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baking cheesy potatoes in a large electric roaster
sandra 06/13/07	We are holding a supper for our town that will be serving around 200 people. I need the amounts of ingredients needed for cheesy potatoes for this many people and how long to cook in a large electric roaster and if more than one is needed. thank you
ellen 06/13/07	Yes you will need 4 or at least 3 roasters to do these potatoes. Do you want the recipe with frozen hash browns/tater tots (easy), or the one that is sort of like scalloped potatoes with fresh potatoes in a cheesy sauce (cheap)?
sandra 06/13/07	I will be using the recipe for hash brown potatoes---could I get the amounts needed for this recipe---for 200 people,using the hash browns,soup,etc.
ellen 06/13/07	Well, I have held off posting this recipe because there are so many variations available on the web, but I am working on electric roaster recipes now, so will post one. This recipe has quite a few variations. Most folks agree that without the sour cream it is pretty dry, or they double up the canned soup. I often use home made thick white sauce, made with 1/2 beef or chicken broth and 1/2 milk, in place of the soup- or at least I use the low fat, low sodium family size cream of mushroom in plce of regular. It really matters how cold the mix is to start. If you mixed and refrigerated the night before, it takes about 3 1/2 hours to cook. If the soup/sauce etc is room temp, at least 2 hours. Electric Roaster Hash Brown Potato Casserole One roaster (serves 60) * 5 (2 pound) packages frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed overnight in the refrigerator * 1-1/2 cups melted butter * 5 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom, celery or chicken soup * 5 (8 ounce) containers sour cream * 2-1/2 cups chopped onions, sauteed in butter until tender but not brown OPTIONAL, chopped celery or bell pepper cooked with the onions * 2 1/2 pounds (10 cups) shredded Cheddar cheese, Colby cheese or blends (see note above) * 1 tablespoon salt * 2 teaspoons ground black pepper OPTIONAL, 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce OPTIONAL, crushed garlic or garlic powder to taste OPTIONAL, 5 small cans green chilies * 5 cups French fried onion bits for topping 1. Spray the inside of the roaster with a heavy coating of non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 2. In a large bowl, combine hash browns, 1/2 cup melted butter. Make sure hash browns are thawed as per recipe instructions. Pour melted butter/margarine over the potatoes and mix. Then add the cheese and mix. Lastly add the rest of the ingredients. 3. Pour into the roaster, holding back the topping till later. 4. Bake in the electric roaster covered for at least 1 hour, 40 minutes, up to 3 hours if the mix was cold/refrigerated to start with. Sprinkle on the onions,cover, bake 20 minutes longer. Here are more Variations: Add some chopped or minced green pepper, or some cooked and crumbled bacon. About halfway through baking, place more cheese on top and finish baking until the cheese is nicely browned. *White Sauce* 1 gallon whole milk, warmed but not boiling (or use 1/2 beef stock) 10 ounces flour, may need a little more 1 pound unsalted butter or margarine 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 1/2 tablespoon salt White pepper (optional)* Topping with the French fried onion bits is my preference, as the electric roaster does not give a crisp finish to the top. But you MUST wait till about 20 minutes before serving, or they will get limp. Cracker Barrel uses Colby cheese. My current favorite blend is the Kraft Mexican blend and Italian blend, 1/2 and 1/2. No spices in this, just many creamy, flavorful cheeses.
sandra 06/13/07	thank you for your quick response and break down of ingredients---will certainly make my job alot easier on that day!!!!!!!!
Sandra 06/28/07	just making sure,are the ingredients listed above the amount needed for one roaster? thank you
ellen 06/28/07	Yes, that is the list for 1 roaster.
Rita 07/07/08	Hello, Do you think one recipe of this size will be enough for a graduation party of approx. 100 ppl where lasagna, chicken breasts, taco salad, ham, fruits, veggies and desserts will also be served? Thank you and I love this site!!
ellen 07/07/08	Yes, as long as there is plenty of lasagna.
brenda 07/31/08	Can you use the cube potatoes for this recipe?
ellen 08/01/08	The really tiny ones that are basically diced are OK, but most people use shredded.
brenda 08/02/08	Would the cooking time be the same for the small cubes as the shredded? I am not sure that you can get the real small cubes, would I be better off with the shredded?
ellen 08/02/08	Yes, shredded. Same time. It is preferred by most (just ask the folks at Cracker barral how many tons they sell)>
Joel 08/04/08	The cubed do not cook as well.
brenda 08/11/08	I found diced potatoes, do these work better than the cubed? Can you use different soups or should you use all one kind?
ellen 08/11/08	Neither diced nor cubed works as well as shredded, but diced is smaller than cubed. You can mix soups. I think some mushroom improves the dish.
Karrie 08/22/08	I always use the cubed and it always turns out great! I never use the shredded but my recipe is just slightly different. If I did a double batch of these how long would it take in a roaster? What is the degree that you cook these on 350 or less?
ellen 08/23/08	karrie, how is the recipe different and how many pounds of potatoes in a double batch? If it is quite similar, use the cooking times in the recipe posted above. It makes 1 roaster full using 10 pounds of potatoes. If you doubled you would need two roasters.
Jody 09/05/08	I've never made cheesey potatoes in a roaster. I need to make to feed 35-50 people. Please help.
ellen 09/05/08	This is too big a range to do accurately. I would make one roaster full- the recipe above that uses 10 pounds shredded frozen potatoes would be fine.
Jody 09/06/08	Thanks for the response.
Carol Mitchell 09/06/08	making au gratin potaoes for fify in electic roast How do I prepare au gratin potatoes (not hash browns) and what temp. and how long in an electric roaster
ellen 09/06/08	The roaster holds 4-5 times the amount of 1 9x13 dish, or about 12 quarts. Use the cookwell (the removeable pan). Spray it well with nonstick, or use your preferred pan-greasing method. Sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese to add to the coating, set aside. Use baking potatoes if you want creamy, new potatoes if you want chunky. Most peope prefer baking-type. Cut into very uniform slices or chunks. The only way I know to shorten the cooking time is to partially precook the potatoes and be sure the sauce /milk is heated when you popur it on, see below. Make/layer the recipe in the cookwell, thew depth should be 4 inches , not much more. Have the sauce or milk hot. If it is cold, or you make the dish in advance and refrigerate it before cooking, you add several hours (at least 2) to the cooking time! Preheat the oven for 20 minutes to 325/350 degrees. Hotter than this, the edges will dry/burn before the middle cooks. Allow 3 hours cooking time, more if cold. Cook covered. Use a quick read thermometer, if it gets to 180 in the middle before you are ready to serve, turn down to 200 and keep warm. COOKING TIME VARIES. Depends on the type of potato, the size of the chunks, slices, etc.
Colleen Burkholtz 11/26/08	10 large potatoes equals approx. how many pounds? I just need to know approx. how many large potatoes are in a 5 pound bag?
ellen 11/26/08	Usually, they don't pack large potatoes in bags. A large potato is about 8-10 ounces (though they come as big as a pound), so 10 is 5-6 pounds. Bag potatoes usually have more, smaller, potatoes.
Laurie 01/22/09	How much onion powder would you add if you didn't want to use onions?
ellen 01/23/09	I am not the person to ask. I don't like onion powder and never use it. Frozen diced onions would be a much better choice in this dish.
yvonne 02/07/09	So,When you bake these are you baking them in a regular oven and then transferring them to the roaster to keep them warm or baking them in the electric roaster?
ellen 02/07/09	These large recipes are baked directly in the cookwell of the roaster. Of course you can also cook a 9x13 pan on the rack in the roaster.
Bert Meyer 02/28/09	Thank you! I knew how to make them, just did not know how much per roaster.
Linda 03/02/09	Hello, Thank you for the cheesy potatoe recipe for the roaster. I have always made them in a 9 x 13 pan and in the oven, so this information is very helpful. The only question that I have is instead of using frozen hashbrowns, I was going to use fresh pototoes and shred them myself. The pototoes usually get brown as you are shredding them. Do you know what I can do to the potatoes to avoid the potatoes browning? Thanks for your help.
ellen 03/02/09	Yes. This is caused by oxidation of the raw enzymes, Grate into ice water, then blanch in boiling water and you can do them ahead. The blanching will also help the texture of the finished dish. I would be SURE to drain very well as the frozen potatoes give off quite a bit less liquid than fresh.
Kaye 03/24/09	baking cheesy potatoes in a 9 x 13 pan Hi, Im serving lunch for about 40-50 people, how many 9x 13 pans of cheesy potatoes will I need?
ellen 03/25/09	About 5 depending on the rest of the menu and how hungry they are.
Laura 03/25/09	Hi Ellen, I am noticing your recipe is very similar to Geri's but yours uses 5 less cans of soup (hers has 5 chicken and 5 mushroom). Your has the cup and a half of butter, hers doesn't. Everything else is pretty much the same. Would hers be more liquidy? I am getting ready to make this Saturday and wondering which way to go. thanksS!
ellen 03/25/09	About the same- up to you.
marcia 04/09/09	I've got people coming over on consecutive days. Does anyone know what happens if I mix up the recipe ahead of time. I might want to make both batches at the same time. So, if I mix it up two days ahead of time will it affect the recipe when I bake it?
ellen 04/09/09	It will add to the cooking time because it has been in the refrigerator. You might also have a little trouble with the potatoes darkening, especially if you try to use fresh.
Bethany Vaughn 04/27/09	Making mashed potatoes for 50-60 We are planning on cooking a meal at the homeless shelter and one thing on the menu is mashed potatoes. How many pounds would I need to feed 50-60 people?
ellen 04/28/09	I use 35 to 40 pounds of potatoes to make for 100, so assuming 60, about 26 pounds.
Darlene 05/12/09	I use crushed corn flakes mixed with melted butter for the topping of the cheesy potatoes.Would I add that the last 40 minutes also?
ellen 05/13/09	If doing in the roaster, add only the last 15 minutes and put a clean, cotton dishtowel right on top. Roasters cook very moist and that topping can get soggy.
ruth 06/26/09	do you have a recipe for making home made hash brown potatoes, and freezing them thanks ruth
ellen 06/27/09	Did you see this recipe for freeezer hashbrowns? But do read the intro at the top of the page, it has useful additional hints. www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/oamc/potatoes.html#hashbrowns
Debbie Pope 09/16/09	Here are some helpful hints!!
