Cheesy Potato Casserole

This is a simple no fuss basic recipe. Very versatile. I sometimes add a layer of sauted mushroom and onion. This can be a side or main dish vegetarian or not. You can add your own spices to your own taste.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  lbs potatoes, cooked (5 medium)
• 1  teaspoon  italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 cup peas
• 1⁄3 lb ham (4 deli slices optional, I have also used a can of crab meat or salmon) or 1⁄3 lb  cooked chicken (4 deli slices optional, I have also used a can of crab meat or salmon)
• 2  eggs (1 egg separated yolk and white)
• 1  cup cottage cheese or 1  cup ricotta cheese
• 1  cup  shredded cheddar cheese or 1  cup muenster cheese or 1  cup gouda cheese
• 1⁄4 cup milk
•  salt and pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  chili pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease or spray a casserole dish.
3. Slice potato and layer in the greased dish, sprinkle with italian seasoning and salt and pepper.
4. Spread the peas evenly over the potato.
5. If you want meat layer the ham or chick over the peas ( salmon, tuna, or crab meat can also be used).
6. In a medium bowl add one egg and one yolk (RESERVING EGG WHITE in a separt bowl)the cottage cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder and pepper flakes and mix well.
7. Whip the reserved egg white into stiff peaks and fold into cheese mixture.
8. Pour and evenly spread the cheese mixture. over the ham layer.
9. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
10. Bake in over for 40-45 minutes.