Ever craved the creamy, cheesy goodness of baked potatoes without using condensed soup? You definitely could achieve that same comforting flavor and velvety texture with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Here’s a recipe that transforms ordinary potatoes into a dish worthy of celebration.
Ingredients
To create a cheesy potato casserole without condensed soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ onion, petite diced (about 1 cup)
- 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1.5 cups 1% milk
- 8 ounces full fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 32 ounces frozen diced breakfast potatoes
- 2 cups crushed potato chips
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional
How to Make Baked Cheesy Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt butter over medium-low heat in a spacious skillet.
- Sauté onions in the melted butter until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Remove the pan from heat and mix in sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and shredded cheese.
- Combine the potatoes with the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top.
- Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Briefly broil the potatoes, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden brown color on the potato chips without burning.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving!
Why Crushed Potato Chip Toppings?
This dish is all about comfort, not health food. We’re not claiming it’s something you should eat every day, but when you do indulge, embrace the crispy, salty goodness of those crushed potato chips on top. Lick your plate clean if you want; we won’t judge!
It might seem unconventional, but this unexpected addition takes baked cheesy potatoes to a whole new level. Here’s why it works:
- Crunchy Contrast: The potato chips add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling. This textural interplay makes every bite more interesting.
- Flavor Enhancement: Potato chips are inherently savory and salty, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. They add a subtle depth and a hint of umami that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly.
- Nostalgic Comfort: For many, potato chips evoke memories of childhood snacks and comfort foods. Incorporating them into this dish adds a layer of nostalgia and familiarity, making it even more appealing.
- Visual Appeal: The golden brown potato chips create a visually appealing topping that makes the dish look even more irresistible. It’s a simple way to elevate the presentation.
- Easy and Accessible: Potato chips are readily available and require no additional preparation, making this a convenient and budget-friendly way to add a special touch.
This recipe is a celebration of simple joys and unapologetic indulgence. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to let go of the “rules” and savor the flavors that bring you pure comfort and satisfaction. So go ahead, grab a fork, and revel in the cheesy, potato-y goodness—guilt-free!
Crock Pot Adaptation
For a hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe for your slow cooker.
- Simply follow the instructions as usual, but transfer the cheesy potato mixture to a medium/large crock pot (ideally one that’s the size of a 9×13 pan).
- Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time, then top with the crushed chips and continue cooking.
- Keep an eye on the potatoes and test them for doneness to avoid overcooking.
What to Pair with Baked Cheesy Potatoes
Baked cheesy potatoes, with their rich and comforting flavors, pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious dishes to consider:
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: The savory flavors of grilled or roasted chicken, steak, or pork complement the cheesy potatoes beautifully.
- Fish: A simple baked or pan-seared fish, like salmon or cod, provides a lighter contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
- Meatloaf: The heartiness of meatloaf pairs well with the creamy texture of the potatoes, creating a classic comfort food combination.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: To add some freshness and balance to the meal, serve the potatoes with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad.
- Sautéed Greens: A side of garlicky spinach or kale adds a vibrant touch and complements the cheesy flavors.
- Fruit Salad: For a lighter and refreshing option, consider a fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries or melon.
So there you have it—a baked cheesy potato recipe that’s as delicious and indulgent. This dish proves that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to achieve ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
Baked Cheesy Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Preheated oven
- 1 Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork (for checking if potatoes are done)
- Spoon (for mixing and stirring)
Ingredients
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter
- ½ onion petite diced (about 1 cup)
- 6 tbsps all purpose flour
- 1.5 cups 1% milk
- 8 oz. full fat sour cream
- 2 tsps Kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 32 oz. frozen diced breakfast potatoes
- 2 cups crushed potato chips
- 1 tbsps fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt butter over medium-low heat in a spacious skillet.
- Sauté onions in the melted butter until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Remove the pan from heat and mix in sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and shredded cheese.
- Combine the potatoes with the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips over the top.
- Cover the skillet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Briefly broil the potatoes, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden brown color on the potato chips without burning.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving!
Notes
If Using a Crock Pot
- Simply follow the instructions as usual, but transfer the cheesy potato mixture to a medium/large crock pot (ideally one that’s the size of a 9×13 pan).
- Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time, then top with the crushed chips and continue cooking.
- Keep an eye on the potatoes and test them for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.