Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Easy Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Dish

Comfort food reaches new heights with these delectable creamy cheesy potatoes that promise pure culinary bliss.

Tender potato slices nestled in a rich, velvety sauce create an irresistible side dish everyone craves.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smooth, melted cheese and hearty potato goodness.

The golden, crispy top adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Simple ingredients come together to transform ordinary potatoes into a spectacular accompaniment that steals the show.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings warmth and joy to any meal.

Why Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Are a Family Favorite

  • Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this creamy potato dish with minimal prep, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious side that feels like a warm hug.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these cheesy potatoes appeal to both kids and adults with their rich, indulgent flavor.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-worthy side dish using just a few simple pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly and accessible recipe for all skill levels.
  • Customizable Cooking: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding herbs, or incorporating bacon bits to match your personal taste and make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy, sliced tubers that form the hearty base of this creamy dish.
  • Whipping Cream: Rich, luxurious liquid that creates a smooth and indulgent sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds a golden and tangy finish.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes.
  • Parsley Flakes: Dried herb that provides a subtle, fresh green touch.
Baking Essentials:
  • Aluminum Foil: Protective cover that helps steam and cook the potatoes evenly.
  • Glass Baking Dish: Large rectangular dish perfect for even heat distribution.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and generously grease it to prevent sticking.

This will help create a smooth, easy-to-serve potato casserole.

Step 2: Layer the Potato Base

Carefully slice potatoes into thin, even rounds.

Arrange them in a single, overlapping layer across the entire baking dish.

Make sure the potatoes are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour whipping cream over the potato layers, ensuring every slice is completely coated.

This will create a luxurious, rich base for the dish.

Season the cream-covered potatoes with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried parsley flakes

Gently mix the seasonings to distribute them evenly across the potatoes.

Step 4: Initial Baking Phase

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

This traps moisture and helps the potatoes cook tenderly.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become soft and absorb the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil after the initial baking.

Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes.

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the potato bake rest for a few minutes.

This allows the sauce to thicken and settle, creating a more cohesive and delicious side dish.

Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Tips for Rich and Cheesy Potato Perfection

  • Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Pour whipping cream completely over potatoes to guarantee rich, creamy results and prevent drying out.
  • Layer salt and pepper generously to enhance the natural potato flavor and create depth in the dish.
  • Allow cheese to melt completely and turn golden brown for maximum flavor and appetizing presentation.
  • Let the dish stand for a few minutes after baking to help the sauce thicken and absorb flavors, creating a more cohesive and delicious side dish.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Potatoes

  • Store leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm refrigerated potatoes at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispy cheese topping.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain the best texture and flavor. Repeated warming can make potatoes soggy and less appetizing.

What to Serve with Cheesy Potatoes

  • Savor Succulent Wine Pairing: Open a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the creamy potato's richness, enhancing the cheesy texture and subtle herb undertones.
  • Match Protein Perfection: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or grilled salmon, which provide a lean protein contrast to the indulgent potato dish and create a balanced meal.
  • Elevate Side Dish Companions: Add a fresh green salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the potatoes' heaviness, introducing a bright, tangy element that refreshes the palate between creamy bites.
  • Create Rustic Bread Combination: Pair with crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic baguette slices that can soak up the delicious cream sauce and add delightful textural variation.

Easy Flavor Add-Ins for Cheesy Potatoes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute whipping cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives instead of parsley to add unique flavor profiles and aromatic dimensions to the dish.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking to introduce a zesty, spicy element for those who enjoy more heat in their side dishes.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with gruyere, monterey jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

  • How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Slice potatoes about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking and the best creamy texture. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent slices.

  • Do I need to peel the potatoes first?

Not necessary. You can leave the potato skins on for added nutrition and texture, or peel them if you prefer a smoother dish.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the point of final baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

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Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting creamy cheesy potatoes deliver a hearty embrace of rich, melted cheese and silky potato goodness. Crisp edges and golden-brown tops promise a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 large potatoes, cut into thin french fries or enough to fill a 9×13 inches (23x33 centimeters) glass baking dish
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 pint (473 milliliters) whipping cream

Seasonings:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of grease.
  2. Create an even layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Generously cascade the rich whipping cream over the potato landscape, making certain every slice is thoroughly moistened.
  4. Enhance the potato layers with a balanced sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing the seasonings uniformly.
  5. Delicately dust the surface with fragrant parsley flakes, creating a verdant herbal accent.
  6. Shield the dish completely with aluminum foil, protecting the delicate ingredients from direct heat.
  7. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and allow the potatoes to gently simmer and soften for a full hour.
  8. Carefully remove the foil and crown the tender potatoes with a lavish layer of grated cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  9. Return the uncovered dish to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling blanket for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  10. Once removed, let the potato creation rest momentarily, permitting the creamy sauce to slightly congeal and intensify in richness before serving.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use low-sodium salt if watching sodium intake, allowing better control of seasoning levels.
  • Choose full-fat cream for richer flavor, but substitute with half-and-half or milk for lighter version.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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