Golden, creamy, and packed with rich, melted cheese, these Cheesy Potatoes You Cant Resist are the ultimate comfort food. I love making this dish when I want something warm, filling, and universally loved. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Each bite delivers creamy potatoes coated in a savory cheese sauce with the perfect hint of seasoning.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 cups milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
½ cup sour cream
Optional topping: crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish.
I boil the diced potatoes in salted water for 10–12 minutes, just until they're tender, then drain and set them aside.
In a saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for about a minute. Then I slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
I stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then remove it from the heat and add 1½ cups of cheese along with the sour cream. I stir until everything is melted and creamy.
I mix the cooked potatoes into the cheese sauce, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
I top it with the remaining cheese and the breadcrumb topping if I want extra texture.
I bake it for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—though it’s hard to wait!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings, perfect for a side dish at a gathering or dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Variations
I often switch things up depending on the occasion or what I have available. Sometimes I use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for extra depth. For a smoky kick, I’ve added crumbled cooked bacon or a dash of smoked paprika. I’ve also swapped in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor. And when I want a gluten-free version, I simply use a GF flour blend in the roux.
Storage/Reheating
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to keep the top crispy. But when I’m in a rush, the microwave works just fine—about 1–2 minutes per serving.
FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for cheesy potatoes?
I usually go with russet potatoes because they hold their shape well after boiling and soak up the cheesy sauce beautifully. Yukon gold also works if I want a creamier texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready, I just bake it as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian if I skip the bacon variation and ensure my cheese and sour cream don’t contain animal rennet.
Can I freeze cheesy potatoes?
While I’ve frozen leftovers with okay results, the texture of the sauce can change slightly. If I do freeze it, I make sure it’s cooled completely, then wrap it well and store for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with cheesy potatoes?
I often pair this with roasted chicken, meatloaf, or grilled vegetables. It’s also a fantastic side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Easter.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Potatoes You Cant Resist are everything I want in a comforting side dish—easy, creamy, and loaded with flavor. I love how adaptable the recipe is, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a regular weeknight dinner, this dish finds its way onto my table again and again.
Recipe:

Cheesy Potatoes You Cant Resist
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, creamy, and packed with rich melted cheese, these cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 cups milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
½ cup sour cream
Optional topping: crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Boil diced potatoes in salted water for 10–12 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Add 1½ cups of shredded cheese and sour cream to the sauce. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Mix the cooked potatoes into the cheese sauce.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumb topping.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
Add crumbled cooked bacon or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Swap sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking; add 5–10 minutes to bake time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg