Nothing beats the creamy, cheesy, and delicious goodness of homemade cheesy potatoes! Whether you’re making them for a holiday dinner, weeknight meal, or a potluck gathering, this easy cheesy potato recipe is rich, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make.
This cheesy potato bake features soft, tender potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy top—making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Just simple ingredients and minimal prep.
✔️ Super Creamy & Cheesy – Perfectly rich and comforting.
✔️ Versatile – Works with hashbrowns, diced, or sliced potatoes.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – A must-have holiday side dish.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Kids and adults LOVE this dish!
Ingredients for Cheesy Potatoes
Main Ingredients:
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2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and diced)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for best flavor)
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1 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
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½ cup whole milk (for a smooth sauce)
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¼ cup butter (melted)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping Ingredients (For Crispy Perfection!):
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1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
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Boil the potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes, until fork-tender.
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Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
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In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Sour cream
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Cream of chicken soup
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Milk
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Melted butter
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Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
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Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheese, reserving ½ cup for the topping.
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Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesy Potatoes
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Add the boiled potatoes and pour the cheese mixture over them.
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Gently stir to coat all the potatoes.
Step 4: Make the Crispy Topping
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In a small bowl, mix:
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Crushed cornflakes (or panko breadcrumbs)
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Melted butter
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Sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the potatoes.
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Top with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese for extra cheesiness!
Step 5: Bake the Cheesy Potatoes
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Place the dish in the preheated oven.
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Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
🥩 Pair with Steak – Perfect alongside grilled steak or roast beef.
🍗 Great with Chicken – Serve with baked chicken or fried chicken.
🥦 Add Some Greens – Balance the meal with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
🥓 Top with Bacon – Crispy bacon bits make it even more delicious!
How to Store & Reheat Cheesy Potatoes
Storing Leftovers
🔹 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔹 Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
✔️ Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until heated through.
✔️ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
Can I Use Frozen Hashbrowns Instead of Fresh Potatoes?
Yes! Substitute 20 oz frozen hashbrowns (thawed) for fresh potatoes.
What Cheese Works Best for This Recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also use:
🧀 Colby Jack – A milder option.
🧀 Pepper Jack – Adds a slight kick.
🧀 Mozzarella – For extra stretchiness.
Can I Make This Cheesy Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the dish ahead, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How Do I Make It Extra Creamy?
Add an extra ½ cup of sour cream or use heavy cream instead of milk.
Delicious Variations of Cheesy Potatoes
🔥 Spicy Cheesy Potatoes – Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
🥓 Cheesy Bacon Potatoes – Mix in crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
🥦 Loaded Veggie Potatoes – Add broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Potatoes – Swap cheddar for Parmesan and extra garlic.
🌽 Cheesy Corn Casserole – Mix in ½ cup sweet corn kernels.
Final Thoughts – Why This Cheesy Potato Recipe Is a Must-Try!
✔️ Easy & Foolproof – Perfect for beginners.
✔️ Ultimate Comfort Food – Rich, creamy, cheesy goodness.
✔️ Great for Holidays & Parties – A favorite at potlucks and family dinners.
✔️ Customizable – Try different cheeses, toppings, and flavors.
Whether you’re making it for a Thanksgiving side dish, a casual family dinner, or just a cheesy comfort food craving, this Cheesy Potatoes recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
