Cheesy Potato Casserole
🥔 Cheesy Potato Casserole
Few dishes bring the same sense of comfort as a freshly baked Cheesy Potato Casserole. As it bakes, the rich aroma of creamy potatoes and melted cheese fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes everyone eager to gather around the table. It’s a timeless favorite that’s perfect for holiday celebrations, Sunday suppers, or any meal that calls for a hearty side dish.
With layers of tender potatoes and a smooth homemade cheese sauce, this casserole is the kind of recipe families request again and again. The bubbling golden topping and creamy interior make every bite rich, satisfying, and full of classic homemade flavor.
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. Simple pantry ingredients come together to create a comforting casserole that’s elegant enough for special occasions yet easy enough for everyday dinners. Whether served with roasted chicken, ham, turkey, or beef, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking for a dependable potato side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛-inch) | 2½ pounds |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Small yellow onion, finely diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried thyme (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups, divided |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¼ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
🍲 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese along with the mozzarella until fully melted.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and the rest of the cheese sauce.
4. Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
5. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
This creamy, cheesy potato casserole is the perfect side dish for holiday meals, family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where classic comfort food is on the menu.