Shirley Free 10/21/09	How to bake potatoes in 18 qt. GE Roaster Oven How do you bake potatoes in a large roaster oven without burning up granite.
ellen 10/21/09	I am a little unclear about this question. I bake them just as I do in a regular oven, with the rack on the bottom and normal temps.
Sally Starko 10/26/09	would you please e-mail me how many ingredients (quanity) for 30-50 people for cheesy potatoe casserole made in electric roaster or in how many crockpots with directions on how to prepare.
ellen 10/26/09	I will not email, as you can get this recipe on site at the bottom of the festive family brunch article.
kristi 12/14/09	what is the recipe if I am feeding 20 people? I am in charge of the side dish... Thanks!
ellen 12/14/09	One recipe (2 pounds potatoes) makes a full 9x13 pan, I would make 2 for 20 people if it was the main side dish. The recipe is on the brunch for 100 page, at the bottom.
Jean 12/26/09	I am making these potatoes as we speak for a party tomorrow. I am planning on reheating them in the morning. Will this be a problem? How long at at what temp should I reheat them. Thanks so much. This site was very helpful
ellen 12/26/09	Well, I would not have cooked these ahead, as they are tastier if not reheated. The time depends on how big a pan- 9x13 or cookwell? Make sure they are tightly covered, cook anywhere from 325-400, temp in the middle 180 before serving.
mary t 02/26/10	Do you have any other recipes posted that I can cook in the electric roaster? Can I basically take any recipe and multiply it until it fits into the roaster?
ellen 02/27/10	Almost anything that can be cooked in an oven or crock pot can be cooked in a roaster. Did you have something in particular in mind?
jana 03/10/10	I am looking for recipes for cooking a in turkey roaster for large groups (170-200). Can I do something like fill the roaster with whole potatos, stacked on top of each other? How many would fit and how long at what temp? Can I do taco meat.. Bacon... Sausage.. in big bulk in a roaster? How about large amounts of corn on the cob? I tried a different recipe for hash brown casserole and must have made every rookie mistake in the book. Started frozen, temp too high, not enough cooking time. Soupy looking.Now I have to figure out what to do with 4 9x13 pans of edible/not delectable potatoes! Thanks for being on the web as I may have given up by now if not for you.
jana 03/10/10	Oops, one more question...do you have a seperate section for recipes that are tailor made for turkey roasters? That would probably answer most of my questions.
ellen 03/10/10	Hi, Jana, One roaster only does about 50-60 people's worth of a food (except soup, where you can get 90-100), so you are talking several, probably 4 for that size group. 20 pounds of food/meat/whatever is about the limit, and you need to fill no more that 2/3 full if you are using as giant crock pots. That's about 13 gallons. I don't have a turkey roaster section, probably need one... As to those potatoes: I would chop up and sizzle up a BUNCH of celery and onions, cook out all the "wet"; crush up a pound or two of ritz crackers or equivalent; shred and sizzle some carrots or bell pepper for color and thaw 2 pounds of sweet corn and a pound of peas. Mix this all up, mix with the potatoes and serve as a veggie casserole.
Kathy Walker 03/23/10	I am using Betty Crocker (8)boxed mixes to make cheesy (augratin) potaotes for 60 in an electric roaster. Could you provide some hints. I liked spaying the liner and using parmesian cheese. I was wondering how long should I plan to bake them in the roaster? In addition, should I add more liquids in case them cook down? Thanks for your assistance
ellen 03/23/10	I have never used these. They should bake about as a pan this size would in a regular oven, which is to say, lower the heat 25 and cook longer so the edges don't burn before the middle gets done. Allow at least 1/2 hour extra. Check the temp in the middle with a quick read thermometer, you want 180. Then turn down the roaster to 180. DO stir occasionally, especially until they thicken up; roasters heat differently than ovens and you want to move the stuff in the middle to the edges and the bottom to the top. Do NOT add extra liquid unless you check them and they are getting dry.
Jan 03/28/10	I need a recipe for cheesy hashbrowns in an electric roaster for 35 people. Can you help me?
Tricia 03/29/10	I am looking to make scalloped/cheesy potatoes in a large roaster for 35 people. Do you have any recipes? We are looking for a tasty side dish with ham for Easter. Thanks!
ellen 03/29/10	This recipe is the last one on the festive family brunch page: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/brunch100.html
Tam 04/05/10	For Roaster Oven Hashbrown Casserole, is there any way to shorten the cooking time? Could you pre-cook the hashbrowns so the are starting to brown, cool, then combine ingredients when ready to place in roaster? Would like to be able to cook this in 90 minutes if possible.
ellen 04/06/10	I have not done this. If I were trying to do it, I would heat all the sauce ingredients together on the top of the stove till bubbly and stir in the cheese, also saute the mushrooms or other added veggie bit (bell pepper, onion, etc) until tender, then add the meat bits, so they are all hot. Meanwhile, letting the potatoes heat in the oven, then pour the sauce on as soon as bubbly hot and stir in the veggies and meats. This should get your cooking time down sufficiently.
Tam 04/07/10	Thanks for the tips. Doing this outside for a scout campout breakfast. Limited in my ability to heat up, etc. Plan B is dutch oven cooking of the casserole. Do love this website. Very helpful.
Tam 05/18/10	im making the frozen potatoes for a grad party, planning for 300 peoole, was planning on making 3 crockpots with your recipe would that be enough?
Tam 05/19/10	Sorry I meant 3 roasters that Im going to cook them in
ellen 05/19/10	The roaster only holds enough for about 60- so you need more than three- or if it is a come and go type party, you can refill the cookwell with a fresh pan full that has been held in the regular oven.
KElly 05/21/10	Hi Ellen, I think I want to try to triple the recipe as suggested and do the potatoes in 2 roasters. This would be 18 quart roasters correct? Also since it will probably be more than 4 inches deep in the pan do I need to stir and if so, how often would you reccommend? IF I coat the pans with pam and the parm cheese when I stir do I need to be careful to not touch the sides of the pan? Many Thanks for all of your help~ KElly
ellen 05/21/10	This looks about right and you are correct that not scraping the sides is desirable. Start stirring after about 1/2 hour, sideds to middle, bottom to top. Stir only about each 1/2 hour. Allow at least 2 hours for the cooking- the stirring make it take longer.
Tammy 05/31/10	I am needing to make party potatoes for a wedding for around 450 people... do you think that I could use the roasters for this
ellen 05/31/10	Yes. You can do about 60 people's worth in one full cookwell.
ellen 05/31/10	Be SURE the potatoes are thawed in the fridge, or it will take forever to cook.
Debbie 06/08/10	My father turns 70 this weekend and I am cooking the food for the party. I have decided to cook "Cheesy Hash browns." I have large aluminum removeable pans for the roasters. I plan on cooking them in the oven first and using the roasters to keep them warm. I doubt the potatoes will be at room temp but instead just coming out of the refrigerator. How long will I have to cook them? How often should I stir the potatoes? If I use a thermometer, what temp should the middle be to be considered done? Thanks
ellen 06/09/10	To hold, set the roasters at 180 and preheat covered 20 minutes. To cook the potatoes in the oven, they are very forgiving, anywhere from 325 to 425, ti9me depends on temp and how thick the poatoes are in the pan. Covered for the first 3/4 of the time. Temp in the middle, 180, then turn down to 180 to hold. In the oven, covered, they do not have to be stirred.
chris 06/09/10	Hi, We are supposed to bring cheesy potatos for 50-60 people to a family reunion this weekend. We would like to use baking potatos. (No frozen items) We want to cook these in large aluminum roasting pans in the oven. What ingredients (cheese, onions, soup, etc) do we need, how much and what are the directions for cooking them this way? Thanks
jane 06/15/10	I will be doing 5 batches of cheesy potatoes in my electric roster this coming weekend. It is a fairly new roster but when I cook in it, the sides tend to burn while the food in the middle isn't all the way cooked yet. I am afraid of the constant stirring (to stop the burning) will make the potatoes mushy. Any tips?
ellen 06/15/10	Chris, I'm sorry I did not find this in time for the weekend- you can use grated fresh potatoes. Jane, how about cooking them in the oven and then serving in the roaster? Stirring does not make the potatoes mushy unless you keep stirring after they are cooked- use a large paddle or spatula and do a scrape and lift motion from the walls to the center. Also, PREHEAT the roaster at least 20 minutes with the lid on, or the sides stay too hot while they try to reach the temperature., or the
Jana 06/17/10	Thanks for the helpful info. I need to bake potatoes for 160 people at a campout (for a potato bar) and was wondering if I could do them in an electric Roaster (like a nesco). I've heard it's been done before but can't find any info on it. Obviously, I'd need several roasters but I was wondering if I could stack them on on top of the other and just cook at a low temp?
ellen 06/17/10	Read the potato bar page for sure. You can do only about 15 pounds per roaster. Preheat. Put a rack in the bottom. Don't forget to stick each one with a fork.
Janet 06/21/10	I am making cheese potatoes for a grad party I want to know if I make my cheese potatoes in the oven the night before and put them in a crock pot the next day will they hold up? I am having an open house from 2 - 7 and don't want them to be ice cold and spoiled by the end of the event.
ellen 06/22/10	If you are only making one crock-worth, why not just make in the crock pot that day? If the question is, can you use the crock as a sort of chafing dish, the answer is yes, but the potato casserole must be HOT (over 160) when it goes into the pot, which you should preheat with hot water in the crock before adding potatoes.
Jessica 06/28/10	Hi, I am having a grad party for my son and i wanted to make cheesy potatoes I was wondering what a good recipe was for 80 people?? Thanks
ellen 06/28/10	The one at the bottom of my festive family brunch page.
carrie 07/07/10	I've been reading these post and not sure bout cooking.. When you cook the potatoes can you do it in the roaster all the time or do have to cook them in the oven? Also how many Lbs of potatoes do you need per roaster?
ellen 07/10/10	You can do it either way. You do about 15 pounds of potatoes per roaster, max; I like to stick to 10-12 if possible.
