Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe for Effortless Cooking

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When comfort food calls, few things answer as quickly and deliciously as cheesy potatoes. This dish is a beloved favorite in many households, offering rich, gooey cheese layered over tender potatoes. Whether served as a side or the star of the table, it brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that feels like it took hours. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally well for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. Creamy, melty, and golden on top, cheesy potatoes deliver cozy goodness every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort food with minimal effort. It comes together quickly, bakes beautifully, and always earns compliments. The cheese melts into the potatoes, creating a luscious texture that makes it nearly impossible to resist. Plus, you can customize it easily with add-ins like bacon, onions, or different cheeses. It’s a versatile classic that fits every occasion.

Can I Use Any Kind of Potato for Cheesy Potatoes?

Great question! While russet potatoes are a traditional choice because they’re starchy and bake up nice and fluffy, Yukon Gold potatoes are another solid option for their buttery flavor and smooth texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling, which don’t absorb the creamy sauce as well. The key is to slice them thin and uniform so they cook evenly in the oven.

Ingredients for the Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

This dish shines because of its basic, comforting ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that rich, cheesy flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

• Potatoes
• Cheddar Cheese
• Butter
• All-Purpose Flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Potatoes are the heart of the dish, providing a hearty base that absorbs the cheese sauce beautifully.

Cheddar Cheese offers sharp, creamy flavor and that classic golden melt. You can use mild or sharp depending on your preference.

Butter is essential for creating a rich roux, the start of any good cheese sauce.

All-Purpose Flour thickens the sauce, helping it cling to each potato slice.

Milk brings creaminess and ensures the sauce is smooth and luscious.

Salt enhances the flavors and prevents the dish from tasting flat.

Black Pepper adds a touch of spice to balance the creamy richness.

How To Make the Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash, peel, and slice your potatoes into thin, even rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up the cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Serving and Storing Your Simple Cheesy Potatoes

This dish is designed to feed a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers. A single batch serves around 6 to 8 people as a side dish, but don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly.

For storing, allow the leftovers to cool completely before covering them with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave smaller portions if you’re in a rush. They also freeze well for up to a month, making them a smart make-ahead option.

What to Serve With Simple Cheesy Potatoes?

Roasted Chicken

A juicy roast chicken pairs wonderfully with cheesy potatoes, offering a satisfying contrast between crispy skin and creamy sides.

Grilled Steak

A bold, chargrilled steak brings out the savory depth of the potatoes. A perfect pairing for weekend dinners.

Baked Ham

The slight sweetness of glazed ham complements the rich, salty cheese beautifully.

BBQ Pulled Pork

The smokiness of pulled pork adds a flavorful twist that balances the creaminess of the potatoes.

Green Beans with Garlic

A light veggie side like garlicky green beans adds freshness and crunch to your plate.

Garden Salad

Keep it simple with a crisp salad topped with vinaigrette to offset the rich textures.

Fried Eggs

If you’re making this dish for brunch, serve it with sunny-side-up eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast twist.

Meatloaf

Another classic comfort pairing. The cheesy potatoes soak up meatloaf gravy like a dream.

Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If you love these cheesy potatoes, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy and creative options:

• Try the Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes for a hands-off recipe with classic savory flavor.
• Our Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake brings together bold and beefy layers.
• Don’t miss the Old-Fashioned Corn Fritters for a golden crisp twist on corn and batter.
• Looking for a full meal in one? The Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet packs protein and veg in a single pan.
• And the Low Carb Chicken Casserole makes a smart dinner pairing with cheesy potatoes if you’re serving mixed dietary needs.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sharp cheddar or a blend? Add bacon or scallions? I’d love to hear your version.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and more on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

Simple cheesy potatoes are that perfect blend of effortless and indulgent. With a creamy, melty texture and a rich, savory flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits into just about any meal. Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple on your table. Easy to prep, flexible to pair, and always satisfying—what more could you ask from a side dish?

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