The Ultimate Cheesy Potatoes is a Comfort Food Classic

Aloha, fellow food lovers! Let’s start out here-a cheesy potato recipe has to be the epitome of “staying in.” I mean, it is one of those ultimate crowd-pleasers-whether family dinner, potluck, or just about you and a cheesy warm hug.

It must have been one of those cold winter nights when I first fell in love with cheesy potatoes. It was on that particular night that my best friend, who claimed he was a “whisperer of cheeses,” deciphered the tone for a dish of cheesy potatoes: creamy, gooey, and perfectly golden, which we pigged out over while watching one of our favorite sitcoms. Ever since, cheesy potatoes have found a cherishing spot in my heart and on my plate.

Today, I have decided to share my version of this recipe for cheesy potatoes, delicious and yet simple, perfect when served with many ingredients you probably already have on hand in your kitchen. Never mind if you are just a beginner in the kitchen or one who has professionally trained; this easy-peasy recipe will make you the star of the meal each time.

Ingredients:

5 medium-sized potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold work best
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is classic, but mix it up if you like)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped chives, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of Parmesan

Instructions:

Preheating Your Oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or some cooking spray.
Get Your Potatoes Ready: Slice your potatoes into thin rounds after peeling them. I like mine about 1/4-inch thick for that nice balance of softness and structure.
Sauz EN: In a saucepan, over medium heat melt the butter. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in milk and sour cream; heat until smooth. Add in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until melted. Season the sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Dish: In your prepared baking dish, lay a bed with half of your potato slices. Half of the cheese sauce is poured over them, ensuring each slice is well coated. Set the remaining potatoes on top and cover them with the rest of the sauce.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the pan with foil and bake at for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, and bake an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly and serve. Garnish with your favorite toppings and dig in!

Why I Love This Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

There is a kind of magic when tenderly soft potatoes are married to super-melty, flavorful cheese. Paprika gives that slight kick, and sour cream lends to the sauce an irreducible creamy quality. Honestly, while it bakes, this dish smells so great, and you’re standing by the oven, counting down the minutes!

One of the things I adore most about cheesy potatoes is their versatility-they’re a great accompaniment to roast chicken for a dinner that will keep you going all night long, but they can also take center stage at a brunch. And trust me, this cheesy potatoes recipe is one you will wish to revisit over and over.