Cheesy, layered potatoes with a creamy

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Intensity: Rich, creamy, and indulgently cheesy

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Introduction

Few side dishes can rival the comfort and decadence of cheesy, layered potatoes with a creamy sauce. This dish is a perfect marriage of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, layers of melted cheese, and a luxurious cream sauce that binds everything together. Ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or simply elevating your weeknight menu, this casserole is both impressive and approachable.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity: with a handful of high-quality ingredients, you achieve a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. The crispy golden top and creamy layers underneath create a perfect contrast in texture, making each bite satisfying and indulgent.

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Ingredients

For the creamy sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk, warmed

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)

For the potato layers:

• 3 pounds (about 6 medium) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick)

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional toppings:

• Crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping

• Additional cheese for extra meltiness

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Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan

• Whisk

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Aluminum foil

• Oven-safe spatula or spoon

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Tip: Using a mandoline slicer ensures evenly thin potato slices, which allows them to cook uniformly and absorb the creamy sauce more effectively.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce (10 minutes)

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, whisking constantly.

Slowly add the warm milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–6 minutes.

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.

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Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes (5–10 minutes)

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch slices. Soak them briefly in cold water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the casserole from becoming gluey. Drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

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Step 4: Layer the Potatoes (10 minutes)

Start layering the potatoes in the prepared baking dish:

1. Spread a thin layer of potatoes at the bottom.

2. Spoon a portion of the creamy sauce over the potatoes, ensuring even coverage.

3. Sprinkle a portion of cheddar and Gruyère cheeses over the sauce.

4. Repeat layers until all potatoes, sauce, and cheese are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

5. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or crushed potato chips on the top layer for added flavor and texture.

Tip: Lightly season each potato layer with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor.

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Step 5: Bake the Casserole (50–60 minutes)

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Tip: To get a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve (5 minutes)

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly and makes the slices easier to serve.

Garnish with freshly chopped chives, extra Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted chicken, ham, or beef for a complete meal.

• Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for balance.

• For a brunch twist, top with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce for a decadent breakfast casserole.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.

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Intensity and Cooking Notes

• Flavor intensity: Rich, cheesy, and deeply savory with a hint of garlic and paprika.

• Effort intensity: Medium — requires careful layering and sauce preparation, but it’s straightforward and very rewarding.

• Time intensity: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes, including prep, bake, and resting time.

This casserole delivers a luxurious experience with every bite — soft, tender potatoes bathed in creamy sauce, layered with perfectly melted cheese that pulls and stretches delightfully.

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Chef’s Tips and Variations

• Cheese options: Swap Gruyère for Fontina or mozzarella for a milder, stringier texture.

• Healthier version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese slightly.

• Add flavor layers: Incorporate caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms between potato layers.

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat.

• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

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Common Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and work well with the creamy, cheesy layers. Adjust cooking time slightly, as they may cook a bit faster.

Can I prepare this in individual ramekins?
Absolutely. Divide the layers into greased ramekins and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

How can I make it extra crispy on top?
Sprinkle crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on the top layer before baking.

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Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Layered Potatoes with a Creamy Sauce are the ultimate comfort food side dish. They combine creamy, tender potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce that’s deeply satisfying. With crispy golden edges and layers of gooey melted cheese inside, this casserole is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight meal.

It’s a dish that looks beautiful on the table, tastes indulgent, and satisfies everyone at the table — from kids to adults. The layers of cheese and sauce make it utterly decadent, yet the simplicity of ingredients ensures it’s achievable even for home cooks who want a show-stopping dish without stress.

Prepare it ahead, serve it warm, and watch it disappear — this cheesy potato casserole is destined to become a family favorite for years to come.