Nothing says cozy holiday comfort like a bubbling dish of Easy Cheesy Potatoes. Creamy, rich, and perfectly golden, this crowd-pleasing side dish is a staple for Christmas dinners, potlucks, and family get-togethers. Made with simple pantry staples and ready with minimal prep, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or even a crisp salad. The tender potatoes soak up every bit of creamy sauce, while the melted cheese on top adds an irresistible finish. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or just want an easy, comforting side, this recipe always delivers cheesy perfection.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cheesy Potatoes
There’s something magical about creamy, cheesy potatoes fresh from the oven. This recipe is incredibly easy, making it a go-to for busy holiday cooks. You only need a few common ingredients to get that classic rich, melty flavor everyone loves. The texture is smooth and comforting, with perfectly tender potato cubes surrounded by creamy sauce. It’s also flexible — you can prep it ahead, keep it warm in a Crockpot, or bake it right before serving. Families love it for its nostalgic taste and simplicity, while hosts appreciate how well it feeds a crowd. For Christmas, Easter, or any family dinner, these Easy Cheesy Potatoes fit right in as the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every spoonful of these potatoes is loaded with creamy goodness and flavor. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect bite.
Core Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes: The base of the dish, starchy and fluffy when baked.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds savory depth and creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: Balances the richness with tangy creaminess.
- Melted Butter: Brings a smooth, buttery flavor throughout.
- Scallions: Add a touch of freshness and light onion flavor.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Infuse the dish with warmth and aroma.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, sharp perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish for extra flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
For variety, you can mix in cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for protein. You can also try different “cream of” soups like mushroom or celery for a twist. Cheeses like Gruyère or Colby Jack bring new flavor dimensions too.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Boil and Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even cubes. Boil them in salted water until just tender, then drain well. Transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 baking dish. This ensures a perfect texture — soft but not mushy.
Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add half of both cheeses and stir until smooth. This creates the creamy, flavorful base that coats every bite.
Combine and Bake
Pour the cheesy mixture over the potatoes. Gently toss to coat them evenly without mashing. Spread the mixture in the dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Let Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Serve hot and melty — it’s perfect with roasted meats or alongside a Classic Christmas Prime Rib Feast.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is perfect for holiday planning. You can assemble it a day ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When baking straight from the fridge, add 10–15 extra minutes to the bake time. For potlucks, transfer it to a Crockpot and set it to “warm” for easy serving. If preparing in advance, grate the cheese fresh before baking for the best melt and flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potatoes
Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest texture — pre-shredded blends don’t melt as well. Don’t overboil the potatoes, or they’ll fall apart in the oven. You can dab any excess oil from the top after baking if needed. When reheating, do it slowly in the oven or on low heat in a covered pan to keep that smooth, creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
These Easy Cheesy Potatoes are endlessly adaptable. Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Colby Jack for a different flavor twist. For convenience, use frozen hashbrowns (cubed or shredded); just reduce bake time slightly. Add cooked bacon, ham, or rotisserie chicken to make it a full meal. Want more color? Stir in diced bell peppers or peas. Each cheese gives a unique taste, so feel free to experiment while keeping that comforting, creamy base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these creamy potatoes with roasted turkey, steak, or baked ham for a festive feast. They also pair wonderfully with a light green salad or Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe. For Christmas, Easter brunch, or Sunday dinners, they’re a perfect side dish that complements nearly any main course beautifully.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces tend to separate. To keep it smooth and flavorful, stir while reheating and serve immediately once warmed through.
FAQs
What is cheesy potato called?
They’re often called cheesy potatoes, funeral potatoes, or hashbrown casserole.
How to make cheesy new potatoes?
Use small boiled new potatoes, halve them, and follow the same sauce method.
What is another name for cheesy potatoes?
They’re also known as “party potatoes” or “Christmas potato casserole.
What cheese goes best with potatoes?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère, Colby Jack, and Parmesan also work beautifully.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Sausage Potato Soup – Creamy Comfort
- Christmas Crack (Saltine Cracker Toffee)
- Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Conclusion
These Easy Cheesy Potatoes bring creamy comfort and holiday warmth to any table. They’re simple to make, rich in flavor, and always a hit with family and friends. Perfect for Christmas dinners or cozy winter nights, this dish combines classic ingredients in the most delicious way. Try it once, and it’ll become a family tradition. Share your thoughts or pair it with another festive favorite for the ultimate comfort meal. Visit Ellie’s Pinterest for more seasonal inspiration.
Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling the potatoes.
- Mixing bowl To combine the creamy sauce.
- 9×13-inch baking dish To bake the casserole.
- Wooden spoon For mixing ingredients.
- Oven Preheated to 350°F.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup chopped scallions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Boil the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until just tender. Drain well and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of each cheese until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly. Spread in the dish, then top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
