Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe for Effortless Cooking

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Sometimes, the most satisfying dishes come from the simplest ingredients. That’s exactly what you get with this Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe. Creamy, tender potatoes wrapped in melty cheese and baked until golden make the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping an easy side dish for dinner, this is a go-to everyone can agree on.

These cheesy potatoes bring warmth and joy to the table with minimal effort. You don’t need any fancy techniques or specialty tools to make them. It’s just layers of goodness—soft russet potatoes, a luscious cheese sauce, and a short bake time to bring it all together. From family dinners to holiday gatherings, these will be the first dish to disappear.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

This dish is all about ease and flavor. With only a handful of pantry staples, you get a side that feels like a treat but takes barely any hands-on time. It’s budget-friendly, highly customizable, and an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it pairs beautifully with almost any protein—from grilled chicken to roast beef.

What makes it really shine is its texture: fork-tender potatoes in a rich, creamy blanket of cheddar that bubbles and browns just right in the oven. It tastes indulgent without being fussy.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Russet potatoes are your best bet here. Their starchy texture softens beautifully when baked and helps absorb the cheesy goodness without turning mushy. Yukon Golds can also work if you prefer a more buttery bite, but russets deliver that classic fluffy interior that makes each cheesy forkful irresistible.

Ingredients for the Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays an important role. The combination of starch, fat, and creaminess creates that signature cheesy comfort you’re after. Freshness and quality make a difference, especially when using so few ingredients.

• Russet potatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Simple Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes. You want uniform thickness so they cook evenly. Aim for about ¼ inch slices.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and velvety.

Step 3: Layer Everything Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish and begin layering the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then add another layer and repeat until all the ingredients are used.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.

Serving and Storing These Simple Cheesy Potatoes

This dish comfortably serves about 6 people as a side, making it perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The creamy, cheesy richness satisfies quickly, but you might find folks coming back for seconds anyway.

Leftovers are easy to store and taste just as good reheated. Let the potatoes cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F to regain that crispy top.

What to Serve With Simple Cheesy Potatoes?

Grilled Chicken Thighs

The smoky, charred flavor from the grill perfectly complements the creamy potatoes.

Honey Glazed Ham

The salty-sweet profile of baked ham makes a classic partner for cheesy potato sides.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Rich and saucy pulled pork piled high alongside a scoop of cheesy potatoes is comfort food bliss.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add a touch of green and a bit of crunch to balance out the creaminess.

Seared Ribeye Steak

For something hearty and indulgent, serve this dish with a juicy, seared steak.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Kids love this combo, and it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Baked Salmon

A flaky, oven-roasted salmon adds protein and healthy fats to round out the meal.

Classic Caesar Salad

Keep it crisp and refreshing with a tangy Caesar to contrast the richness of the potatoes.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you loved these Simple Cheesy Potatoes, you’re going to adore these other comforting and flavor-packed sides:

• Try the ultra-savory Roasted Zucchini and Squash for a lighter, veggie-forward dish.
• These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes bring in a bold twist with ranch seasoning.
• For something creamy and rich, the Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a fun and nutritious change.
• Don’t miss the classic appeal of Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes and Mushrooms – hearty and satisfying.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can make it anytime those cheesy cravings hit.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bacon bits or jalapeños? Maybe you swapped the cheddar for something smoky? I’d love to hear it!

Explore beautifully curated comfort food recipes and crave-worthy meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. There’s always something new to inspire your next kitchen adventure.

Conclusion

Simple Cheesy Potatoes are everything a good side dish should be—easy, cozy, cheesy, and loved by all. With minimal prep and major flavor, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to whenever you want something warm and reliably delicious. Whether it’s a holiday, a potluck, or a random Tuesday night, these potatoes will never let you down.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?