Creamy Potato Casserole - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

By September 4, 20264 min read
Side Dish

Potato Casserole

A creamy, cheesy potato casserole with crispy edges, ready in under an hour. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

This potato casserole is all about comfort. Thinly sliced potatoes bake in a creamy sauce until tender, with a golden crust on top.

You can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when you're ready. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1

It's creamy inside with crispy edges.
2

You only need simple ingredients.
3

It feeds a crowd with little effort.
4

Kids and adults both love it.

About the Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes

Peel and slice them thin. Yukon Golds work too but won't be as fluffy.

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

Milk works but won't be as rich. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.

1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Swiss or Gruyère are good swaps.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan

The salty kick helps balance the creaminess.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh is best here. Powder will work in a pinch.

1 tsp salt

Potatoes need seasoning. Taste the sauce before baking.

1/2 tsp black pepper

Freshly cracked gives the best flavor.

1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs

Panko makes it extra crispy. Crushed crackers work too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep potatoes

Peel and slice potatoes 1/8 inch thick. Rinse and pat dry.

2. Make sauce

Whisk cream, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Layer potatoes

Arrange half the potatoes in a greased 9×13 dish. Pour half the sauce over them.

4. Add cheese

Sprinkle half the cheddar and Parmesan over the first layer.

5. Repeat layers

Add remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses.

6. Top with crumbs

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

7. Bake

Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until golden.

8. Rest

Let it sit 10 minutes before serving so it sets.

How to Store Potato Casserole

Refrigerator

Keep covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze before baking for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips & Tricks

  • Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Let it rest 10 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens.
  • If the top browns too fast, cover with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 10 minutes to the bake time.

Q: Why are my potatoes still hard?

They were likely cut too thick. Slice them no more than 1/8 inch for even cooking.

Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?

Thaw them first and pat dry. They'll release more liquid, so the sauce may be thinner.

Q: What goes well with this?

Roast chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad balances the richness.

Delicious Variations

  • Add diced ham or bacon between layers.
  • Swap half the potatoes for sliced sweet potatoes.
  • Top with fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.

This casserole turns basic potatoes into something special. Give it a try next time you need comfort food that pleases everyone.

Potato Casserole, freshly made and ready to serve

Creamy Potato Casserole – Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

A creamy, cheesy potato casserole with crispy edges, ready in under an hour. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

15 minPrep time50 minCook time8Servings285 kcalCalories

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs

📋 Instructions

  1. 1Prep potatoes — Peel and slice potatoes 1/8 inch thick. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. 2Make sauce — Whisk cream, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. 3Layer potatoes — Arrange half the potatoes in a greased 9×13 dish. Pour half the sauce over them.
  4. 4Add cheese — Sprinkle half the cheddar and Parmesan over the first layer.
  5. 5Repeat layers — Add remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheeses.
  6. 6Top with crumbs — Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  7. 7Bake — Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until golden.
  8. 8Rest — Let it sit 10 minutes before serving so it sets.
👨🍳 Chef's Note: The edges will be the crispiest part – that's where you want to serve from first.

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Course: Side Dish

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

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