A Warm Hug on a Plate
Transform three simple potatoes into a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy edges, creamy interior, and a luxurious cheese sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Potato Base
- Potatoes: 3 large (about 750g)
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped
- Onions: 1 medium, diced
- Vegetable Oil: For coating
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Paprika: 1 tsp (2g)
- Cheese: 200g (7 oz), grated
- Cornstarch: 5 tbsp (40g)
For the Cheese Sauce
- Butter: 2 tbsp (30g)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (30g)
- Milk: 300 ml (1¼ cups)
- Cheese: 150g (5 oz), grated
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Wash and slice potatoes thinly
- Toss with vegetable oil, salt, and paprika
- Spread on baking sheet
- Roast 20-25 minutes until edges crisp
- Make Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in saucepan
- Add flour, whisk to create roux
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly
- Cook until sauce thickens
- Add cheese, salt, and pepper
- Stir until smooth
- Assemble Casserole
- Layer roasted potato slices in baking dish
- Sprinkle with diced onions and garlic
- Dust with cornstarch
- Pour cheese sauce over potatoes
- Top with additional grated cheese
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden
- Finish and Serve
- Remove from oven
- Let rest 5 minutes
- Garnish with fresh parsley
- Serve hot
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Cooking Pro Tips
- Use starchy potatoes for best texture
- Don’t skip roasting potatoes first
- Whisk sauce constantly to prevent lumps
- Let casserole rest before serving
Recipe Variations
- Add bacon bits
- Use different cheese blends
- Include herbs like thyme
- Make vegetarian or vegan
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes? A: Fresh is best, but thawed works in a pinch
Q: How to store leftovers? A: Refrigerate, reheat in oven
Q: Gluten-free options? A: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch
Q: Can I make ahead? A: Prepare components in advance
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as side dish
- Great with grilled meats
- Perfect for potlucks
- Pair with green salad
Indulge in this irresistible Cheesy Potato Casserole that turns simple ingredients into a spectacular dish!