Jana 07/19/10	Just a follow up on my roaster experience. I made taco meat, and black beans ahead of time and froze them. The day before serving I put them in the fridge to thaw. I reheated the meat in the roaster adding the taco seasoning and water as per directions, on low heat...200-300 depending on the roaster. It was also no problem to reheat the black beans I'd made and frozen earlier. We used them for a Taco Bar along with Mexican Rice, tortillas, nacho chips and fixings. Was a big hit with our campers. For the taco meat I put the meat into the roaster and enough water to keep from burning the sides, about 1-2 inches below the meat surface. After it was cooked I just drained off the water and bagged into freezer bags and put in freezer. Easy! And campers loved it. I believe I had about 20 lbs of meat per roaster. Hope this helps someone else out there. We also used the roasters to warm up quiches, baked beans, ect to serving temperature. Thanks for all your help, this was our foodie adventure!
ellen 07/19/10	Congratulations and especially thanks for bring back the followup. This is very helpful to me, as well as our readers.
Gayle 09/07/10	cooking taco meat in a roaster I want to cook taco meat with seasoning mix in my roaster. I will brown 10 lbs of ground beef, add a pkg of taco seasoning mix and water as stated on pkg. How long do I need to cook in the roaster? Can I keep it warm to serve? Will it get too dry? Thank you!!!
ellen 09/07/10	Add only 3/4 the water to start in the roaster. Cook at 325 until the temp in the middle is 165-180, which may take up to 3 hours if the meat has been refrigerated after browning, an hour if it is hot off the stove. Turn to 180 to hold, keep covered, stir occasionally, and beef broth or water as needed. If it is too juicy, take the lid off for a half hour before turning down.
Gayle 09/11/10	taco meat Thank you! I feel more confident cooking taco meat in the roaster!
Lisa 11/07/10	I make these type of potatoes for 10 people (at holidays or parties)and we love them for a few days! I slice and fry leftovers which add another dimension. My mom suggested battering the slices before frying!
stacey 11/07/10	I am making cheesy potatoes for approx. 300. If I mix them up the day before with frozen hashbrowns, will they discolor if I don't cook them until the next day? How long should I allow for them to cook in the roasters?
Janice 11/13/10	I am making mashed potatoes for 50 people and want to keep them warm in the roaster. Does the 180 degrees with a 20 minute preheat work for them? Should I add extra milk or less? I don't want them soupy. Can they go into the roaster at 3 for serving at 6?
ellen 11/13/10	One roaster is enough, the potatoes need to be hot when they go in the preheated roaster, will hold at 180. No extra fluid. Put two layers of clean cotton dish towel over the top to keep water drops off.
shaunda 12/24/10	I am making Ham and scalloped potatoes for 41 people I will be using fresh sliced potatoes. How many 9x 13 pans will I need and how long to cook??
ellen 12/24/10	About 5-6 depending on how heavy eaters they are and what else is served. Many pans only add about 20 minutes to the time one pan takers, as long as the oven is preheated.
Mary Ann 12/24/10	Au Gratin Hi! Can I cook potatos au gratin halfway, refrigerate and then finish the last 30-40 minutes tonight?
ellen 12/24/10	Nope. Precook the potatoes only (simmer); it is not safe to partially cook dairy. Preheat the milk and the oven, and with the partially cooked potatoes you will be able to finish the dish in the 40 minutes you have.
TJ 01/25/11	Can I put the cheesy potatoes together than freeze and cook a couple days later?
ellen 01/26/11	No. Once you have thawed the potatoes, they must be fully cooked before freezing again, for safety sake. You can put it together 48 hours before baking, if held refrigerated.
CASEY 05/21/11	I am having mashed potates at our wedding here in september. We have the electric roasters and we were going to do the instant potatoes. I need to know what the best way is to go about making them and how early I can make them and what temp to set them on to have them hot for the reception. The reception is at 6. The wedding starts at 4:30. Please help!!!
Casey 05/21/11	I guess I should also add that we are making enough for like 250 people. Maybe a few more!!
ellen 05/21/11	Casey, I do not make instant mashed potatoes. The US Navy recommends this per 100 1/2 cup servings (1 electric roaster full). I would make at least 400 servings: 4 3/4 pounds (4 gallons, 2 quarts, 3 1/2 cups) potato granules 2 gallons 21/2 quarts whole milk 1 cup butter (I would double) 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon white pepper Blend water, butter, salt and pepper in mixer bowl. At low speed, using wire whip, rapidly add potato and milk mixture to liquid; mix 1/2 minute. Stop mixer; scrape down sides and bottom of bowl. Whip at high speed about 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. DO NOT OVERWHIP. CCP: Hold at 140 F. or higher for service. If you were making in electric roasters, you would bring the water, butter, salt and pepper to a boil, turn the heat to 180 degrees, mix thoroughly but carefully in the roaster, making certain all the corners were thoroughly mixed and scraped. Consider adding more butter, some cream cheese, possibly some grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated onion, or dried parsley to improve these potatoes- look at what is added to the packets on sale at the grocery store. You will need a potato person to do this while you are having the wedding, as it is not recommended you hold more than 2 hours at 180. If you have access to real ovens at the reception site, at least consider the freezable, holdable mashed potatoes on the Big Pots page. They are an awful lot better.
ellen 05/21/11	Good Housekeeping taste-tested instant mashed potatoes and recommends Idahoan original, Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Cut Red Potatoes. Maggie Hardy says, “Use twice-diluted sweetened condensed milk in place of the water that's called for in the recipe on the package. Then, use once-diluted evaporated milk for the milk ingredient. Reduce the milk ingredient by 1/4 and make up the difference by using chicken broth. (Example: if the package calls for 1 cup of milk, replace that with 3/4 cup of once-diluted SCM and 1/4 cup of chicken broth.) Add your butter, salt, pepper and any other seasonings and you won't be able to tell the instant potatoes from the real thing.” “Use twice-diluted sweetened condensed milk in place of the water that's called for in the recipe on the package. Then, use once-diluted evaporated milk for the milk ingredient. Reduce the milk ingredient by 1/4 and make up the difference by using chicken broth. (Example: if the package calls for 1 cup of milk, replace that with 3/4 cup of once-diluted SCM and 1/4 cup of chicken broth.) Add your butter, salt, pepper and any other seasonings and you won't be able to tell the instant potatoes from the real thing.”
Casey 05/23/11	Ellen, Thanks for your help on the instant potatoes. Do you think it would be easier to make the cheesy potates then instead so someone doesn't have to be there during the wedding? I was reading your recipe towards the top of the page and it saide you can cook them for 3 hours if the mix is refridgerated. I am assuming that means we can make the mix ahead of time and keep it in the fridge at the reception place and then take it out at 3 and start cooking and we would be fine? Do you know how much I would need to serve 250 and how many roasters I would need. Thanks again for your help!
ellen 05/23/11	Yes, I think the cheesy potatoes would be a better choice than the instant. You need 4 to 5 roasters to do this much.
SHAR 05/24/11	Would one roaster pan of cheesy potatoes be enough to feed 125 people if I'm having pasta salad, fruit plate, mini meatball subs, veggies, cheese and crackers? Please advise I am doing this nxt week and would rather not have to do another roaster full of potatoes. Can the roaster be filled to the top with potatoes or is there a limit to how full you should fill a roaster? Thanks so much.
Sharon 05/24/11	If a recipe of cheesy potatoes fills the roaster and cooks down to 3/4 full could a bag of thawed potatoes be added at that time (in order to feed more people) and continue to cook them or would it change the taste too much? Thank you for your answer.
ellen 05/24/11	Shar, no, you should only do 12 to at most 14 quarts in a roaster and that serves at most 70. Sharon, no, they will be yucky. Make 2 roasters and don't fill them so full, they will cook faster and more evenly and be much better.
Marie 06/14/11	time for baking 35 baked potatoes I would like to know the temperature and time needed to bake 35 potatoes
ellen 06/14/11	What kind of oven? What size potato? Preheat 20 minutes, have the potatoes washed at room temp, expect it to take about 20 minutes longer than usual, if they are well spaced with heat/air able to flow all around each potato. No foil, see the baked potato bar article for discussion.
Amy 06/21/11	This was most helpful Ellen. I knew I couldn't make enough cheesy potatoes in my oven for my sons graduation party and I was curious how to go about using my roaster for them. You provided the perfect answer along with the exact amount of ingredients for the number of guests we are expecting. Have a glorious day!
Sharon 08/06/11	how many lbs. of diced potatoes to feed 60 I plan on cooking diced potatoes with mushroom soup in a roaster oven to serve about 60 people. Just wondering for sure how many lbs. of potatoes to cook and is one roaster oven enough?
ellen 08/06/11	This is basically cheesy potatoes without the cheese, and I suggest about 20 pounds.
Linda 08/18/11	I am making cheesy potatoes for my daughters wedding reception. The problem I have is the day of the wedding will be very busy. Can I make these cheesy potatoes ahead of time in the roaster, refridgerate overnight and reheat the day of the wedding?
ellen 08/18/11	You can mix and refrigerate before, but they need to be baked day of- and chilling almost doubles the cooking time. Please look in to hiring some experienced church lady cooks or other experienced helpers to oversee day of; you REALLY need to be available to be with your child, not the potatoes...
Ann 08/25/11	Cooking Bacon in a large electric roaster Can you cook large quanity of bacon in electric roaster? If so, how long would it take to cook 20 pounds of bacon? Can you put 20 lbs of bacon in roaster or would I need to use several roaster.
ellen 08/26/11	I would never cook the bacon in the roaster, too mach grease. no way to drain. What you CAN do, is cook the bacon ahead in the oven, then reheat in the preheated roaster. The 20 pounds will cook way down in the oven, then can be reheated all in one roaster- white paper towels between the layers.
Shari 09/15/11	Hash brown potatoes prepared in the crock pot I need to prepare the hash brown crock pot casserole for a 93rd birthday party. There will only be 10 of us -- 8 women and 2 men. I have looked through so many recipes and they conflict with each other regarding how much sour cream -- use milk -- don't use milk. We live in Indiana and the potatoes need to travel to Michigan. I'd appreciate any assistance from you. Thanks. Shari
ellen 09/15/11	These recipes are somewhat different because this is a very forgiving dish, basically it is hard to mess these potatoes up. For a crock pot recipe that holds, I would use the soups rather than milk or sour cream, and if I wanted to use milk, I would use evaporated (canned) milk, to avoid curdling. The simplest possible for 10- Ingredients: 10 oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup 8 oz. container sour cream (or second can, cream of celery) 1-1/2 cups shredded Cojack cheese 32 oz. pkg. frozen hash brown potatoes Takes about 4 hours on high. Shari, for food safety, you need to keep the temp above 140 for the trip. How are you going to do this?
