Classic Cheesy Potatoes

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
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Classic Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked potatoes. This dish is a family favorite, ideal for gatherings or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients for Classic Cheesy Potatoes

The star of the show is, of course, the potatoes. I prefer russet potatoes for their fluffy texture when baked. They hold up well and soak in all the delicious flavors. Cheddar cheese adds that classic cheesy flavor we crave, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. The sour cream brings a tangy richness that complements the cheese perfectly. Butter is essential for starting our cheese sauce, offering a rich base that carries the flavors of the onion and garlic. These two aromatics add depth and fragrance, while a touch of salt and pepper enhances everything. The flour acts as a thickening agent, and whole milk gives the sauce its creaminess without being too heavy.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline for evenly thin potato slices, ensuring they cook uniformly.
  • Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle, cozy flavor.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats, like chicken or beef. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. They're also fantastic as part of a brunch spread, alongside eggs and bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative if you prefer a buttery texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Classic Cheesy Potatoes Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. This gives you time to prepare the other ingredients without rushing. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it starts to sizzle, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until they're translucent and fragrant, which should take just a few minutes.

Next, sprinkle in the flour, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for about a minute to let the flour cook a bit — this prevents the sauce from having a raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir as you go. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken after about five minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream and one cup of shredded cheese, mixing until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Now it's time to layer: grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange half of your sliced potatoes on the bottom. Pour half the cheese sauce over them, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This step ensures the top becomes beautifully golden and bubbly. Let the dish cool slightly before serving. This helps the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, creamy texture with layers of melted cheese.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a comforting side dish.
  • Customizable with your favorite cheese or add-ins.

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
3. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper and cook for one minute.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted.
6. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
8. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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