This Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender diced potatoes smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast.
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
Step 1: Prepare Potatoes
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Dice Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes. Place them 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 and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in Liquid: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half and half, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked diced potatoes with the creamy sauce, green onion, and half of the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the potato mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture, covering it evenly.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the Cheesy Potato Casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired, then serve hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Variation: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding crispy bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms to the potato mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this Cheesy Potato Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. Simply bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly! Prepare it up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Creamy Substitute: Substitute half and half with heavy cream for an even creamier texture.
Cheesy Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to please a crowd. With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a satisfying side dish that pairs well with any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this cheesy potato casserole is always a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: While russet potatoes work well for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if preferred. Just keep in mind that different types of potatoes may yield slightly different textures.
Q: Can I use different cheese?
A: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delicious flavor to this casserole, but you can also experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack for a different taste.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly. You can also add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Yes, you can reheat leftovers of this Cheesy Potato Casserole in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If the cheese starts to brown too much, cover the casserole with foil while reheating.
Enjoy making and savoring this Cheesy Potato Casserole—it’s sure to become a family favorite
