Description
This Personalized Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and versatile baked dish featuring layers of thinly sliced Yukon gold or russet potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and optional add-ins like bacon, broccoli, green onions, and ham. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Add-ins
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet recommended)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup diced ham
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese), divided (1 1/2 cups for sauce, 1/2 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or individual ramekins for single servings.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux; cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour a portion of the cheese sauce evenly over a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared dish. Add any of the optional ingredients as desired (bacon bits, broccoli, green onions, diced ham). Repeat layering potatoes, cheese sauce, and add-ins, finishing with a final layer of cheese sauce.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with additional green onions or herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russet potatoes for a fluffier result.
- You can customize the casserole with your choice of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Optional add-ins like bacon, broccoli, green onions, and ham add flavor and texture but can be omitted or substituted based on preference.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve.
