If you’re searching for a satisfying comfort food that brings everyone together, I can’t recommend this Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s a luscious, creamy, and downright irresistible dish packed with tender Russet potatoes bathed in a savory blend of sour cream, butter, and not one but two types of cheese. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and cozy texture, making it a total showstopper on any dinner table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight side, these cheesy potatoes promise to earn a place in your family’s heart—and on repeat menus.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and each one plays a key role in building the dish’s rich layers of flavor and delightful textures. From creamy sour cream to assertive sharp cheddar, these staples come together to create that melt-in-your-mouth experience you’re craving.
- Russet potatoes (3 pounds, peeled & diced): Their starchy texture makes them perfect for soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds velvety creaminess and a subtle, savory depth.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tang and richness that balances the cheese perfectly.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Infuses the potatoes with luscious, buttery flavor.
- Scallions (1/3 cup, chopped): Introduce fresh, mild onion notes that brighten up the dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle garlic aroma without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savory complexity subtly and deliciously.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for highlighting every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Pepper (to taste): A pinch or two for a subtle kick and warmth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated and divided): This is where the bold cheesy character truly shines.
- Freshly grated Parmesan (1 cup, divided): Offers a slightly nutty sharpness that elevates the cheesy flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing those beautiful Russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Boil them just until tender, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The key here is to avoid overcooking so they don’t turn mushy—perfectly tender potatoes will hold their shape and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Once done, drain thoroughly and spread them out evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Be sure to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position your oven rack right in the middle for even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheesy Sauce
While the potatoes are boiling, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of your sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses in a mixing bowl. Stir this mixture well until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, marrying that rich cheesy goodness with just the right touch of savory tang from the sour cream and the fragrant notes of the scallions and spices.
Step 3: Combine the Potatoes and Sauce
Pour this luscious mix right over the potatoes. Using two large spoons or spatulas, gently toss everything together to ensure each piece of potato is coated evenly. Spread the mixture out into an even layer in your casserole dish so it cooks consistently. This step guarantees each bite will have the perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender potato.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake
Next, sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar and Parmesan evenly over the top. This finishing layer will melt and caramelize during baking, forming a tantalizing golden crust. Bake the dish uncovered for 45 minutes, giving the cheese time to bubble up and develop that irresistible color and texture.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
After pulling it from the oven, patience is your friend. Let these cheesy potatoes sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and sets just right. This resting time makes serving a breeze and keeps everything beautifully intact on the plate.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or extra scallions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A little cracked black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika can also add an exciting flavor twist. These simple garnishes bring the dish to life and make it look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe shines as a side dish with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, thanks to its rich, creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables or a fresh salad to cut through the richness. For a comforting feast, serve alongside gravy-smothered turkey or slow-cooked brisket.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try baking individual portions in small ramekins for a personalized touch. Or layer this cheesy mixture with sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon bits to add extra savory layers and texture. This recipe is flexible and perfect for customizing to your mood and occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal equally delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Simply cool completely, then seal it tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen, these cheesy potatoes retain their taste and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for times when you want a quick and comforting side without fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again—about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix but oven reheating helps retain that freshly baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature, you can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier texture. Just be mindful that waxier potatoes might hold a firmer texture after cooking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the condensed cream of chicken soup?
Yes! You can swap in a condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly while maintaining the creamy base essential to the recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Chopped cooked broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even cooked bacon bits make great mix-ins that boost both flavor and texture. Just add them when combining the potatoes and sauce before baking.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This particular recipe is mild, focusing on creamy and cheesy flavors. However, you can easily incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you want a little kick with your cheesy comfort food.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
The sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan combo strikes a perfect balance of sharp, nutty, and melty qualities. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different twists that complement the creaminess beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and delightfully cheesy. It’s so simple to make, yet impressively satisfying, whether for a family dinner or a special occasion. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your kitchen as it has to mine. Give it a try, and watch everyone come back for seconds and smiles!
Print
Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheesy Potatoes recipe features tender diced russet potatoes combined with a creamy mixture of condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, scallions, and a blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole makes a perfect side dish for any meal, with cheesy, savory flavors and a velvety texture that will delight the whole family.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled & diced)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prep and Boil Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes. Boil them in water until they are just tender, making sure not to overcook. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water. Transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Mix Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes in the casserole dish. Use two spoons or a spatula to gently toss the potatoes with the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Smooth the mixture out into an even layer within the dish.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the potato mixture. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for best texture, as they hold up well after boiling and baking.
- Boiling potatoes until just tender prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking cold.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the condensed cream of chicken soup with a condensed cream of mushroom or vegetable soup.
