Cheesy Potato Casserole with Golden Baked Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American-inspired
Cooking Method: Oven-baked
Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Casserole with Golden Baked Cheese
- 2½ pounds (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled if desired
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives, for serving
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Instructions for Cheesy Potato Casserole with Golden Baked Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes, aiming for slices about â…› inch thick. A mandoline can make this step faster and help the potatoes cook evenly. Keep the slices similar in thickness so they soften at the same rate.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sour cream, melted butter, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar and all the mozzarella.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the bowl. Gently toss until the slices are coated with the creamy cheese mixture. Separate any slices that stick together so the sauce can reach between them.
- Arrange the potatoes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them into an even layer. Pour any remaining cream mixture over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and check that the potatoes are beginning to soften. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar evenly over the casserole.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 15–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife and the top is golden and bubbling. If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish again.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the creamy sauce settle, making the portions easier to serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.
Tips for Cheesy Potato Casserole with Golden Baked Cheese
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. Thick slices may need more time in the oven, while very thin slices can become overly soft.
- Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery texture and tend to hold their shape. Russets make the casserole softer and more tender.
- Shred cheese from a block when possible. It melts smoothly and gives the top a more even finish.
- For a stronger savory flavor, add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the cheese mixture.
- If you want to include vegetables, add a small amount of finely chopped cooked broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Cook watery vegetables first and drain them well so they do not thin the sauce.
- To check for doneness, insert a thin knife into the center of the dish. It should pass through the potato layers easily.
- If the top is not browned enough after baking, broil it briefly. Watch closely because cheese can brown quickly under the broiler.
- The 10-minute preparation estimate assumes the potatoes are sliced promptly, ideally with a mandoline. Use care with sharp blades.
Storage for Cheesy Potato Casserole with Golden Baked Cheese
Cool leftovers, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm a larger portion in a covered baking dish at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. Add a small splash of milk or cream before reheating if the casserole seems dry.
To freeze, cool the casserole completely and store portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may be slightly less smooth after freezing, but the casserole will still be satisfying.
This cheesy potato casserole is a comforting side dish for roast chicken, baked fish, meatloaf, or a simple green salad. It can also be served as a cozy meatless main dish with steamed vegetables.
