Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe for Effortless Cooking

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Creamy, melty, and downright irresistible, these Simple Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Whether you’re putting together a weeknight family dinner or bringing something special to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Picture soft, tender potatoes baked to perfection and coated in a golden, cheesy blanket that oozes with every spoonful.

This dish comes together with minimal effort and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy days when you need something hearty and homemade without the fuss. The best part? You can prep it in advance, pop it in the oven, and have it hot and bubbly when dinner time rolls around.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it checks all the boxes: comforting, simple, versatile, and most importantly, cheesy. It works as a base recipe that you can tweak to suit your tastes—add bacon, green onions, or even a touch of spice. The texture is both creamy and crispy thanks to the cheesy top layer, and it pairs beautifully with so many main dishes.

It also holds up well for leftovers, which makes it a lifesaver for weekly meal prep. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and naturally gluten-free if you use the right ingredients.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For this recipe, russet potatoes are the go-to choice. They bake up tender and absorb all that cheesy, creamy goodness. If you prefer a waxier variety, Yukon Golds also work wonderfully and add a buttery flavor. Avoid red potatoes, which tend to hold their shape too well and won’t give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re after.

Ingredients for the Simple Cheesy Potatoes

This dish relies on classic, comforting ingredients that most of us already have in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that doesn’t try to be fancy—it just focuses on bold, nostalgic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Russet potatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Butter
• Onion
• Salt
• Black pepper

Russet potatoes are perfect for baking and absorb the cheesy mixture well, turning soft and flavorful. Cheddar cheese brings the bold cheesy taste we all crave. Sour cream adds a creamy tang and balances out the richness. Cream of chicken soup is the secret weapon that makes everything cohesive and ultra comforting. Butter provides richness and a little golden finish. Onion gives depth of flavor and a savory edge. Don’t skip the salt and black pepper—they round out the entire dish and help enhance the flavors.

How To Make the Simple Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel and dice your russet potatoes into small cubes. Boil them in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Gently fold the par-cooked potatoes into the cheesy mixture until fully coated. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the potatoes uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and lightly browned.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes for easier scooping.

How to Serve and Store These Cheesy Potatoes

This recipe is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. It comfortably serves 6 to 8 people as a side dish, making it perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or holiday spreads. If you’re serving a smaller group, enjoy the leftovers the next day—they reheat beautifully.

To store, let the potatoes cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix. If you want to freeze them, portion the cooled cheesy potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Simple Cheesy Potatoes?

Baked Ham

The salty-sweet glaze of baked ham is a perfect match for the creamy texture of these potatoes. Together, they feel like a holiday dinner any day of the week.

Grilled Chicken

Pair it with herb-marinated grilled chicken for a wholesome and balanced meal. The smoky char plays well with the rich potatoes.

BBQ Ribs

Go full-on comfort with tender, saucy ribs. The tangy barbecue cuts through the richness of the cheese, making every bite mouthwatering.

Meatloaf

Classic meets classic. This timeless pairing is all about satisfying, home-cooked flavor.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright, green, and slightly crisp, broccoli is a great way to balance out the richness of the cheesy dish.

Garden Salad

A crisp side salad with a vinegar-based dressing brings freshness and contrast to your plate.

Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken with cheesy potatoes on the side? Yes, please. The textures and flavors are just meant to go together.

Baked Beans

For a more rustic, backyard-style meal, cheesy potatoes and baked beans are an old-school favorite combo.

Want More Potato Side Dish Ideas?

If you can’t get enough cheesy, creamy, and comforting dishes like these simple cheesy potatoes, you’re in good company. These other recipes deliver the same cozy vibes with a delicious twist:

• Loaded Scalloped Potatoes for layers of rich sauce and savory toppings.
• Baked Potatoes in Foil with Parmesan Ranch Sauce that come out fork-tender and flavor-packed.
• Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes when you want to add greens right to the pan.
• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake that pairs crispy edges with creamy centers.
• Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers if you’re looking for a buttery bread-style side to go alongside.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you mix in bacon or try it with green onions? Maybe you used cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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