If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together creamy textures and rich flavors, this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender potatoes bathed in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with a perfectly golden, crunchy crust. Whether you’re making a family dinner or bringing a dish to a gathering, this casserole has a way of stealing the spotlight and warming hearts all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the fluffy potatoes to the sharp cheddar cheese and the crunchy topping, all harmonizing perfectly.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced: These starchy potatoes become wonderfully soft and creamy once cooked, serving as the casserole’s hearty base.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that irresistible cheesy tang and melty richness that holds everything together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds smoothness and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and mayo.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Contributes creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the casserole’s moisture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps to create a silky sauce that envelopes the potatoes without being too heavy.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Infuses the mixture with a buttery depth that complements both potatoes and cheese.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a mild, savory note that enriches the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers a subtle kick and spiciness.
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs: Creates a delightfully crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, for topping): Helps the topping brown to a satisfying golden crisp.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a mild oniony flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes and cook them until fork-tender, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Draining the potatoes well is essential to prevent excess moisture in the casserole, so set them aside to cool slightly before mixing.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the potatoes cool, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that sings with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the sauce mixture. Be careful not to mash the potatoes too much; you want the chunks to hold their shape while being evenly coated with that cheesy, creamy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato and sauce mixture evenly inside. This even layer will ensure every bite gets a perfect balance of potatoes and cheesy sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Mix crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a tempting crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The aromas filling your kitchen at this stage are nothing short of divine.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once baked, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley to add a fresh pop of color. Serve this warm, comforting casserole as a perfect side or a satisfying main dish. Get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions or fresh parsley not only brightens the casserole visually but also introduces a fresh, mildly sharp flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich cheese. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits could be incredible too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to balance the richness. A crisp garden salad can add refreshing crunch and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. You could also try layering it with cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier, all-in-one meal experience. Adding a drizzle of hot sauce or a few dashes of smoked paprika on top just before serving can enhance the flavor profile with a gentle kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or next-day meals that still feel special.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with foil, and storing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispy topping without turning soggy, unlike microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for the casserole?
Russet potatoes are preferred due to their starchy texture which becomes fluffy when cooked, but you can use Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t soften properly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese, coconut or cashew-based sour cream, vegan mayo, and plant-based milk. The flavor might change slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can fully prepare and assemble the casserole a day before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
Breadcrumbs work great as a crunchy alternative. You could also try crushed crackers, panko, or even finely chopped nuts for a unique texture.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild and comforting in flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or topping with hot sauce after baking is a simple way to spice things up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe that feels like a hug in food form. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to be a hit with everyone at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a festive gathering, I promise this recipe will become one you turn to again and again. So grab those potatoes and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish made with tender russet potatoes, a rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Topped with a crunchy buttery cornflake or breadcrumb crust, it bakes to golden perfection, making it a perfect side for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the diced potatoes until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: Add the cooked potatoes to the sauce mixture and gently stir until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best for this casserole because they become tender and creamy when cooked.
- You can substitute the cornflake topping with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Make sure to not overcook the potatoes before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
