Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort food warms the soul and brings people together. The cheesy potato casserole is a perfect example. It uses homemade cheese sauce instead of canned soup, making it even better. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavors.

Looking for a cozy weekend meal or something to feed a crowd? This casserole is perfect. It combines creamy potatoes, rich cheese, and savory seasonings. Serve it with a fresh salad or grilled protein for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways

Homemade cheese sauce elevates the classic cheesy potato casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors make this dish the ultimate comfort food
Versatile recipe that can be served as a main course or alongside grilled protein or salad
Casserole can be made ahead and frozen for easy meal prep
Customizable with optional add-ins like diced onions or spicy peppers

Understanding the Classic Comfort Dish

Potato casseroles are loved for their comfort and history. They’re known as cheesy potatoes, hash brown casserole, Mormon Potatoes, and Funeral Potatoes. This recipe uses homemade Mornay sauce for a creamier taste.

Origins and Popular Names

This dish comes from the Mormon community, where it’s a favorite at gatherings. It’s called Mormon Potatoes or Funeral Potatoes, showing its popularity. It’s now loved everywhere, not just in Mormon circles.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This version of the potato casserole is special because of its homemade Mornay sauce. It’s made with butter, onion, and garlic, giving it a richer flavor. It’s cheesier and creamier, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.

Traditional vs. Modern Versions

Older versions use canned soups like cream of chicken or mushroom. They’re easy and familiar.
This recipe makes the sauce from scratch. It lets you control the flavors and taste.
The homemade Mornay sauce adds a touch of elegance to the classic dish.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole

Creating the ultimate cheesy potato casserole starts with quality ingredients. You’ll need frozen hash browns, creamy cheddar cheese, and a bit of cream of mushroom soup for a smooth texture.

To make the perfect casserole, mix frozen hash browns, butter, onions, garlic, flour, and chicken or vegetable stock. The frozen hash browns give a consistent texture and avoid undercooked potatoes. Cheddar cheese makes a gooey, indulgent layer.

Some recipes add sour cream for a tangy richness and crispy rice cereal squares for a crunchy topping. These ingredients make a satisfying and flavorful casserole that everyone will love.

“The key to a perfect cheesy potato casserole is finding the right balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy elements.”

The cheesy potato casserole is a hit as a main dish or side. With the right ingredients, you can make a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Making the Homemade Cheese Sauce

The secret to a great Cheesy Potato Casserole is the homemade Mornay sauce or béchamel. This creamy homemade cheese sauce ties all the flavors together. It makes the dish irresistibly cheesy.

Creating the Base

Melt 1/4 cup of salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 Tablespoons of flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it’s golden.

Incorporating the Perfect Cheese Blend

Whisk in 2/3 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and 1/3 cup of milk (whole or 2%). Keep stirring until it thickens like gravy. Then, remove it from heat and add 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese slowly. Stir until the cheese melts fully.

Seasoning Tips

Season the homemade cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Now, the sauce is ready to top the potatoes. It’s the perfect start for your Cheesy Potato Casserole.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Choosing the right potatoes is key for a perfect cheesy potato casserole. The recipe prefers frozen hash browns for their convenience and consistency. These pre-cooked potato shreds prevent undercooked or uneven potatoes in the dish.

Frozen hash browns have a uniform shape and texture. They’re already partially cooked, saving you from grating, drying, and pre-cooking fresh potatoes. This makes the recipe easier and ensures a creamy texture.

However, fresh potatoes can also be used. Many cheesy potato casseroles use fresh, grated potatoes. But, using fresh potatoes requires drying the grated potatoes and adjusting cooking times. This is to avoid a watery or undercooked casserole.

So, whether to use frozen hash browns or fresh potatoes depends on your preference and convenience. Both can make a delicious casserole. But, frozen hash browns are a reliable choice for a creamy and comforting dish.

Prep Time and Servings

This classic baked potato casserole recipe is loved by many, serving up to 10 people. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of hands-on time. After baking, the total time, including chilling, can be up to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this cheesy potato casserole, you’ll need some basic tools. Start with a medium pot for the creamy cheese sauce. Then, use a large mixing bowl to mix the ingredients. And don’t forget a 9×13-inch baking dish for casserole prep and baking the serving size.