Michelle 09/23/11	I am planning a sliced roast beef meal with coleslaw, a dinner roll and cheesy potato casserole...for 400 people...a fair mix of hunters, wives and children. To cut costs, I would like to use fresh potatoes (instead of frozen hashbrowns) for the casserole. How far ahead of time can I shred the potatoes? I am estimating about 80 lbs of potatoes...and supposing 8 electic roasters will need to be commandeered for this undertaking. And then 70-90 minutes for the roasters to cook the csserole? Thank you sooo much!
ellen 09/23/11	Check out the info in the OAMC potato recipes- it tells how to shred and freeze the potatoes, balnching, etc. Add 10 pounds for peeling. If the potaoes/casserole has been refrigerated, it can take up to 2 1/2 hours.
Brittany 09/24/11	Ellen- I'm cooking cheesey hashbrowns for 50 people. I have made cheesy hashbrowns in a 9x13 pan and there is never any leftovers. I would like to make them in a roaster. My question is how many pans should I make or can I make it all in the roaster. Thanks
ellen 09/24/11	Either way. People really like these, I make a 9x13 for 8 people. If you make all on one roaster, they will be moister, and you need to preheat the roaster for 20 minutes before inserting the cook pan, then cook at lower temp (not above 325) to allow it to cook through without burning the edges. Needs to be 165 in the middle. Can take 2-3 hours; when it reaches 165, turn the roaster down to 180 to hold.
Crista 10/06/11	Making the au grautin potatoes with diced ham referenced toward the top to feed 75ish kids. A recipe I found calls for 20 pounds of potatoes. I will be slicing with a mandolin for uniformity purposes. Wondering if 20 pounds is enough?? I was going to divide in half, 10 pounds in each roaster plus half the ham in each roaster, per some of your instructions/suggestions listed above. Any suggestions?
ellen 10/06/11	If these are under 6 grade, and few adults accompanying , you are OK. If some are older and/or fair number of adults accompanying, you might add 5 more pounds of potatoes. Two roasters is just right.
Lisa 11/23/11	mashed potatoes in electric roaster Can you make homemade mashed potatoes in an electric roaster oven, or should I make them first and transfer to keep warm? Trying to feed about 75 people. Any recipe advice (i.e., number of potatoes for 16 quart pan)?
ellen 11/23/11	You need about 35 pounds of potatoes unless there are other potatoes or starches, which is too much for one roaster. 20 is about the limit. Look at the freezable holdable mashed potato recipe in Big Pots. I would boil them on the stove, mix, and transfer to the roaster.
Hannah 11/25/11	Just wanted to write a follow up since I used this recipe today and was pleased with the results... thank you for writing it out so clearly so there is little room for messing it up. I did 2 cans of cheddar cheese soup since it is much cheaper than regular cheese and it added something nice to the potatoes and meant I could cut down a bit on real cheese. I added a few more spices since I am skipping the topping and also added diced ham. This is a wonderful recipe for a crowd of people and I loved that I could buy the ingredients, knowing it would fill my cooker just right. Thanks again.
ellen 11/25/11	Glad it worked for you.
Suzanne 11/27/11	instant mashed potatoes for 50 people How many boxes of instant mashed potatoes should I buy to serve 50 people?
ellen 11/27/11	Don't use these myself, my friends who do, say do twice what the box says, use some chicken broth for part of the liquid and plenty of butter.
Cheryl is&am 12/12/11	frozen french fries Can I cook frozen french fries in an electric roaster, and how long?
ellen 12/12/11	Not the best choice, as a little moist- but do preheat at least 20 minutes before cooking, and time as on a regular oven.
Sally 12/22/11	I want to make a potato dish for Christmas Eve but we are going to church first. My daughter suggested a crock pot version but I'd prefer something more traditional like scalloped potatoes. Is it possible to bake in the oven and then transfer to a crock pot for 2 hours on warm to hold or would that be a disaster?
ellen 12/23/11	You can do that, you can also make right in the crock of the crock pot. It just takes about twice as long because it is narrow and deep.
Laura 02/21/12	Using dehydrated hash browns instead of frozen I've looked & haven't been able to find how to compare dehydrated hash browns to frozen. I've heard that using a 2# box of dehydrated hash browns would feed 50 people but I'm not sure how to convert the rest of the ingredients since everything I've found has frozen hash browns.
Laura 02/21/12	Oops! Guess I should have said we are doing a surprise anniversary party for my parents & are planning on about 150 people. We are probably going to use the 1/2 size aluminum pans & then put them in the roasters to keep warm after baking in the oven.
ellen 02/21/12	You could just do 3 roasters full of the potatoes cooked straight in the roasters. And why use dehydrated? The frozen taste a lot better. See the cheesy potatoes at the end of the festive family brunch page.
Brittany 03/26/12	I'm catering a wedding with Ham/turkey sandwhiches. She wants cheesey hashbrowns how many pans should I make? Also I making rainbow pasta salad and a veggie tray. Please help. Thank you
ellen 03/27/12	See the recipe- last one on the efestive family brunch page. Pasta salad, 6 pounds dry per 100. Veggie tray, see the veggie tray page.
Dee 04/25/12	I offerred to do cheesy potatoes for a wedding for a friend. Im making them for 125 people. I appreciate your recipe on here as it saved me alot of time figuring out how much I needed. One question,I plan to make these on friday nite and bake them in my oven to get it brown on top then just heat it up in the roaster saturday for the reception. About how long do you think it will take to heat up thoroghly in a roaster?
ellen 04/26/12	If they have been refrigerated (which is the only safe way to store) preheat the roaster before inserting the cook pan, 325, and allow 1 1/2 hour. Check temp at the middle at 1h. Temp at center 180. Hold in roaster at 180. You need 3 roasters for best results.
Dee 04/26/12	OH we were only going to do 1 roasters as I seen up here on the recipe it said 60 servings per roaster? Oh by the way Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this. Its awesome!
Dee 04/26/12	2 Roasters I meant....not 1
ellen 04/26/12	This casserole tastes better if made fairly shallow, for that you need 3 roasters. You can do it in 2, but it is tricky to get the middle cooked without drying/ burning the edges.
deloris 04/29/12	for cheesy potatoes can you use liquid chees in a can? i need to make cheesy pot. for 100 and thought can cheese would be much cheaper.
Tuesday 04/29/12	What size roaster oven are you using for this? I am doing the food for my daughters wedding aprox 350 adults and 71 children under 10. I am trying to figure out the amounts and how full to fill the roasters. Since people are letting me use their roaster ovens i am not sure the difference between the regular ovens and the turkey ones..I am figuring on 8 roasters, does that sound right?
ellen 04/29/12	Yep, that sounds right. They are rated 18-20 quarts, but 1/2 -2/3 is the best fill for casseroles. You need those heavy duty orange extension cords- if you plug 2 into the same circuit it blows the fuse.
Candy 05/17/12	I bought 2 (36oz) Boxes of Scalloped potatoes @ Gordons Food Service to make for my step sons Graduation party. I want to make them in an 18 qt roaster.. Do you have a recipe for this with ham and onions added? My mom said her church does this but she can't get a recipe, any tips, help, suggestions would be great, the party is June 9th 2012.
ellen 05/18/12	I don't use these. How many servings does it say on the side of the box and I can give you an estimate on the additions.
Dee 05/20/12	I am making scalloped potatoes for a graduation party. There will chicken alfredo, ham, pasta salad, pizza, veggies, relishes ect. I have a recipe for a 9X13 pan. This recipe says it can serve 19 people. I plan to make 4 recipes in my electric roaster. Do you think it will be enough. It calls for 18 pounds of potatoes. I have seen your idea to cook them for 3 hours. Is that enough time in 1 roaster? Thank you for your opinion
ellen 05/20/12	That is about right. Preheat the roaster and use hot milk. It will serve about 60 to at most 75.
Kim 05/21/12	baking cheesy potatoes in a nesco I will be making the cheesy potato recipe in a nesco is that the same as a roating pan? How about cooking the nesco insert in the oven and then transferring it the next day to the nesco? Does it matter if they are cubed or shredded? will be doing this week. Help!
ellen 05/21/12	Yes, you can cook in the roaster pan in the oven. Shredded is preferred by most of my readers. Preheat the roaster base to 325-350 before adding the pan, for at least 20 minutes, heat covered for at least1 1/2 hours, check temp in center for 165-180, turn to 180 to hold.
Nancy 05/24/12	For a grad party expecting to serve around 200...how many pounds (or 9x13 pans) of cheesy potatoes should I make? Also have three salads (potato, chicken, cole slaw), chips, and chicken wings.
Nancy 05/24/12	(2nd of 2)...serving shredded beef sandwiches for main course and will have fruit as well.
ellen 05/24/12	20 pans 9x13potatoes- people love these Chicken salad counts as entree, see sandwich page, reception level.
Jan Mitchell 05/28/12	baking cheesy potatoes in large roasting pans Doing a grad party with other food. how many people would a roasting pan of cheesy potatoes serve and how many batches of a recipe can be cooked in large roasting pan. (these are the large roasting pans that fit into a wire rack with the burners under the aluminum roasting pans. How many of these pans would I need to make to serve approx 100 people?
ellen 05/28/12	Jan, is this the recipe with the frozen hash browns? Please see the xtensive notes in the menu at the bottom of thee brunch for 100 page: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/brunch100.html
pam 05/30/12	baking cheesy potatoes in a nesco Making cheesy potatoes in nesco pans how many do i need for 200 people? (pans) and can we make them the night before?in the nesco insert if put into the fridge how long would it take to bake them the nexy day if we do not pre bake them and can you give me the recipe for this Thanks ( well the potatoes burn on the bottom should we make them in the stove then transfer them in the nesco would that be better
ellen 05/31/12	4 pans. Can make the night before, be sure the potatoes are thawed and well-drained. Double the cooking time if cold; if they get done sooner, you can turn to 180 to hold. Preheat the roasters for at least 20 minutes to 50 degrees above the heat wanted, then turn down when the pans are inserted, this will minimize the risk of scorching the bottoms. Nescos have heating elements around the side, less likely to scorch than Rivals. Oven heating also works fine.
