Easy Cheesy Potatoes

5 from 1 vote

These Easy Cheesy Potatoes (Grandma’s Recipe) are made with tender russet potatoes, a creamy mixture of milk and heavy cream, and plenty of melty Colby Jack cheese. The potatoes are seasoned between layers and baked slowly until tender, then finished uncovered until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This family recipe makes a comforting cheesy potato side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special meals.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesy potatoes, potato casserole

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

5 large Idaho russet potatoes peeled and cut into ¼–½ inch thick matchsticks or cubes (matchsticks = 2 hours cook time, cubes = 1½ hours)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups Colby Jack cheese freshly shredded and divided
Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Butter or nonstick spray for greasing the baking dish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large Dutch oven generously with butter or nonstick spray.
Make the cream mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
Layer the potatoes and cheese: Spread a layer of potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle a handful of cheese over the potatoes. Repeat layers until all potatoes are used, reserving about ½ cup of cheese for the topping.
Add the cream mixture: Pour the milk and cream mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and cheese. Gently shake or tap the dish to help the liquid distribute between layers.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for another 45-65 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender and the top is golden and bubbly. If you bake it in a deep casserole dish it will take longer :).
If using cubed potatoes: total bake time = about 1½ hours.
If using matchstick potatoes: total bake time = about 2 hours.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and you don't end up with firm pieces mixed with tender ones.
Season between the layers so the potatoes are flavorful throughout rather than seasoned only on top.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melting and best texture.
Keep the dish covered during the first part of baking so the potatoes have time to become tender without the cheese browning too quickly.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the creamy sauce can settle and thicken slightly.

Nutrition