Equipment	Use
Medium Pot	For making the cheese sauce
Large Mixing Bowl	To combine all the ingredients
9×13-inch Baking Dish	For baking the cheesy potato casserole

With these simple tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and comforting cheesy potato casserole in no time.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making the perfect cheesy potato casserole is easy and rewarding. It’s a comforting dish that everyone loves. Here’s how to put it together and bake it to perfection.

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with lots of unsalted butter. This keeps the casserole from sticking.

In a big bowl, mix together frozen hash brown potatoes, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Put the potato mix into the greased dish and spread it out.
In another bowl, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Add 3 cups of crushed cornflake cereal and mix until the cereal is coated. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
To get a crispy top, broil for 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Your cheesy potato casserole is ready! Enjoy it with your favorite main dish or as a satisfying side. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a crunchy topping for a great meal.

The secret to a perfect cheesy potato casserole is in the assembly and baking. Follow these steps for casserole assembly and baking instructions. You’ll make a dish that everyone will love and that will warm your heart.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

Making a delicious Cheesy Potato Casserole is all about the texture. You want a crispy top and a creamy center. With a few tips, your casserole will be perfect every time.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Evenly spreading the cheese sauce is crucial. Don’t overmix, as it can make the potatoes gluey. Gently fold the sauce into the potatoes instead.

Texture Troubleshooting

For a crispy top, try broiling or baking at 500°F for a few minutes.
If it’s too dry, add more sauce or milk to get that creamy center.

Focus on these details and adjust as needed. This way, you’ll always get a great crispy top and creamy center in your Cheesy Potato Casserole.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Preparing this cheesy potato casserole ahead of time saves you time and effort. You can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, and let the flavors come together.

After baking, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s a great meal prep option. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in the oven until hot and ready.

Freezing the casserole is also a good way to store leftovers. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10 minutes	30 minutes	40 minutes	10 people

With these tips, you can enjoy this cheesy potato casserole anytime. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty leftovers meal. Enjoy the convenience and the delicious taste!

Freezing and Reheating Guidelines

Preparing a delicious cheesy potato casserole in advance is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. This comforting dish freezes well, letting you enjoy it even on the busiest days. We’ll look at how to freeze and reheat your casserole for the best taste and texture.

Proper Freezing Methods

Freeze the casserole after baking for the best results. This keeps the texture perfect and prevents potatoes from getting mushy. Let it cool, then put it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in heavy-duty foil. It will stay good for 3 to 6 months, perfect for the cold months.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your frozen casserole, thaw it properly before reheating. The best way is to thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture and prevents it from getting watery.

After thawing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake for 45-60 minutes and cover to prevent over-browning.

Remember, slow reheating is key to avoid drying out the casserole. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy your cheesy potato casserole anytime, even when you’re in a rush.

Optional Add-ins and Variations

The classic cheesy potato casserole is already great, but you can make it even better. Try adding your own twist with these optional add-ins and variations. They’ll take your dish to a whole new level.

Spice It Up

Want a bit more flavor? Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. It gives a nice heat that goes well with the dish. For a spicy kick, top each serving with crispy fried serrano pepper rings.

Bacon Lovers, Rejoice

The recipe already has bacon, but you can add more. Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top before baking. It adds a nice texture and a savory taste in every bite.

Garlic Lovers

Garlic lovers, rejoice! Sauté minced garlic with the onions for a delicious aroma and flavor. For an intense garlic taste, mix in roasted garlic cloves or garlic powder.

Vegetable Variations

Want to try something different? Add diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli florets. Just remember, too many ingredients can change the casserole’s texture and consistency.

This dish is all about comfort and versatility. Get creative with casserole variations and flavor additions. Make it your own special dish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cheesy potato casserole is great as a side dish or the main course. For a light meal, add a fresh green salad. For a fuller dinner, pair it with grilled meats or roasted veggies.

Looking for main course pairings? A sirloin steak with garlic butter is a classic match. Herb-roasted chicken is also a tasty and protein-rich choice.

For seafood lovers, try shrimp marinated with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and honey. Or, go for skillet pork chops for a quick, flavorful option.