Nancy 06/07/12	I am planning a graduation for 200 - open house. Would you suggest that I have all four nesco ready to go at the start of the party or stagger start times - cook through and turn down or cook at lower temp for longer period of time?? Any suggestions? Tx
ellen 06/07/12	How long is the party? You would have at least 2 ready, and the others not too far behind- remember- they hold fine at 180.
nancy 06/07/12	obviously using the canned soup is more convenient but the white sauce recipe has less fat and salt but it seems like more liquid?? What advantages do you find using the white sauce instead of the canned soup?
ellen 06/07/12	Just make a thick white sauce- increase the flour and butter to 4 tablespoons per cup. Less expensive, less salt.
susan 06/15/12	I am cooking for 100 people. I have several different recipes that I am using, for example I'm making Cheesy Potatoe Casserole, baked beans, buffalo chicken dip, nacho dip, veg. tray, fruit tray, 5 different salads. How much do I make for 100 people? I looked on line for baked beans, and they are saying 4 cans 7lbs of beans. With the variety do I need that much? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.
ellen 06/15/12	Susan, what kind of party, what time of day, how long and is this the entire menu? I need more information.
Susan 06/15/12	Thanks for writing back.This is a Wedding Reception outside. The couple was married a couple weeks ago and now family and friends are invited so this is casual. The reception will be at 3pm and the bride will cut the cake around 6pm.The majority of the food will be between those times. Someone else is in charge of roasting a pig-so there will be pork barbeque. I'm in charge of everything else. Here is the menu: Cheesy Potatoes, Baked beans, Buffalo chicken Dip, Hearty Nacho Dip ( I decided I will make this four times the recipe since it makes up quite a bit) Vegetable tray and dips, Fruit tray and Dip, Cream cheese with Pepper jelly, ( I have enough of this to use 10 cream cheese), Pizza Salad, Taco salad, Stawberry salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, Raman Noodle Salad, Ham and cheese roll-ups (premade from Sams), I will have tortilla chips and crackers. I'm also thinking about cubed cheese. For the fruit, if I'm using fresh pineapple how many should I get? 10 or 20? The fresh fruit would be strawberries,, grapes, cantalope, maybe a watermelon. Vegetables will be carrots broc., cauliflower, cucumbers cherry tomatoes, green, red yellow peppers and ranch dip, plus I have 3 other dips that only make up 2 cups each.I'm thinking do I need 20 lbs of hamburger for Taco salad? How much Fruit dip would I need using Marshmallow cream and cream cheese? I hope I've provided enough info. I did buy 19" foil pans for my cheesy pot. and baked beans. How many would you pans would you make. I'm using canned chicken to make the Buffalo chicken dip. I did look on a package of romaine lettuce and the serving size was two cup servings and it said enough lettuce for 11. Let me know if I need to give you any more info. Thanks for your help.
ellen 06/16/12	First, a safety note, you need to have heavy cookie sheets to put under the aluminum pans they must NOT be lifted by the sides when full. This is too many choices for 100 people, either you will run out of the most popular things or you will have leftovers if you try to make enough of everything for everyone to have the first choice. So I will do my best, but I can't guarantee... First, the whole roasted animal, 1 pound whole serves one person a dinner size portion Ham and cheese roll-ups (premade from Sams), I would get turkey rollups if the meat is pork, otherwise the only meat will be pork and not everyone eats pork. 100 pieces Cheesy Potatoes, 20 pounds frozen, thawed shreds Baked beans, 3 gallons, which is 4 #10 cans Vegetable tray and dips, carrots broc., cauliflower, cucumbers cherry tomatoes, green, red yellow peppers and ranch dip, plus I have 3 other dips that only make up 2 cups each You want 1 pound ready to eat per 5 persons, 1 cup dip per 5 persons, divide however you like Fruit tray and Dip, pineapples-4 plenty, strawberries,1 quart per 8 grapes,1 pound per 6 cantaloupe, 1 per 8, maybe a watermelon, get seeless, 2 medium. 1/4 cup dip per person Cream cheese with Pepper jelly, ( I have enough of this to use 10 cream cheese), and cubed cheese You need a total of about 12 pounds counting all cheeses, 6 pounds crackers Stawberry salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, Raman Noodle Salad, Pizza Salad, You want 2 1/2 gallons of each, and will have some left Taco salad, SKIP IT! completely unnecessary with the nacho dip and pizza salad and does NOT hold well Buffalo chicken Dip, 1/4 cup per person Hearty Nacho Dip, 1/4 cup per person tortilla chips, 1 pound per 10
Andie 06/22/12	Wow! Ellen - you know your stuff! Thank you for sharing all of this with all of us! I have taken many great ideas from your blog. I have a simple question about baking 100 potatoes in large roasters... I will be transporting them to a cabin 2 hours away and serving that night. How should I do make these??
ellen 06/22/12	Look at the potato bar discussion on bake and hold, and see if that will work for you.
Andie 06/22/12	Thank you Thank you!!
Kathy 07/11/12	I am cooking party potatoes for a graduation party and using the aluminim pans. How long should I cook them and at what temp. Thank you
ellen 07/11/12	See the recipe at the bottom of the festive family brunch page.
Mary 08/07/12	Family is cooking for wedding. 150 people. Menu - baked ziti(8-10 lbs pasta), meatballs (400), sliced ham (40 lbs), scalloped potatoes (40 lbs), scalloped corn, baked beans, tossed salad, dinner rolls. Appetizers - cheeses - (20 lbs), pepperoni, fruit, veggies. Are our quantities close?
ellen 08/08/12	The quantities you have listed are fine. Don't forget the crackers for the cheese- 6-8 pounds per 100. Are you OK for the rest?
Mary 08/09/12	Yes, thanks for your information which made the guessing so much easier. Much appreciated...
Betty 08/17/12	baking cheesy potatoes in 4 inch disposable pans I need to make cheesy potatoes for 250. I will be using the 4 inch deep aluminum pans. In all above I can't find the cook time, temp. Can you pass the recipe for cooking them in this fashion. How many pans I'll need, ingredients, etc
ellen 08/17/12	Look at the recipe at the end of the family brunch page. You need about 12 gallons (4 electric roasters) of potatoes.
Treva 10/04/12	mashed potatoes in a large electric roaster Im planning on making mashed potatoes in large roasters for 150 for this weekend. I already bought the potatoes and will need to start peeling and cooking to get them done in time.My Q is, Do you have a recipe that involves mashed potatoes, sour cream, philly cheese and cheddar cheese? Or should I donate the potatoes to the homeless shelter and make the cheesy hashbrown recipe that you have online?
ellen 10/04/12	Look at the freezable holdable mashed potatoes recipe on Big Pots. You should be doing 60 or so pounds of potatoes- 3 roasters. Scalloped with cheese is another option- less peeling and mashing.
Caitlyn 10/05/12	I am making a roaster of cheesy potatoes for a cookout. My problem is, we have to travel 2 hours to the cookout. My plan is to make it in the cookwell in the morning and bake it in my oven for two hours before we leave, and then once we arrive, plug it in and add cornflakes to the top. Do you have any suggestions to keep it hot, and how long do you think I need to allow for it to reheat before serving. Also, should I put dish towels in to absorb the moisture during our travel time? Thank you.
ellen 10/05/12	Yes dishtowels. Safest to keep it hot for travel; look at the info on the baked potato bar page, or consider renting a carrying case (called a "Cambro" in the trade.) These work like a giant thermos pack for pans. Take your pan to get one that fits. Then it will be easily hot withing 1/2 hour. Otherwise, for safety, do it the day before and refrigerate, carry it cold, and allow 2 hours to reheat.
Susan 10/23/12	i have been asked to make the au gratin/scalloped potatoes for a wedding invite list 150. so the mother of groom has purchased the boxed betty crocker mixes that have 6 pkgs for a total of 30 servings per large box (purchased at Sam's.) each individual pkg serves 5 and the recipe on the box gives detail for 5/10/15 servings. we have a total of 4 boxes for a total of 120 servings. i had planned to just go according to box for water/milk/butter and do 60 servings per roaster (so 2 roasters) i planned it would take about 3 hours to get each roaster cooked with occasional stirring. have you ever prepared the boxed mixes in a roaster. i will not be adding any other ingredients.
ellen 10/23/12	They do not really serve 5, more like 3 for buffet service. You need at least 3 roasters-worth for 150. I don't use the boxed mixes, but a few hints. Two roaster sometimes and three roasters always blow the fuse if placed on the same circuit. Use HEAVY duty extension cords to reach other circuits, tape them down. Preheat the roasters twenty minutes before you add everything. Use part 1/2 and half for the milk and mostly milk for the water. More butter also helps.
lou 10/30/12	If I prepare a roaster of cheesy hashbrown potatoes the night before at what temp do I put them on in the roaster and how long will they need to cook through to get hot its for my sons confirmation so there will be no one around to stir them at all?
lou 10/30/12	Forgot to mention they would be refrigerated all night long and need them for lunch time?
ellen 10/31/12	Preheat the roaster to 325, 20 minutes, insert the cook pan and cover, OK for about 2 hours. Check temp in the middle, when 165, turn roaster to 180 and they will hold several more hours.
lisa 11/08/12	Adding ham to cheesy hashbrowns in roaster recipe. How many pounds would you suggest?
ellen 11/09/12	1/4 to 1/3 pound per pound of potatoes.
Mary 12/20/12	If I make my cheesy potatos in the roaster, and want to put the cornflakes on top, will the crisp up or should I just omit them? Thanks
ellen 12/20/12	You can take the pan out of the roaster and run under the broiler for crisp; otherwise I suggest you just use the crushed French-fried Durkee type onion strings and apply just the last 10 minutes or so.
Colleen 01/17/13	HI- I'm making cheesy potatoes for 45-50 people for a church event. I would like to make it in the crock pot since the ovens will be used for other dishes. How many crock pots would I need to use? thanks
ellen 01/17/13	3-4 6 quart crock pots.
