Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food heaven with this Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping! This epic dish is an absolute flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. We’re talking layers of perfectly cooked potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar sauce, topped with a sensational crunchy topping that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). This is the kind of comfort food that will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and absolutely blown away.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping
This Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping is the ultimate comfort food masterpiece that will transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. The combination of the velvety, decadent cheddar sauce and the epic, crunchy topping is truly insane and will have your taste buds begging for more. This dish is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also super easy to make, making it the perfect comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. Get ready to smash this incredible dish and become the talk of the town!
Ingredients
You’ll need a few simple ingredients to create this Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping: potatoes, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings. The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by swapping out or adding different cheeses, herbs, and spices.
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups (240 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (480 ml) – Whole milk
- 4 tbsp (57 g) – Unsalted butter, divided
- 4 tbsp (32 g) – All-purpose flour
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try using pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
- Topping: Swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or crushed chips for an even crunchier topping.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping
Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this incredible Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping!
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and slicing those potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a baking dish and get ready to work some magic.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
Next, it’s time to whip up that epic cheddar sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens up. Remove it from the heat, then stir in the cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Pour the creamy cheddar sauce over the potatoes and give it all a good stir to coat them evenly.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
For the crunchy topping, simply melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then mix it together with some breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread this delicious mixture over the top of the cheesy potatoes, then pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are tender and bubbly.
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
Once it’s fresh out of the oven, let the Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping cool for a few minutes, then dive in and enjoy every epic, flavor-packed bite. Y’all, this dish is an absolute feast for the senses and will leave you feeling utterly satisfied.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Cheese: Feel free to get creative and use a blend of cheeses, like cheddar and Parmesan, for even more flavor.
- Add Some Meat: Toss in some diced ham, bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Change Up the Topping: Experiment with different toppings, like crushed potato chips or a panko breadcrumb mixture, for a fun twist.
- Make it Spicy: For a little kick, use a spicy cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it up as a comforting main course, a side dish to your favorite protein, or even as a delicious appetizer.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead: This dish can also be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping is a true comfort food classic, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving is packed with essential nutrients, including complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the cheese, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Of course, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation, but the incredible flavor and satisfaction it provides makes it a truly epic meal.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping is the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the classic cheddar cheese is absolutely epic, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses, too. Try using a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, or swap in pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a little extra spice.
How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?
To keep costs down, try using generic or store-brand ingredients, or opt for a cheaper cut of potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Golds. You can also experiment with using less cheese or making your own breadcrumbs from stale bread.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping can easily be made vegetarian. Simply omit any meat-based ingredients, like bacon or sausage, and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese, like sharp cheddar or Parmesan.
How can I make this dish more indulgent?
For an extra decadent twist, try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the potatoes and the cheddar sauce. You can also top the dish with crispy fried onions or a drizzle of truffle oil for an absolutely explosive flavor experience.
Try These Next
- Creamy Bacon Cheddar Potato Bake With Garlic Crunch
- Maple Chipotle Sweet Potato Casserole With Crunchy Topping
- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food Favorites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cheddar Potato Bake with Crunchy Topping is the perfect comfort food, combining layers of creamy cheddar cheese sauce with tender potatoes, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Ingredients
4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish and top with half of the cheddar cheese.
4. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cheese, and cream mixture.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top.
8. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños to the layers.
Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: potato bake, cheesy potatoes, comfort food