Traditional versions of this crisp Swiss potato cake virtually swim in butter. By baking the cake, we were able to dramatically reduce the fat yet retain crispness.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 pounds all-purpose potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold (about 8), peeled and quartered
1/4 cup chopped scallions (4 scallions)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2/3 cup smoked ham, finely chopped (3 ounces)
1/2 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (1 1/2 ounces)

1. Position oven rack at the lowest level. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Cover potatoes with cold water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Drain and refresh with cold water. When cool enough to handle, grate the potatoes. Transfer to a bowl. Add scallions, salt and pepper; toss with a fork until mixed.
3. Coat a 10-inch pie plate or cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Brush 1 teaspoon oil evenly over the surface. Spread half of the potato mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with ham and cheese. Spread the remaining potato mixture over top, pressing evenly. Brush the remaining 1 teaspoon oil over the surface. Bake until the underside is golden and the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Carefully loosen edges with a thin metal spatula or a knife. Shake the pie plate or pan to be sure the potatoes are sliding freely. Invert a serving platter over the pie plate or pan. Grasp the platter and the baking dish with oven mitts and carefully turn over. Remove the pie plate or pan. Cut into wedges with a serrated knife. Serve hot or at room temperature.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 185 calories; 5 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 14 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrate; 7 g protein; 2 g fiber; 395 mg sodium; 839 mg potassium.


Nutrition bonus: Potassium (24% daily value).


2 Carbohydrate Servings

RELATED RECIPES: Sweet Potato Hash with Black Forest Ham | Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes | Kale & Potato Hash | Warm Salmon Salad with Crispy Potatoes | Potato & Sweet Potato Torte

Excellent recipe!! I used Swiss Cheese rather than Cheddar, and added fresh minced garlic and ground rosemary to the grated potatoes. AWESOME!! Great recipe for busy families. Cook a ham on Sunday, then assemble this fantastic and easy recipe, place in the freezer and you have a wonderful week night dinner. Just add a salad and your good to go!

Anonymous, Redding, CA

This dish has a great taste and it's quite easy to prepare. I substituted the regular cheddar cheese for fat free and was able to double the amount of cheese making it even tastier.

Anonymous, San Juan, PR

Very tasty. Friends and family enjoyed it.

Anonymous, Eagan, MN

It's great! Easy, fast, yam!!! Try it!!!!

, Houston, TX

Looks, and tastes, delicious.

Dan Herbert, Fulton, MO