Donna 03/05/13	I'm making cheesy potatoes in electric roasters for 500.Can I thaw just the hash browns at room temp in the bags they come in, or thaw in coolers, the night before. And is 10 lbs of potatoes the max. for a roaster?
ellen 03/05/13	If you do more than that you are likely to have raw middles with burnt edges in your roasters. ALSO, this is IMPORTANT; it takes 1 20 amp circuit per roaster; you cannot plug 2 in the same circuit without blowing the circuit; this size crowd, roasters are not practical, you need real, commercial ovens.
kelly 04/25/13	I need to make cheesy breakfast potatoes to serve approx 300. They want them cheesy and necessarily with the sour cream and soup. Any suggestions on recipes?
kelly 04/25/13	Error in above message. Should state NOT necessarily with the sour cream and soup!! THANKS!
ellen 04/25/13	Look at the cheesy potato recipe at the bottom of the brunch for 100 page: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/brunch100.html To get seriously cheesy, use sharp cheddar and add a cup or two of ground Parmesan to each full pan. This large amount, you need ovens, not roasters.
Jodi 05/07/13	I just wanted to thank you for this blog! I'm planning my sons graduation party for 178 people and this has been wonderful! I'm still reading and LEARNING! : )
ellen 05/07/13	You're welcome.
Josie 05/08/13	One roaster full will feed 60 people, what size roaster would that be?
ellen 05/09/13	20 quart or so- they range from 18 to 22. Never fill more than 2/3 full with this type dense casserole.
keri 05/13/13	I am making enough cheesy potatoes for 60 people - for open house the day after my daughter's wedding. I want to make them in advance, freeze them and cook them the day of the event. How long will they need be in the stove top roaster to cook? Or should I be pulling them out the day before the event and refrigerating them ahead of time to thaw before cooking?
ellen 05/13/13	These do not cook freeze and reheat well at all. Put the frozen raw potatoes in the fridge day before the weeding, or day of, assemble and bake day of. Prep as discussed in the recipe at the bottom of the festive family brunch page.
Barbara aguirre 05/27/13	Help Ellen!! French fries for a sweet 16 Ellen, I'm surfing the net trying to figure the best way to cook French fries for a sweet 16 without using a fryer, but still having good crispy, and fresh fries for 250 people. What do you suggest? I've considered using an electric roaster or even the shaffing dishes....I am planning in using frozen fries...so how many bags would you suggest for that amount if people?
ellen 05/27/13	Barbara, you must either fry these or bake them in a convection or standard oven. Roasters hold too much moisture, and chafers are absolutely not hot enough to cook, although they can be used to keep warm. For teens, 45-50 pounds per 100. Potato wedges or roasted red potatoes would be much simpler.
karla 05/29/13	would the temp and time be about the same for green bean casserole? cooking for 120. (doubled of course for potatoes)
ellen 05/29/13	Same as what, Karla? More info, please.
karla 06/01/13	trying to do the green bean casserole for 60 like the potatoes. just wondering if I need to change amounts of anything from original recipe. Using the roasters. What would time and temp be? thanks
ellen 06/01/13	Thanks. Preheat 20 minutes to temp, allow 1 hour to cook, temp in the middle should be 165. Put the onion topping on the last 15 minutes, so it does not get soggy. Turn to 180 to hold and serve.
Cathy 06/01/13	Making cheesy potatoes for a graduation party. Preparing for 200. It is an open house 1-6. Also having cold turkey and ham sandwiches, baked beans, fruit salad, vegetable tray, and cold pasta salad. Will 15 bags of potatoes do?
Dianne 06/18/13	smashed potatoes in a large electric roaster Planning a Smashed potato bar for an Open House for about 100. Should I make any parts ahead or do I have to start extra early the day of? Planning to boil yukons and reds, smash and add butter and milk. I have use of 2 - 3 large roasters.
ellen 06/18/13	Cathy hope you found the cheesy potato directions posted twice- in brunch and on the breakfast planning page. Dianne, the toppings are just like the baked potato bar, and can pretty much be assembled ahead with the meats reheated. You could make the potatoes ahead if you use the freezable, holdable mashed potato recipe on the big pots page. Remember that one roaster uses a whole circuit, so you can't plug in 2 in the same room. If you are in your home kitchen, consider holding the second cooking insert in the regular oven. French fried onion bits for the top...
Ellen Schaumberg 06/18/13	I am looking to make cheesy potatoes a grad party open house..... i have a 18quart roaster....I am wondering what recipe will fit in that roaster... thoughts?
ellen 06/18/13	Go to the bottom of the brunch page or the breakfast planning page for complete discussion.
Kim 06/18/13	baking cheesy potatoes oven for 200 peoples can you tell me what im going to need we are going to use the hash browns just need some advice
ellen 06/19/13	Start with 40 pounds frozen hash browns and multiply everything else by the same amount. This much, best to actually cook in the oven and transfer to the roaster at 180 for serving. You can bake it in the roaster cooking pans.
Sandy 07/15/13	Hi Ellen, I am loooking for a recipe for Cheesy potatoes using real potatoes to be cooked in a 18 qt. roaster for a picnic. Can you share a recipe please! I have not cooked potatoes in a roaster before so any helpful hints are welcome.
Sharon l. Wepking 07/30/13	Would like to find a good recipe for cheesy potatoes for 70 People
ellen 07/30/13	Sandy, the only thing I can suggest is to cube and parboil you potatoes and sup for the frozen hash browns. Sharon, look at the last recipe on the family brunch page, it is repeated on the breakfast planning page. For 70 people you will need 4 crock pots, or a roaster and a large crock pot- it is too much for one roaster.
Sanzee 11/15/13	Can canned cheese be used in this recipe and if I have to use a convection oven to bake them how do I determine cooking time. One last question what do I do if they look dry
ellen 11/16/13	If you mean cheese sauce, yes, but real cheese tastes batter. drop oven temp 25 degrees for convection. Use whole milk or half and half to moisten.
Deanna 12/18/13	Scalloped potatoes for 200 people Can you please tell me howw many lbs. of potatoes for 200 people
ellen 12/18/13	From scratch, fresh, umpeeled, 45 pounds [per 100.
ginny 12/21/13	I need to bake a 9 x 13 pan of cheesy potatoes in roaster pan. What temperature and how long do I cook them? Covered or uncovered?
ellen 12/21/13	Put the rack in the bottom, preheat 20 minutes to normal temp as for a regular oven, then bake as for a regular oven- it usually finishes a little ahead of oven time.
Sheryl 12/24/13	I need to bake about 60 servings of green bean casserole. I have a crockpot or roaster pan to use. Do I need to make separate dishes first? I'd like to make them the day before. Can I put them in the crock pot or roaster the next morning to heat back up? What would you recommend?
ellen 12/24/13	Crock pot is not big enough. The electric roaster is perfect size for this. Nothing to make the day before- just mix and cook day of. Preheat the roaster covered 15-20 minutes. Put the fried onion topping on only the last 15 minutes, and rum it under the broiler for 5 minutes to crisp the top- the one thing the roaster does not do well.
jeanne 12/24/13	For a electric roaster pan of cheesy potatoes, can I make the night ahead (late) and put on low like a crock pot all night? So I don't have to fuss with them Christmas morning?
Sheryl 12/24/13	roaster green bean casserole To make the green bean casserole and cook the day of, do I just cook it at the same temp as I normally would with one dish in the oven? How long would I cook it for? For 60 servings, what do you think?
ellen 12/24/13	Jeanne, no, they will be mush. You can make ahead and refrigerate, but they need to be cooked that AM, and allow an extra 1/2 hour if they are coming out of the refrigerator.
jeanne 12/24/13	Since they have soup and cheese in them will that keep them from turning brown fixed day before but not cooked?
ellen 12/24/13	Sheryl, yes, you set the roaster at the same temp as the oven.
ellen 12/24/13	Jeanne if they are fresh, they will brown. Frozen might hold...
Audra 01/03/14	cooking ranch potatoes in a roaster instead of cro HELP- I have a crockpot recipe for cooking ranch potatoes.iwant to multiply it and put in a roaster instead of dragging 2 crockpots to the gathering.I'm to cook on low in crockpot on for 7-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.What temp. should I use in roaster and for how long?
ellen 01/04/14	200 degrees is the equivalent of low on the crock. Because of the larger volume, expect it to take the longer time.
Nel 01/17/14	How many roasters for 350 of cheesy potatoes
ellen 01/18/14	Each holds about 50-60 servings. Be aware that each roaster is 1500 watts and that means that most circuits can only handle one- and many ordinary rooms have only one circuit. You have to use heavy duty extension cords.
Susan 02/10/14	Scalloped potatoes from scratch with real potatoes We are serving 400 at a church supper - wondering if 45 lbs. per 100 people would be required here - we are serving chicken cordon blue, vegetable and salad with rolls? I would like to have them baked in the large tin foil roasting pans and brought to the church - how long do you think they will take to cook and is 350 degrees OK. Thanks
Susan 02/10/14	cooked carotts for a crown Sorry - forgot to ask if you suggest quantities for cooked carrots for 400 people - I will be making a modified version of glazed carrots. Also, how many pounds of onions would you suggest for scalloped potatoes for 400?
ellen 02/11/14	You could do 35 potatoes if it is largely adults. about 5 pounds of potatoes for light flavor per 100. Any temp is OK, and if the milk is hot when poured into the dish, the larger pans will take about 1 1/2 hours in a pre-heated oven. 24 pounds ready to cook carrots if it is the only hot veg. At least 2 rolls per person.
hali 04/18/14	Help! I want to make scalloped potatoes in a roaster pan for Easter. How many pounds should I make for 12 ppl. with SOME leftovers?! Also how long do I need to cook these for?? I plan on using milk, butter, condensed cream of mushroom & spices..... Any advice would be great...
ellen 04/18/14	12 pounds potatoes- spray cook pan with non-stick spray and dust with grated Parmesan or flour. Same temp as regular oven, about the same time. Takes longer if you have made them ahead and chilled the pan-
hali 04/19/14	ohh thank you so much! I've never made them in a regular oven! So what do you think temp wise and time?! So, should i have ingredients warmed on the stovetop before pouring over potatoes or?! ahh... i need some help before Easter :(
Mary 05/03/14	Hi Ellen ~ Can I prepare this recipe the night before with frozen hashbrowns and stick them in the frige and cook it in the roaster the next day for 3 hours? Thanks
ellen 05/04/14	Yes, but they do tend to be a little wetter this way.
