Here’s a Quick and Easy Cheesy Potato Bake recipe that’s perfect for a comforting side dish or even a simple meal on its own!
Quick and Easy Cheesy Potato Bake
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well mixed. If using dried thyme or rosemary, add it to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Potato Bake:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread it evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce.
- Top the potatoes with the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the cheesy potato bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Add some cooked bacon bits or sliced green onions between the layers of potatoes.
- Make it creamy: If you like your bake extra creamy, you can add a bit more sour cream or use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Cheese variations: Swap out the cheddar for gouda, Gruyere, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
This Quick and Easy Cheesy Potato Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any meal! Enjoy!