Cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food — warm, gooey, and absolutely satisfying. Think of soft, tender chunks of potato mixed with rich, melted cheese, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s a dish that brings people together at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday tables. Whether you call them cheesy potatoes, funeral potatoes, or loaded potato bake, one thing is certain — they’re always a hit. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple, easy-to-follow recipe that anyone can master, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. Let’s dig in!
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of everything you need to know before you start cooking:
| Course | Side Dish |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 6 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Calories | 320 per serving |
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all the right tools ready. Having the right equipment makes the process faster and more enjoyable.
- Cutting board – For chopping the potatoes and onions.
- Chef’s knife – A sharp knife is essential for clean cuts.
- Mixing bowl – Use a large bowl to combine all ingredients easily.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – The perfect size for even cooking.
- Aluminum foil – For covering the dish while baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements make a big difference in taste.
- Potato peeler (optional) – If you prefer to peel your potatoes.
- Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot dishes!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cheesy potato recipe:
- 6 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
Here’s how to make cheesy potatoes from scratch, step-by-step:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and dice potatoes, then parboil them in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, garlic powder, and melted butter.
- Add the parboiled potatoes and shredded cheese. Mix well until everything is coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until top is golden and crispy.
Essential Note:
For extra flavor, try mixing in cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions. Make sure not to overboil the potatoes — they should be slightly firm before baking, not mushy. The cheese melts perfectly when the dish is covered at first, then finished off uncovered for that golden crust.