Deb 05/16/14	I have the 6 qt. roaster and want to make the potato casserole using 6 lbs of hash browns. I have all the amounts/ingredients. I would like to know how long to cook and at what temp.
Deb 05/16/14	Sent wrong size - I have the 12 quart roaster and want to do the potato casserole using 6 lbs of hash browns - what temp and for how long?
ellen 05/16/14	same as in the regular oven, do preheat the roaster 20 minutes before inserting the cooking pan.
Barb 05/21/14	I am making for a grad party for about 300. Can I use the liquid cheese vs the shredded cheese and if so, how many jars of what ounces do I need to use? Also, does the jar cheese make is more runny vs the shredded cheese?
Cathy 05/21/14	I am just a little confused about the amount of butter that goes into the recipe for the cheesy hash brown casserole, is it 1 1/2 cups or just 1/2 cup? Thank you.
ellen 05/22/14	Barb, sorry, haven't used this. Cathy, my posted recipes on the site doesn't add any butter- check the breakfast planning page. The one on this thread, it really is 1 1/2 cups butter- for 60 people, that is only about a teaspoons and a half per person.
Barb 05/31/14	Cathy,thanks so much for posting your suggestions. I made the cheesy potatoes for a friend whose daughter was graduating and I needed a full roaster full plus a side pan for her party. I appreciated all the variations and I added the tablespoon of hot sauce and the potatoes were a huge hit, creamy and tasty. I have never cooked in an electric roaster before now and have also never made a large quantity so your tips were invaluable. One thing I tried instead of the french fried onion rings on top was corn flakes, which I crushed with a rolling pin, then drizzled 2 T melted butter over and crisped them in a 350 degree oven (5-10 minutes), stirring several times until they were nice and crisp. I spread them over the top of the potatoes right before serving and I was pleased with the results. Thanks again!
Susan 06/16/14	I have had these cheesy potatoes made in an electric turkey toaster but they were made with real potatoes that were peeled and sliced and velveeta cheese (don't know what else but they were exceptionally good. Any thoughts on amount of ingredients and this recipe? Thank You
ellen 06/16/14	For best success with the roaster, you will parboil the potatoes and make a white sauce for the cheese. My favorite method of making, where you just layer in the potatoes, onion, cheese, flour, and pour the milk over, does not do so well in the roaster. An 18-quart roaster can comfortably hold 12 quarts of the casserole, roughly equal to five 9- by 13-inch casserole dishes. This takes approximately 25 pounds of potatoes and serves around 60. Grease the roaster and line it with foil or parchment paper if desired to minimize cleanup If you grease, you can dust with plain old grated Parmesan to add to the flavor at the edges. Assemble the recipe in the roaster's cooking pan. For 25 pounds of potatoes you need about 5 quarts of medium white sauce heated with the cheese or Velveeta (2 1/2 to 4 pounds) added and melted. Many people either grate some onion among the layers, or grated some onion into the butter for the white sauce before adding the flour. Preheat the empty roaster to 350 for about 20 minutes. Then place the pan in the roaster, cover and bake for approximately an hour and a half until the casserole is bubbly and thickened, and the potatoes are tender. If the potatoes are raw, it can take 3-4 hours. If the potatoes were pre-assembled and refrigerated in the sauce, or the sauce is cold, it can add an hour to the cooking time. Check for doneness- a skewer goes into the middle easily, all the way to the bottom, and a quick read thermometer is at least 165, up to 180. When it is, turn the roaster to 180 to hold. What you don't get is crispy edges and top. You can run the done dish under the broiler, if you can lift it- carefully, it is HOT< HOT< HOT! Or sprinkle on crushed French fried onions. Or just don't worry about it. Some people make this a meal by adding 1 pound of meat (cubed ham, cooked chicken or meatballs) for each 5 people, for this recipe, 12-15 pounds.
Cathy 10/07/14	amt of butter needed for 140 pounds of salt potato How much butter is needed for melting when making 140 pounds of salt potatos? Thank you.
ellen 10/07/14	About 2 tablespoons= 1 ounce per 4 pounds, so 37 ounces or 2 1/2 pounds.
Dawn 11/02/14	I received 1 4 lb bag of frozen sliced raw potatoes. What can I make with these. We are a family of 7.
Dawn 11/02/14	I do not have an electric roaster. I do have 2 crock pots and roaster pans.
ellen 11/02/14	The sliced frozen potatoes work fine for scalloped potatoes with or without cheese, and 4 pounds should be about right for your family for one big dinner, maybe a lunch left over. You cook from frozen, so they take a bit longer- no other change in the recipe.
Ariel 11/13/14	Hi, I'm making a sweet potato casserole for about 18 people, how many potatoes do you suggest? and also if i use plain potatoes how many pounds do you suggest?
ellen 11/13/14	1/2 pound raw whole per person.
Christine 11/14/14	baking cheesy potatoes in 9x13 in. baking dishes I am assigning people to make cheesy potatoes as it is a Church Christmas dinner. How many will I need to assign to make enough for 400 people? How many will one dish feed?
Christine 11/14/14	feeding 400 people Do you have any suggestions as to what else to add to the menu for a ham dinner besides cheesy potatoes? There will be lots of children and they will be sitting on blankets on the floor.Also I need amounts for the ham, potatoes, and any other items you suggest we serve. thank you
Margaret 02/16/15	Making cheesy potatoes for a musical for 75 people. One 18 qt. roaster and 6 qt. crockpot will that be sufficient. Also putting roaster pan in oven to bake. Should that be covered while baking. Thank you.
ellen 02/16/15	Just about perfect amount. Yes, cover the potatoes, at least till the last 15 minutes.
Renee 03/19/15	I am cooking for a reception of 300 people. How many regular size roaster's would I need to make up for cheesy potatoes? I figured 2 but wasn't sure. Thank you..
ellen 03/19/15	5 at least. A roaster only serves 50-60 people. Two or more roasters on the same electric circuit can blow the circuit. You will have 3-4 serving lines, so figure out how you are going to plug everything in. Remember if you need extension cords, they have to be the heavy duty ones (usually they are orange). If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, a nickel per guest, to support this site. Thank you.
Shar 05/07/15	baking cheesy potatoes in an electric roaster We are having a Block Party under the tents. I need to do cheesy potatoes for 90-100 people. Can I bake enough for 60 people in the electric roaster and bake enough 9X13 pans to make enough for 90-100 people then add the smaller pans to the electric roaster when all potatoes are done. I will hold them at 180 to keep warm. How many 9X13 pans do I need? Our menu will be Pulled Beef sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, chips and homemade cookies. Trying to keep the cost down and keep it simple. Also don't want foods that spoil easily. Does that sound like a good menu?
Shar 05/07/15	Cookies One additional question: When making cookies for 90-100 people how does one know how many to make? I'll be making about 6 different kinds or am I better off keeping it to maybe 3 kinds of cookies? Thanks
ellen 05/08/15	Perfectly good menu. Suggest you make at least some of the beans meatless, or have a crock pot full of vegetarian sausages such as "Field Roast" for any vegetarians. I suggest you simply borrow a second roaster pan and cook it in the oven; mixing the two batches is questionable, food safety-wise. Cookies, make them small- 3-4 bites, and do one of each kind for each person, up to 4 flavors, with some extra chocolate chip. Some with no nuts, too. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thank you.
Katie 05/28/15	I need to make cheesy potatoes for about 50 high school baseball players. Can you suggest how much to make? Also, sometimes my cheesy potatoes turn out mushy, do you know why that would be? Thank you.
ellen 05/28/15	Katie, do you use frozen potatoes or fresh? Answer to cause of mushiness depends on this. I would make a full roaster, 75-80 normal servings. These guys eat. Also have some extra carbs- good bread/rolls and butter, maybe beans or a bean salad.
Katie 05/29/15	Thank you for your quick response. I use frozen potatoes. Do you know the quantity for a full roaster?
ellen 05/29/15	Yes, use the recipe at the bottom of the breakfast planning page. Make sure the potatoes are refrigerator thawed and drained before you start, and don't overcook them; turn the roaster to 180 as soon as they are done. They do not get crispy on top- you can use the little French fried onion bits that are put on green bean casserole, if you need to.
Jody 06/02/15	I made your cheesy potatoes in a large electric roaster recipe for my sons grad. party (went through 3 roasters) everybody loved them. Now I would like to bake just a 9x13 pan can you give me a break down of ingredients. Thank you
ellen 06/02/15	Great feedback. How many pounds of potatoes did you end up using for how many people? See the bottom of this page for the single recipe: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/brunch100.html
Elaine 06/03/15	I want to make the cheesy potatoes with corn flake topping. Can the inside of the electric roaster go in an oven to make them crispy? Or will baking them in the roaster make the corn flakes crispy? Which is better?
ellen 06/05/15	Yes, into the oven is perfectly safe for standard roaster pans. They will never crisp up in the roaster.
Cathy Gardner 06/12/15	I will be making the cheesy potatoes and using the hash browns, and instead of using the shredded cheese can I substitute Velveta Cheese. Also, do you recommend the shredded hash browns or the southern style. Very informative page. Thanks in advance!
ellen 06/13/15	Yes, you can use Velveeta. Most of my readers prefer the shreds.
Sharee 07/01/15	How many pounds of hashbrowns would I need to serve 30 people the party potatoes?
ellen 07/03/15	Use the estimator in the recipe at the end of the breakfast planning page.
Kathy 07/08/15	I am feeding 100 people and serving au gratin dehydrated
Kathy 07/08/15	I am serving 100 people dehydrated au gratin potatoes in an electric roaster. I am using 4 cartons at 2.54 lbs each. Do I follow the directions on carton for conventional oven and will 2 roasters be enough. What adjustments may I have to make for a roaster. Each box asks for 5 qts water per box
ellen 07/09/15	2 roasters will just do this, if you stir carefully. Don't cut any corners on preheating the water and 20 minutes at least to preheat the roasteres. You can spary the pan with non-stick and dust with grated Parm. Be aware that roasters cook wetter than the oven, you may need to allow 20 minutes extra with the cover off at the end of cooking time. Also, no crispness unless you either run the pans under the broiler at the end or top with French-fried onins like a green bean casserole.
