Ultimate Cheesy Potato Bake
Indulge in the comfort of this Ultimate Cheesy Potato Bake, a recipe that traces back to nostalgic family gatherings, reinvented for a modern palate. The luscious combination of creamy cheddar and sour cream, enveloping tender russet potatoes, marries harmoniously to deliver a dish that tastes richer than a loaded baked potato. Perfect for holiday fêtes or any cheese-filled celebration, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction with each serving.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
8 (cooked in skins and cooled)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
sour cream
1 1/2 cups
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
butter
3 tablespoons (for dotting on top)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the russet potatoes in their skins until tender. Allow them to cool completely before peeling.
2
Once the potatoes are cooled and peeled, grate or shred them similarly to hash browns.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large casserole dish by greasing the sides and bottom with butter or cooking spray.
4
In a saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then remove from heat.
5
Blend the melted cheese mixture with sour cream, chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6
Add the cheese mixture to the prepared potatoes. Stir well to ensure that all the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Dot the surface with the 3 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle the paprika evenly over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Potato Bake?
It is a rich and comforting casserole made with russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, designed to taste like a loaded baked potato.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are recommended for their texture and ability to be shredded like hash browns.
Do I need to cook the potatoes before baking the casserole?
Yes, you must cook the potatoes in their skins until tender and allow them to cool completely before peeling and grating.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the casserole dish?
Grease the sides and bottom of a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
How is the cheese sauce prepared?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan, then stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is melted and smooth.
What ingredients are mixed with the melted cheese?
The melted cheese is blended with sour cream, chopped onions, salt, and pepper.
How much cheddar cheese do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Can I use pre-shredded potatoes?
The recipe specifies cooking and grating whole russet potatoes for the best texture, though shredded hash browns are a similar style.
What should I sprinkle on top of the casserole?
Dot the surface with 3 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
How long does the potato bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake it for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Is the Ultimate Cheesy Potato Bake vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian side dish.
How much sour cream is used in this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of sour cream.
Why is it important to cool the potatoes before peeling?
Cooling them completely makes them easier to peel and ensures they have the right consistency for grating.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a chopped onion; standard yellow or white onions work well.
Does this recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served warm as a side dish for holidays or family gatherings.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for flavor, you could experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack.
What is the total amount of butter needed?
You will need 1/2 cup for the cheese mixture plus 3 additional tablespoons for the topping.
Is this a good dish for holiday celebrations?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for holiday fêtes and celebrations.
What gives the top its golden color?
The combination of the paprika and the dots of butter creates a golden brown crust during baking.
Do I leave the skins on the potatoes when I grate them?
No, the potatoes should be peeled after they have cooled but before you grate them.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as comfort food and a side dish.
How should the potatoes be grated?
They should be grated or shredded similarly to the way you would prepare hash browns.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, because the potatoes need to be cooked and cooled first, it is a great recipe for advanced prep.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with comfort food, holiday dish, cheesy potatoes, family recipe, baked casserole, vegetarian, and side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total including seasonings and butter.
Is this recipe considered a family recipe?
Yes, the description notes it traces back to nostalgic family gatherings.
What should the texture of the mixture be before baking?
The shredded potatoes should be thoroughly and evenly coated with the creamy cheese and sour cream mixture.