Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Meet your new favorite comfort dish: the Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole. This warm, gooey blend of potatoes and cheese is perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive holiday spread.

Ingredients for Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole

Russet potatoes are the star here, providing a sturdy yet tender base that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella cheese adds a melty, stretchy quality that makes each bite irresistible. The heavy cream and sour cream make the sauce rich and smooth. Unsalted butter adds depth and richness, and the green onions offer a fresh contrast. Garlic, salt, and black pepper round out the flavor profile, making this dish anything but bland.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, you can slice the potatoes the night before and store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning.
  • Don't skip the step of boiling the potatoes first; it ensures they cook evenly in the oven.
  • For an extra crispy top, consider broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
  • Feel free to add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance out its richness. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple grilled chicken breast also complements it beautifully. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main or a side, depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, offering a more buttery flavor and creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a little extra baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's nice and hot for when your casserole is ready to bake. Next, take your peeled and sliced potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with salted water and bring them to a boil. Let them cook until they're tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Drain them and set them aside for later.

While your potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it until it's fragrant. This should only take a minute or two. You don't want the garlic to burn, just to release its aroma. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked potatoes, your creamy mixture, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Mix everything until the potatoes are well coated. It's important that each slice is evenly covered in that delicious sauce.

Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the mozzarella cheese. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure you don't burn your mouth on the molten cheese!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A hearty, satisfying dish that's sure to please a crowd.
  • Easy-to-find ingredients with minimal prep work.
  • The perfect balance of creamy and cheesy flavors.
  • Great for preparing ahead of time and reheating later.

Ingredients

4 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and sliced)
3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, cream mixture, cheddar cheese, and green onions, and mix until well coated.
6. Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, and top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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