Carrie 07/29/15	Help!! I'm going camping. Will be using my 18qt. Roaster I would like to make scalloped potatoes or cheesey potatoes. Using real potatoes. Serving 25-30 people
ellen 07/29/15	This is a standard recipes for 50-60. www.ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/48007.html Almost all roaster recipes for scalloped potatoes pre-cook the potatoes.
Shari A. 08/04/15	baking cheesy potatoes in a electric roaster, etc Ellen thanks so much for your help in the past. I am doing all the cooking myself for this picnic for about 80 people. I was wondering if there was a way I could do some of the work ahead of time so that I don't have so much to do in the morning for this 2 p.m. lunch. I am doing cheesy potatoes in two roasters .I'll be using 16# of frozen hash browns. Does that seem like the right amount? I will cook them until they are 165 degrees then turn them on 180 to hold( I want to get all my food ready two hours ahead of time so that I can finish putting everything else on the serving tables outside. Food will be left at home until time to eat.) Can I hold them for 2 hours at that temp and do I need to put a dish towel over the cookwell, under the lid? Also I am doing baked beans which should not be too difficult in an electric roaster. What should the temp and cook time be on those?Also do I need a dish towel to cover? I am going to heat my pulled pork in an electric roaster. I will thaw it first in refrigerator. I will have 30 # . Is that mount ok for 1 roaster? At what temp and for how long? Do I need a dish towel over the cook well on that too? I am heating 10 # of pulled chicken in the oven first then transferring it to a crock pot to keep warm for 2 hours. It will be thawed in advance. Would I be better off heating it in the crock pot? Is that amount ok for a 6 quart crock pot? Will I need to cover that also to keep moisture away? I'm sorry for so many questions but I have not done this exact type of party before where food has to be held on warm, then taken outside to a picnic. Thank you so much for any advise you can give me.
ellen 08/08/15	Picnic for 80 18 pound potatoes plenty. The dish towel is to keep condensed moisture from dripping in to the food. Good for the potatoes, not necessary for the beans, just stir them. I put crunched up french fried onions bits, the ones you use for green bean casserole, on top of roaster casseroles to add the crunch that the roaster does not. Two hours at 200 is OK for the hold, once the food is at 165-180. However, and this is IMPORTANT, most electrical circuits will blow if you plug in 2 roasters, so check out the site for electrical. 3-4 roasters may be an issue! Reheating cold food in a crock pot is not a great choice, food safety-wise. It heats too slowly to be very safe. Just be sure to stir the oven batch of chicken and check the temp in the middle to be 160 before you transfer it. You will probably refill the crock pot- it will be VERY full if you put in 10 pounds plus sauce. 30 pounds of pork is too much to reheat in one roaster. Either reheat in the oven with the chicken (you can stack pans on close racks) or use 2 roasters. Same temp check in the middle. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thank you.
marie 08/13/15	baking a potato and g in a large electric roaster Hello Ellen love your recipes. I am doing a gratin for 30 that is potatoes sauteed onions (in butter herbs etc) parm/reg some chopped tomatoes etc no milk or cream layered between potatoes slices... Italian style. I do not want it to steam is the electric roaster a good option? Normally I bake uncovered in 400 degree oven... it is more like a potato cake. Firstly is this a good option? do I cook without lid and best way to reheat?
ellen 08/17/15	Cannot cook without a lid in a roaster, and roasters definitely tend toward moister cooking. Have you reheated this in a standard oven before? Do you have the option of cooking before serving without reheating? Write back, please.
Marie 08/22/15	I apologise for not getting back to you..... I had checked and you hadn't posted answer by then so whoops sorry. Indeed that is what I think I will do bake uncovered at home take hot and have them reheat if needed in 250 oven......hope t works!
Marie 08/22/15	This is the recipe for 30 people I used - is a healthier version if that is important to you; Potato Onion &Tomato Gratin for 30 12-15 pounds potatoes (I like Yukon Gold) 10-13 tbl butter 6 -8 tbl olive oil 6 fairly large onions 12 plum tomatoes 6 handfuls cherry tomatoes 6 minced garlic 1.5-2 cups parmesan Put potatoes in a large pot cover with cold water Bring to a boil and cook until ALMOST tender but still firm to the bite. Let them cool. It always takes longer Peel and cut into ¼’ rounds. You can leave skin on but I peel. I have done both ways. Heat the butter and oil in a skillet add onions and sauté 4-5 min. until light golden. Add tomatoes and garlic and sauté a little longer. Season with salt and pepper thyme and oregano. Preheat oven to 400 Butter a oversized aluminum (I got 2- 3” high 12x16 ‘ from the dollar store roaster baking pans. Line the potatoes slightly overlapping add some of the skillet mixture and half the Parm-Regg. Repeat and layer the top with potatoes only…. Dot with butter and rest of Parm-Regg. Bake the potato cake at 400 until golden brown 20 minutes or so. This is good with anything….
Marie 08/22/15	above recipe oil the pans with olive oil first!
ellen 08/22/15	Thanks Marie. People never believe me when I tell them to allow 45-50 pounds potatoes per 100 for casseroles on buffet, it is reassuring to see your amounts. I dust the pan with plain old grated Parm after oiling or spraying to help with the non-sticking.
Lonna 10/06/15	I am making cheesy potatoes in two ovens for 300 people. I have the large deep foil pans as they will be transferred to a chafing pan. They will be keep in an insulated warmer until ready to serve. I will be making a quadruple batch per roasting pan. Should I use four sticks of butter? And how long should I bake at 350 degrees. They will be thawed. Thank you.
ellen 10/06/15	Since the potato layer in a roaster is about twice as deep as a 9x13 pan, use 350 degrees and allow 70-90 minutes baking time (takes longer, up to 40-60 minutes more, if it has been refrigerated). My recipe does not use any butter, see the recipe at the bottom of the breakfast planning page.
Lonna 10/06/15	Thank you.
Mary 11/17/15	Can I use the electric roaster to make mini roasted potatoes. I'm not going to have oven space to roast them on a sheet in the oven. Will they still be crispy if done in the roaster? We are feeding 20 people and I wonder how many pounds of mini potatoes to use.
ellen 11/18/15	They will not be crispy- roasters just don't do crispy. You could put something else in the roaster and do them in the oven. 10 pounds of potatoes would be plenty- you do want at least 8.
Mary 11/18/15	Thanks so much for your quick response. I'll rethink my plan for these roasted potatoes.
Chris 01/17/16	I am having a football party and would like to make tator tots to go with the ribs. However I have two trays of ribs that I am cooking so I have no oven space. I do have a roaster, can you bake the potatoes in the roaster
ellen 01/17/16	Roasters don't make crispy. Can you do the ribs in the roaster? Do the potato tots in the oven, then run up the broiler and slide the ribs under to get the chew and char on the well-cooked but not quite right ribs. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a dime per guest, to support this site. Thank you.
Karen 01/22/16	For space we would like to only use one Nesco Roaster. We are having approx. 100 for an Eagle Scout Ceremony. We have Turkey Sandwiches, Beans, Fruit, Veggie, Chips, Cup Cakes. In your opinion is one Nesco enough. Should I make another batch and refill? Problem is not sure how to hold warm another batch. Party not at my house so no oven.
ellen 01/22/16	Assuming the roaster is for the beans? You can do 4 #10 cans plus add-ins in the roaster, and I suggest you do those with meat and then do a 6 quart crock pot with a vegetarian bean recipe, label clearly. This will be 1 #10 plus add ins, or about 4 quarts- you could fill it if someone is making from scratch. Just don't plug them in to the same socket. If this saves you time, trouble, or money, and you have a bit of budget, please make a small donation, maybe a nickel per guest, to support this site. Thank you.
Karen 01/23/16	After rereading my message I realize that I didn't state that the Nesco was for the Cheesy Potatoes. You were very helpful on the beans ideas but I was trying to ask if 1 Nesco is enough for about 100 people to is 2 better? I would donate to your site I just don't know how? Thanks
ellen 01/23/16	Hi, Karen, You definitely need 2 roasters full for potatoes for 100 people, 1 roaster only feeds about 60. You can buy a second roaster for as little as 30 dollars, just be sure you do the burn in outside on the porch or in the garage at least the day before (2 hours covered at hottest temp, to burn off any manufacturing oils). Plug in in 2 different rooms- each one uses 1 whole circuit, and will blow the circuit if you have 2 on the same circuit. The donate button is on the left side column, right below the basket logo. Thanks.
Karen 01/23/16	Thanks for you help
Janelle Halstead 04/17/16	Cooking now. Sides are burning. This normal?
ellen 04/19/16	Not usual. Did you preheat? What was it set at? Was it straight out of the fridge?
Lynn 04/25/16	On another site someone mentioned putting water in the roaster under the roaster pan...do you do this..and do you know what the benefit of this would be?? Thanks
Angela Pietz 05/24/16	Hi there. I am making your cheesy potatoes in a roaster but I do have a question. 1. How do I alter the recipe to tailor it down to just 60-70 people. Not quite as much as the original recipe called for (I think you wrote the recipe for 200 people.)
ellen 05/24/16	Lynn, do NOT EVER put water under the roasting pan. It is NOT a chafing dish, and it is unsafe.
ellen 05/24/16	Hi, Angela, The scaled recipe at the bottom of the breakfast planning page will help you. For 70 people, you will start with around 16 pounds of potatoes. You can write back. Now it's my turn to ask a favor of you. EllensKitchen.com is remodeling and I want to provide the changes YOU (my readers) have been asking for. So after 18 years of supporting my readers as a hobby, I'm asking you for help! If you're able to donate even just $5, please click on the masthead at the top of the page to visit www.EllensBigPots.com and keep us cooking for another year! We're 10% of the way to our goal for the next three months.
Trish Anderson 06/03/16	Thank you so much for your expertise! You have made my day so much easier!
Sarai Mendoza 07/15/17	What is the size of the roaster recommended for this dish? Thank you
ellen 07/17/17	The standard roasters are 18-21 quarts.
Deb 05/17/21	I need to make cheesy potatoes for 135 people. Can you Please tell the excatly the amount of each items I need. Thank you

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