Homemade Cheesy Potatoes

Homemade Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine buttery, creamy layers of cheese melting into perfectly cooked potatoes, creating a hearty dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to spoil yourself with something extra comforting, this recipe is the way to go. Plus, you won’t find any canned soup or frozen ingredients here—just wholesome flavors brought to life from simple ingredients. As we stroll through the recipe together, you’ll see how easy it is to whip up this cheesy delight right in your own kitchen. So, grab those russet potatoes and let’s get started cooking this delicious Homemade Cheesy Potatoes masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cheesy Potatoes

Homemade Cheesy Potatoes are more than just a dish; they’re an experience. This hearty, comforting creation is perfect for family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. The best part? It’s entirely made from scratch, using no canned soups or frozen ingredients. You’ll get to enjoy real, wholesome flavors in every bite. Each layer is packed with cheesy goodness that melts into tender potatoes, creating a rich flavor profile that satisfies your cravings.

What is Homemade Cheesy Potatoes

Homemade Cheesy Potatoes is a creamy and cheesy baked dish that highlights fresh ingredients. This traditional comfort food is a hit at any table, whether during the holidays, family dinners, or potlucks. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal tastes and preferences, whether that’s adding spices or swapping out different types of cheese.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Potatoes

Let’s gather everything you’ll need for your Homemade Cheesy Potatoes! Here’s the list:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, roughly peeled and diced into large bite-size pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (plus 1 tablespoon for greasing)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the preparation!

Preparing Your Homemade Cheesy Potatoes

Grease the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your 8×11 casserole dish ready by greasing it with a bit of butter or olive oil spray. This will ensure that your cheesy potatoes don’t stick and come out smoothly when it’s time to serve.

Boil the Potatoes

Next, place the diced russet potatoes into a large pot filled with cold water. Bring that water to a boil over high heat and cook the potatoes until they’re just tender but still hold their shape when you pierce them with a fork. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

While the potatoes cool, grab a 10-inch skillet and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and let it sauté until softened—this should take around 4-5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen, creating a delightful backdrop for the rest of the dish.

Create the Sauce Mixture

Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce! Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step will help cook the flour and thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens—this should take about 5 minutes. Once it’s thickened up nicely, remove it from the heat and gently fold in the sour cream.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled potatoes with the creamy sour cream mixture. Toss in the sliced green onions, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and stir in the grated sharp cheddar. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined. The colors and textures will come together beautifully, promising a decadent dish.

Bake the Dish

Now, pour that delicious potato mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, then pop it into the oven. Let it bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbly. Once it’s done, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade Cheesy Potatoes taste fantastic with grilled meats, making them a perfect side for chicken or steak. They shine as a side dish for holiday feasts and family dinners, but feel free to enjoy them as a comfort meal all on their own. You can even top them with crispy bacon bits or more cheese before serving!

Tips for Success

To make sure you achieve the ultimate texture, you’ll want to cook the potatoes until they’re just tender. This helps them maintain that firm bite once baked. Feel free to experiment with different cheese types for varied flavors—mozzarella and pepper jack are great options! Lastly, letting the dish cool slightly after baking will help with serving, ensuring that it holds its shape nicely.

Variations

Homemade Cheesy Potatoes offer plenty of room for creativity! Add cooked bacon or ham for an extra savory kick. You can even mix in different vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for added nutrition. If you prefer a plant-based version, feel free to use vegan alternatives; they can be just as delicious!

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. For reheating, the oven works best to restore that crispy texture, but you can also pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. If you’re looking to save some for later, these cheesy potatoes can be frozen before baking; just remember to let them thaw before following the baking instructions.

Pairing Ideas

To round out your meal, consider serving a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some fluffy cornbread or dinner rolls. Seasonal roasted vegetables also make for a fantastic addition, giving you a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cheesy potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the day before, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

2. What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative, or you can choose a dairy-free option if needed.

3. Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional! Leaving the skins on adds texture and some extra nutrients.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
For a little extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix.

5. Can I replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a perfect swap for a vegetarian choice.

Homemade Cheesy Potatoes bring warmth and comfort to any table, highlighting the joys of simple, delicious food. As you create this dish, think about how you can customize it to fit your tastes. From mixing in veggies to serving it as a main course, enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes every bite so satisfying!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
• 3-Ingredient Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash
• Pico De Gallo
• Chicken Broccoli Pasta

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Homemade Cheesy Potatoes

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This dish is a wonderful comfort food with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked potatoes. Ideal for family dinners and potlucks, its flavor will delight any crowd.

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, roughly peeled and diced into large bite-size pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (plus 1 tablespoon for greasing)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×11 casserole dish.
• Boil the diced potatoes in cold water until tender, about 10-15 minutes, then drain.
• Melt butter in a skillet, sauté onion until softened, and add minced garlic.
• Stir in flour and cook, then gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring until thickened.
• Combine cooked potatoes with the creamy mixture and green onions, season, and stir in cheddar.
• Spread the mixture in the baking dish and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the potatoes to maintain their texture.
Experiment with different cheese types for unique flavors.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving for better shape.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 720
• Fat: 18
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 36
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 6
• Cholesterol: 40