potato bake casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best potato bake casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – the classic potato bake casserole. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. I love how the combination of creamy potatoes, savory cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs comes together to create a truly satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into your diet – who says healthy food can’t be delicious?

I’ve served this casserole at countless potlucks, family gatherings, and even just a regular Tuesday dinner night, and it never fails to impress. My kids devour it in seconds, and my husband asks for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) It’s become such an integral part of our family’s culinary routine that I’ve started making it for just the two of us on lazy Sundays.

I know I’ll be making this recipe for years to come – it’s that good! And the best part? It freezes beautifully, so I can prep it ahead of time and pull it out whenever we need a quick meal.

My grandmother used to make this dish all the time when I was growing up – she’d call it ‘potato surprise’ – and now I’m passing it down to my own kids. It’s amazing how certain recipes can evoke such strong memories and emotions. For me, this potato bake casserole will always be tied to happy times with loved ones around the table.

Cheesy Potato Bake Casserole

4.6 from 558 votes

A comforting and hearty potato bake casserole with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Potatoes

2 lbs potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
3Toss them in olive oil and salt, then spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4Bake the potatoes for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
5The potatoes should be slightly softened but not fully cooked.
6In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
7Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
8Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
9Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
10This should take about 3-5 minutes.
11Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
12Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the partially cooked potatoes.
13Mix in the cheese sauce with the potatoes.
14In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, and melted butter.
15Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
16Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
17The casserole should bubble around the edges.
18Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
19This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
20The casserole should be hot and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Potato Bake Casserole Works

This potato bake casserole is more than just a tasty meal – it’s a reliable go-to when you need something comforting and satisfying.

Plus, its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or stressful days when cooking feels like too much effort.

Whether you’re serving it as is or paired with some crusty bread or salad on the side, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household just like it has in mine.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Potato Bake Casserole

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones, and you’re good to go. Be sure to check the ingredient labels on your other ingredients as well to ensure they’re free from gluten contamination.

Q: How long can I store this casserole in the fridge?

A: You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days without any issues. Just make sure you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Yes! Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese until you find your favorite combination. Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan – all work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yep! This potato bake casserole is completely vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check your ingredients for any hidden animal products.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

A: Yes! In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to preserve this casserole for later use. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it straight from frozen in the oven.

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