Main Dish	Serving Suggestion
Grilled Steak	Rib eye, porterhouse, or T-bone steak cuts about 1 inch thick
Herb-Roasted Chicken	Simple to prepare with a smoky, rich aroma
Grilled Shrimp	Marinated with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and honey
Skillet Pork Chops	Quick to make and flavorful, with tips for tender results

For side dishes, try these options with the potato casserole:

Asparagus spears with olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon zest
A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, Parmesan, and homemade croutons
Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze
Stir-fried green beans with garlic, sesame, and red pepper flakes
A vibrant Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta
A colorful vegetable stir-fry in a sweet and savory sauce

This cheesy potato casserole is a hit at any gathering. Its creamy texture and many pairing options make it a perfect comfort food to share.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes

Understanding the nutritional facts of Cheesy Potato Casserole is key. This dish is tasty but has some nutritional details to consider.

Calorie Content

A serving of this casserole has about 226 calories. This comes from the cheese, butter, and other high-calorie ingredients.

Dietary Considerations

The Cheesy Potato Casserole is loved by many but may not fit everyone’s diet. It has a lot of saturated fat, with 10 grams per serving. It also has a lot of sodium, about 268 milligrams per serving.

People with gluten sensitivities should avoid this dish because it has flour. Those with dairy allergies or intolerances need to be careful because of the cheese, sour cream, and milk.

Nutritional Information (per serving)	Amount
Calories	226
Carbohydrates	17g
Protein	8g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	10g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	268mg
Sugar	3g

It’s important to remember these nutritional facts and dietary considerations when enjoying this casserole. With some mindfulness and adjustments, you can enjoy its flavors while keeping your diet balanced and healthy.

Conclusion

This cheesy potato casserole is a comfort food recipe loved by many. It’s a favorite at family gatherings and holidays in the United States. Its creamy flavors and easy making make it a hit.

Known as cheesy potato casserole or “funeral potatoes,” it’s a comforting dish. It brings people together with its satisfying taste. Making it is simple, and it delights everyone who tries it.

Enjoy the cheesy goodness of this classic dish. It’s a great addition to your cooking. The cheesy potato casserole will become a beloved tradition in your home.

FAQ

What are the origins and popular names for this dish?

This dish is known by many names, like cheesy potatoes and Funeral Potatoes. It uses a homemade Mornay sauce for a creamier taste.

How does this recipe stand out from traditional versions?

This recipe uses a homemade cheese sauce instead of canned soup. This makes it more flavorful and customizable.

What are the key ingredients in this casserole?

It includes frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, and butter. You’ll also need onion, garlic, flour, and stock. Some recipes add sour cream and crispy rice cereal squares on top.

How does the homemade cheese sauce differ from traditional versions?

The homemade sauce starts with butter and onions. Then, garlic and flour are added to make a roux. Stock is slowly whisked in, followed by cheddar cheese off the heat. This creates a rich sauce.

Why are frozen hash browns preferred for this recipe?

Frozen hash browns are easier to use and cook evenly. They’re par-cooked, so you don’t have to worry about undercooked potatoes. Fresh potatoes need extra prep and may affect the dish’s texture.

What are the prep and cooking times for this casserole?

It serves 10 people and takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Cooking time is 45 minutes. Total time, including chilling, can be up to 1 day and 1 hour.

How do you achieve the perfect texture for this casserole?

Make sure the sauce is evenly spread over the potatoes. Avoid overmixing to keep the potatoes whole. For a crispy top, use the broiler or increase oven temperature. If it’s too dry, add more sauce or milk.

Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

You can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. Once baked, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How can this casserole be frozen and reheated?

Freeze it after baking for up to 3 to 6 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warm. If frozen, increase baking time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Are there any variations or add-ins for this recipe?

You can add a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor. But, avoid adding proteins or vegetables to keep the consistency right. For a spicy kick, try fried serrano pepper rings on top.

How can this casserole be served and paired?

It’s great as a side dish or the main course. Pair it with a green salad for a lighter meal or with grilled meats or roasted veggies for a hearty dinner. It’s perfect for potlucks and holidays.

What are the nutritional facts and dietary considerations for this dish?

A serving has about 458 calories, 38g fat, 26g carbs, and 11g protein. It’s high in saturated fat and sodium. It contains gluten and is not dairy-free due to the cheese and butter.