If you love potatoes, this Crispy Cheesy Potato Casserole might become your new favorite comfort food! Made with tender potato slices, a creamy garlic sauce, melted cheese, and a golden, crispy topping, this delicious dish turns simple everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Perfect for family dinners, weekend lunches, or holiday gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of rich, savory flavor. The potatoes become soft and tender inside while the cheese melts into every layer, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will want seconds of.
The best part? You don’t need complicated cooking techniques or expensive ingredients. With a few pantry staples and a little oven time, you can prepare a hearty potato dish that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter. Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the creamy garlic mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped onion, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3: Arrange the potato layers
Place half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes, making sure the slices are lightly coated. Add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the mixture over the top.
Step 4: Bake until tender
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and check the potatoes with a fork. They should be starting to soften.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the potatoes. Add the crumbled bacon if desired. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling and the potatoes are completely tender.
Step 6: Let it rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the creamy sauce to settle and makes serving easier.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this cheesy potato casserole as a satisfying side dish or pair it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–65 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 350–430 per serving, depending on the ingredients and optional bacon
Chef’s Tip
For the best results, slice the potatoes evenly and avoid cutting them too thick. If you want an extra-crispy cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. You can also add Parmesan cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of chili flakes to customize the flavor.