Warm & Buttery Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting the ultimate cheesy potato casserole takes more than just ingredients, it’s a comfort food adventure waiting to unfold.

Layers of creamy potatoes and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Comfort classics like this bring warmth to any dinner table, connecting us through shared culinary memories.

Potatoes absorb rich, velvety cheese sauces in ways that make mouths water and hearts feel instantly at home.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when combined with love and a pinch of creativity.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through textures and tastes that comfort and delight.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why Cheesy Potato Casserole Is Everyone’s Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic potato casserole delivers warm, satisfying flavors that instantly remind you of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
• Quick Prep Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward layering technique make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile dish works perfectly for potlucks, holiday dinners, weekend family meals, and casual get-togethers with friends, guaranteed to impress every guest.
• Customization Dream: Easily adaptable recipe allows creative additions like different cheeses, herbs, or protein options to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Everything Needed For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Fresh vegetables that create the hearty foundation of the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy ingredients that provide rich texture and smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth of flavor and melts beautifully throughout the dish.
• Butter: Enhances richness and promotes golden browning on top of the casserole.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a subtle, savory flavor to the creamy mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy topping that adds smoky, salty crunch to the finished dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a light, sharp contrast to the rich casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and prevent excessive browning during initial baking.

How To Put Together Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Thoroughly wash potatoes, then peel and slice them into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 4: Create the First Potato Layer

Arrange half of the potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping to create a solid base.

Step 5: Add the First Cheese Layer

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Pour the First Cream Layer

Drizzle half of the creamy mixture evenly over the cheese and potatoes, allowing the liquid to seep between the potato slices.

Step 7: Build the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and creamy mixture, creating a rich and flavorful casserole.

Step 8: Add Butter Touches

Dot small pieces of butter across the top layer to enhance richness and promote golden browning.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to maintain moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 10: Final Touches and Browning

Remove the foil and sprinkle crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions across the surface. Return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Helpful Ideas For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Grease Generously: Use a cooking spray or butter to ensure no potato sticks to the baking dish, creating easy removal and clean serving.
• Slice Consistently: Cut potatoes into uniform thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline to guarantee even cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Balance Cream Mixture: Whisk sour cream, heavy cream, and milk thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated base that provides rich flavor and creamy consistency.
• Layer Strategically: Overlap potato slices slightly and distribute cheese and cream evenly to ensure each bite has maximum flavor and moisture.
• Crisp and Golden: Remove foil during final baking stage to allow top layer to brown beautifully, creating a delightful crispy texture with deep golden color.

Tasty Changes To Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace dairy ingredients with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap cheddar with feta cheese, add oregano, and incorporate sliced olives for a Greek-inspired potato bake.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
• Veggie Lover's Layers: Incorporate thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, and roasted bell peppers between potato layers for added nutrition and color.

Best Foods To Serve With Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, creamy potato casserole's deep flavors and cut through its heaviness.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty potatoes.
• Match with Roasted Protein: Accompany the casserole with herb-crusted roasted chicken or grilled steak to create a complete, satisfying meal that highlights the potato dish's creamy texture.
• Enhance with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale to match the casserole's savory notes and complement the bacon's smoky undertones.

How To Keep Cheesy Potato Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.

Top Questions About Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Are these potatoes suitable for different dietary needs?

This recipe contains dairy and meat, making it not vegetarian or vegan. Those with lactose intolerance should avoid or substitute dairy ingredients.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They hold their shape well and create a creamy, tender texture when baked.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Slice potatoes uniformly and thin, about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and maintains a pleasant potato texture throughout the dish.

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible cheesy potato casserole that brings warmth to family dinner tables. Golden, bubbling cheese and tender potatoes create a symphony of flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 lbs potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Dairy and Creamy Additions:

• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup butter
• 0.5 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup chopped green onions
• 0.5 cup crispy bacon bits

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into uniform thin rounds to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking together sour cream, heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
4. Layer half of the potato slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, slightly overlapping foundation.
5. Generously sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the potato layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
6. Pour half of the creamy mixture evenly across the cheese and potato layer, allowing the liquid to seep between the potato slices.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, cheese, and creamy mixture, creating a rich, multi-dimensional casserole.
8. Dot the top layer with small butter pieces to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, maintaining moisture and even cooking.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions across the surface, then return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden and crispy.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most consistent texture in the casserole.
• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for perfect, even thickness that ensures consistent cooking throughout the dish.
• Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent a gummy or sticky final texture and promotes better browning.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or Swiss for a more complex flavor profile while maintaining the casserole’s creamy consistency.
• Reduce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, without significantly compromising the dish’s rich texture.
• Add depth by incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cream mixture for an aromatic and sophisticated twist.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 651 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg