Personalized Cheesy Potato Casseroles

Name: Personalized Cheesy Potato Casseroles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet recommended); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any preferred cheese); 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits; 1/2 cup chopped broccoli; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/2 cup diced ham

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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Create your own comforting personalized cheesy potato casseroles with customizable add-ins like bacon, vegetables, or different cheeses. This recipe is perfect for individual servings or sharing with loved ones, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s highly customizable with your favorite add-ins.

Perfect for individual portions or family-style casseroles.

The creamy, cheesy sauce makes it irresistibly comforting.

Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

A versatile side dish or main course that fits any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet work well)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Optional add-ins:

1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

1/2 cup chopped broccoli

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/2 cup diced ham

Or any protein/veggies you love

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or use individual ramekins for personalized portions.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared dish or ramekins. Pour a small amount of cheese sauce over the layer, spreading it evenly. Add any optional add-ins at this stage.

Repeat the layering process (potatoes, cheese sauce, add-ins) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or any preferred toppings.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.

Vegetarian Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie-loaded version.

Protein Packed: Use shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or ground turkey for a hearty main dish.

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicy variation.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Related Recipes:

Cake Mix Cookies (3 Ingredients)

FAQs

How can I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

I like to slice the potatoes as thinly as possible, ideally about 1/8-inch thick, for even cooking. A mandoline slicer works well for this.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the covered bake time if chilled.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Yukon gold and russet potatoes work best due to their creaminess and ability to absorb flavors.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all the ingredients. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?

I recommend cooking the sauce over medium heat and not boiling it. Stir constantly and add the cheese off the heat to avoid separation.

Conclusion

This personalized cheesy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food with endless customization options. Whether served as a side dish or a hearty main, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your table. Give it your own twist with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a warm, cheesy bite of perfection.

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