Description

This ultimate cheesy potatoes recipe is the perfect comfort food, featuring tender potatoes coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing favorite for holiday gatherings, this cheesy potato casserole is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Optional add-ins: 6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled), 1 cup steamed broccoli (chopped)

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Assemble: Spread the diced potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are fully coated. If using bacon or broccoli, mix them into the potatoes now.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Let the cheesy potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for whole milk for a lighter version, or use different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (45 minutes covered, 15 minutes uncovered)
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg