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Cozy Cheesy Potato Casserole

cozy cheesy potato casserole - featured image

A comforting cheesy potato casserole with a crispy golden crust, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. This easy recipe balances creamy cheese sauce with tender potatoes and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Peel and thinly slice the Yukon Gold potatoes to about 1/8-inch thickness. Rinse slices briefly in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry.
  3. In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
  4. In a saucepan, melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until sauce thickens (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in sautéed onion and garlic, sour cream, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Mix until cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  5. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread gently. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
  6. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  7. Cover casserole loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until top is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly thin to ensure uniform cooking and avoid mushiness. Sauté onions and garlic before adding to sauce for enhanced flavor. Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crispy topping. The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; add extra baking time if baking cold. Avoid stirring once in the oven to maintain layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy potato casserole, crispy potato casserole, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, casserole recipe, easy potato casserole