Introduction
Easy Cheesy Potatoes are a creamy, golden side dish, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. This crowd-pleasing recipe, featuring tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce with a crispy topping, delivers comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, this Easy Cheesy Potatoes recipe offers a warm, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple oven method with pantry-friendly ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to comfort food that brings cozy, delightful charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Easy Cheesy Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Optional: Fresh parsley, green onions
- Suggested Accompaniments: Ham, roast chicken, green beans
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, white wine
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
- Suggested Equipment: 9×13 baking dish, large mixing bowl, foil
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Parboil Potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add drained potatoes to the sauce. Gently fold until evenly coated.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheese.
- Add Topping: Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil; bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot from the white ceramic dish with ham or chicken and iced tea.
Tips for Better Easy Cheesy Potatoes
- Parboil potatoes briefly to ensure tenderness without sogginess.
- Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor; mild works for subtler taste.
- Crush cornflakes finely for an even crunch; panko is a great substitute.
- Cover initially to prevent drying; uncover for a crispy top.
- Present in a white ceramic baking dish to showcase the golden, bubbly surface.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate and add 10 minutes to bake time.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the richest texture.
- Enhance aesthetic: Sprinkle fresh herbs for a bright, appetizing pop.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Use gluten-free cream soup and cornflakes/panko.
- Vegetarian Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Use cream of mushroom soup.
- Low-Fat Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and skim milk.
- Loaded Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Add ½ cup cooked bacon and ¼ cup chives.
- Hash Brown Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Replace diced potatoes with 30 oz frozen hash browns (thawed).
- Spicy Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Herbed Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Mix in 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary.
- Slow Cooker Easy Cheesy Potatoes: Cook on low 4–6 hours; add topping last 30 minutes.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave until hot.
- Freeze assembled (unbaked) dish up to 2 months; thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Serve hot for the best creamy texture and crispy top.
- Use as a side for holidays, BBQs, or weeknights.
- Pair with iced tea or white wine to complement the rich, cheesy flavor.
- Presented in a white ceramic baking dish with garnishes for a cozy, golden charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 10 servings:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
- Calcium: 20% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-fat or gluten-free options reduce fat or sodium). High in comfort carbs.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Potatoes recipe delivers a creamy, golden side perfect for any gathering. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting favorite. Its straightforward preparation and inviting presentation make it a go-to. The tender potatoes and cheesy sauce delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its cozy, crowd-pleasing charm.
Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe: Creamy and Golden
Ingredients
- 2 lbs diced russet potatoes
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: Parsley
- Suggested Pairings: Ham iced tea
Instructions
- Parboil potatoes for 5 minutes; drain.
- Mix soup, sour cream, milk, 1 ½ cups cheese, onion, and seasonings.
- Fold in potatoes; transfer to a 9x13 dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Mix cornflakes with butter; sprinkle on top.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncovered for 15–20 minutes at 350°F.
- Serve in a white ceramic baking dish.
Notes
- Parboil for tenderness.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Try a loaded or hash brown variation.
- Pair with green beans.
