Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of our Cheesy Potato Casserole – a dish that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With layers of tender potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce infused with garlic and onion, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, potluck, or holiday dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the table. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into this irresistible delight!
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing dish
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half, stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer.
- Add the Sour Cream and Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Add the grated cheddar cheese and green onion, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Arrange half of the cooked potatoes in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional sliced green onions, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Bacon: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole before serving.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss for a variety of flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in additional vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of potato for this casserole? A: While russet potatoes are traditional for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if preferred. Just be aware that different types of potatoes may yield slightly different textures.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake, then proceed with baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Instead, cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze it. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? A: Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the casserole.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the sauce.
- Use heavy cream or coconut cream in place of half and half for a higher fat, lower carb option.
- Serve the casserole with a side of keto-friendly vegetables such as sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of potatoes used in the casserole and increase the amount of low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli.
- Use low-fat sour cream and cheese to reduce the fat content of the casserole.
- Serve the casserole with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad for a complete low-carb meal.
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of our Cheesy Potato Casserole for a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With its layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and flavorful seasonings, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this delicious casserole!
