Description
This Personalized Cheesy Potato Casserole recipe is a versatile and comforting dish made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce and customizable add-ins like bacon, broccoli, green onions, and ham. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup diced ham
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or individual ramekins for single servings to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create the base of your casserole.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk into the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Season Cheese Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the thickened sauce and stir well to balance flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Layer Cheese Sauce: Pour a portion of the cheese sauce evenly over the potato layer in the baking dish.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle your desired add-ins such as cooked bacon bits, chopped broccoli, sliced green onions, and diced ham over the cheese sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering potatoes, cheese sauce, and optional add-ins alternately, finishing with a final layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the final cheese sauce layer for a golden crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional green onions or herbs as desired for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russet potatoes for a fluffier result.
- Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack according to your preference.
- The optional add-ins are fully customizable; add your favorite vegetables, meats, or leave them out for a classic version.
- To save time, prepare the cheese sauce and slice potatoes ahead of time.
- Covering the casserole with foil during most of the baking helps prevent the cheese from burning while allowing the potatoes to cook properly.
