Potato Casserole Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy & Easy to Make
This creamy, cheesy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with layers of tender potatoes, a rich cheese sauce, and a golden crispy topping, it’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, and potlucks. Easy to prepare, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Equipment
- ✔️ 9x13-inch baking dish
- ✔️ Cutting board & sharp knife (or mandoline slicer)
- ✔️ Mixing bowls
- ✔️ Medium saucepan
- ✔️ Whisk
- ✔️ Measuring cups & spoons
- ✔️ Aluminum foil (for baking cover)
Ingredients
- ✅ Main Ingredients:
- 4 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of cheeses
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter version
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme or rosemary optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- ✅ Optional Additions:
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits or diced ham
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- ½ cup sour cream for extra creaminess
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or spinach
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Prep Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and slice the potatoes thinly (about ⅛ inch thick).
- Place the slices in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.
- 3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
- Pour in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- 4️⃣ Layer the Casserole
- Arrange a single layer of potatoes in the greased dish.
- Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle some cheese.
- Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer.
- 5️⃣ Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- 6️⃣ Cool & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm!
Notes
For extra crispiness: Broil the casserole for the last 3-5 minutes.
For a lighter version: Use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and sour cream.
For meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
For a lighter version: Use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and sour cream.
For meal prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months.