Queso de La Serena and Potato Bake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of potatoes, sliced
- 1/2 pound of Queso de La Serena cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Layer the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
4. In a bowl, mix together the crumbled Queso de La Serena cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the cheese mixture over the potatoes, making sure to cover all the slices.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso de La Serena cheese can be substituted with any soft, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty version.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter version.

Tips and tricks:
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly for even cooking.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- If the top is not golden brown after removing the foil, broil for a few minutes until desired color is achieved.

Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Queso de La Serena and Potato Bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Grilled asparagus
- Sautéed mushrooms

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the potatoes are not cooked through after baking, cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- If the cheese is too thick, add more heavy cream or milk to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly before slicing.
- Use a clean baking dish and utensils to prevent contamination.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Queso de La Serena is a soft, creamy cheese made from sheep's milk in the Extremadura region of Spain. It has been produced for centuries and is known for its rich, buttery flavor.

Flavor profiles:
The Queso de La Serena and Potato Bake is rich and creamy with a savory, garlicky flavor. The potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Queso de La Serena and Potato Bake as a side dish or as a main course with a salad or roasted vegetables.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tangy, Herby