 181
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 25.5 g
Sodium: 494 mg
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 7g
Not 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.


3 comments:

  1. Bee Z Mom said...

    Wow! This recipe looks amazing. I am going to try it this weekend.

  2. Post-it Notes said...

    Thanks for that recipe. I LOVE cheesy potatoes. This one I am making for sure!!

    http://blogmyselfthin.blogspot.com/

  3. Anonymous said...

    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!

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