Discover a true classic that brings warmth and flavor to any meal with this easy cheesy potato casserole. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting side dish, featuring a rich, homemade cheese sauce that’s wonderfully smooth and decadent. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying potato bake.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Casserole
This delightful side dish is destined to become a family favorite for many reasons:
- Rich, Savory Homemade Sauce: You’ll create a creamy cheese sauce from scratch that coats every potato shred perfectly.
- Effortless with Frozen Hash Browns: Using frozen hash browns makes this cheesy potato casserole incredibly quick to assemble, saving you precious time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Everyone loves this hearty potato gratin, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering.
- Prepare Ahead, Freezer Friendly: Assemble it hours or even days in advance, or freeze portions for a convenient meal later.
- Customizable for Any Taste: Easily adapt the flavors with different cheeses, herbs, or optional toppings to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible cheesy potato casserole:
- 1/4 cup butter, plus more for the casserole dish
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns
- 3 serrano peppers, sliced (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for topping)
- Coarse salt (optional, for topping)
Notes & Substitutions
You have excellent options to tailor this dish to your liking. For the cheese, a sharp or medium cheddar cheese works beautifully, melting smoothly and offering fantastic flavor. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack or Gruyere for added complexity.
While this recipe uses convenient frozen shredded hash browns, you can certainly use fresh, thinly shredded potatoes if you prefer, though they might require slightly longer baking time. Feel free to use either vegetable or chicken stock based on your dietary needs or flavor preference. For an extra kick, consider a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. Get started with these essentials:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small skillet (optional, for serrano peppers)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious cheesy potato casserole. This simple guide ensures perfect results every time, even for beginner bakers.
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly butter or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and helps create a lovely crust.
- Next, in a medium pot, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent but not browned. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue to cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until the flour turns a tan color. This creates a roux, which is essential for thickening your sauce. Slowly whisk in the stock, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the sauce to a slight simmer; it will begin to thicken as it heats.
- Once the sauce achieves a consistency similar to gravy, stir in the grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- In a large bowl, add the frozen hash browns. Pour the freshly made cheese sauce over the hash browns and stir everything together well to combine thoroughly. Make sure every shred is coated in the creamy, rich sauce. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
- Place the cheesy potato casserole in the center rack of your oven and bake for 45 minutes at 400°F. The casserole will be bubbly and the potatoes tender. For a crispy, golden-brown top, turn on the broiler and broil for 5 minutes on high. If your dish is not broiler-safe, increase the oven temperature to 500°F and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
- While the casserole bakes, you can prepare the optional crispy serrano rings. Slice the serrano peppers into thin coins. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the serrano coins and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to brown and crisp.
- Remove the coins from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel. Season with a pinch of coarse salt.
- Let the casserole cool slightly for about 10 minutes after baking, but serve it warm. This allows the cheesy sauce to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect cheesy potato casserole is easy with these simple tips. To prevent a grainy cheese sauce, always add cheese off the heat and stir until fully melted, avoiding excessive boiling. For evenly cooked potatoes, ensure you distribute the hash browns and sauce uniformly in the baking dish.
Achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust by using the broiler for the last few minutes of baking, watching it closely to prevent burning.
If your casserole seems watery, it might be due to excess moisture from the hash browns or an under-thickened sauce. Thaw and drain hash browns slightly if using fresh, or ensure your roux and stock ratio are correct. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking for the best flavor.
For a smooth, stable cheese sauce, consider the culinary science behind proper emulsification, as explored by Serious Eats, which highlights how cornstarch and evaporated milk create stable cheese sauces.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile cheesy potato casserole shines in many culinary scenarios.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delightful side with a range of main courses. It’s fantastic alongside roasted chicken, juicy pork loin, or a perfectly seared steak. For a lighter touch, serve it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness. This creamy potato bake also makes a wonderful addition to brunch spreads, complementing quiches, scrambled eggs, or breakfast sausages.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
You can assemble the entire cheesy potato casserole ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For leftovers, cool the baked casserole completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven.
To freeze, bake the casserole, cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
Customize your potato side dish with fun additions. Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon bits for a smoky flavor. A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions after baking adds a pop of color and oniony bite.
Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyere, white cheddar, or a Mexican blend for new flavor profiles. For an extra textural element, mix some buttered breadcrumbs with parmesan and sprinkle over the top before baking for a crunchy crust.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional information helps you make informed choices. This estimated breakdown provides an overview of the calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein per serving of our delightful cheesy potato casserole. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbs | 37g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 43mg |
| Sodium | 631mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 232mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 602mg |
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If using fresh potatoes, peel and finely shred them. You might want to pat them very dry to remove excess moisture before mixing with the sauce to prevent a watery casserole.
Which type of cheddar is best for this recipe?
For the most robust flavor in your cheesy potato casserole, we recommend using sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese. A good quality block of cheddar that you grate yourself will melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded varieties.
Can I add other vegetables or meat to this dish?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile! Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms would all be delicious additions to this creamy potato bake.
How long does this cheesy potato casserole last in the fridge?
Leftovers of your baked casserole will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently for the best texture.
Conclusion
This easy cheesy potato casserole truly embodies comfort food, proving that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The homemade cheese sauce transforms humble hash browns into a creamy, savory delight that everyone will adore. This versatile dish is perfect for any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a festive gathering.
Make this fantastic cheesy potato casserole for your family soon and savor the delicious simplicity!
Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium pot
- Large bowl
- Small skillet
- Paper Towels
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter plus more for the casserole dish
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns
Optional Crispy Serrano Rings
- 3 serrano peppers sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- pinch Course salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium pot, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, then cook the diced onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent; add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Assemble Casserole
- Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two until lightly tanned, then slowly whisk in the stock and bring to a slight simmer until the sauce thickens like gravy. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns with the prepared cheese sauce, stirring well to coat, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake and Serve
- Bake the casserole on the center rack for 45 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then broil for 5 minutes on high to crisp the top, or bake at 500°F (260°C) for 3 more minutes if your dish isn’t broiler-safe.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving warm; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave.
Optional Crispy Serrano Rings
- Slice serrano peppers into thin coins, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, and cook the serrano coins for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the coins, drain on a paper towel, and season with a pinch of salt before serving.