Potato casserole is a classic comfort food that never fails to impress. This hearty dish is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s truly a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a delightful side dish and you’re going to love the combination of flavors!
Table of Contents
Potato casserole is a popular dish made with layers of sliced potatoes, cream, cheese, and other ingredients, baked in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It is often enjoyed as a side dish or a main course.
The star of this dish is, of course, the humble potato, which gets transformed into an irresistibly tender and creamy delight. The potatoes are layered with a rich and velvety sauce, made from a blend of half and half, carrots, onions, and savory aromatic seasonings that truly take this delicious dish to the next level!
It’s then baked to golden perfection, creating a crisp and cheesy crust that adds an extra layer of goodness to this already mouthwatering dish. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy preparation: It is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps. I’ll guide you through the whole process and it’ll be super easy to make, trust me.
Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can also add additional ingredients such as bacon, cheese, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Delicious: The combination of creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and crispy crust makes this potato casserole incredibly delicious. Every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a large family gathering or a potluck, this potato casserole is sure to please everyone. The creamy and comforting flavors are universally loved.
Special occasion dish: This recipe is perfect for special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a delicious and hearty dish that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Key Ingredients
All you need are some simple ingredients to make this potato casserole recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Yellow potatoes: We will need yellow potatoes to make this recipe as they will provide a creamy texture and add a subtle sweetness to the dish. See the post on how to grow homegrown potatoes.
- Salt: We will also need some salt to make this recipe. It will enhance the flavors and help to season the dish perfectly.
- Carrots: Prepare to use some carrots which will add a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a vibrant color to the dish.
- Onions: We will also be using some onions which will provide a savory and aromatic base for the dish, adding depth of flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Next we will need garlic cloves. They will infuse the dish with a rich and pungent flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Olive oil: We will also need some olive oil. It will add a smooth and velvety texture to the dish, as well as a subtle fruity flavor.
- Mrs. Dash: We will be needing Mrs. Dash which will provide a blend of herbs and spices, adding a flavorful and aromatic touch to the dish.
- Black ground pepper: We will also need black ground pepper: it will add a subtle heat and a bold, peppery flavor to the dish.
- Half & Half: Lastly, we will need Half & Half to make this recipe. It will add a creamy and rich texture to the dish, making it extra delicious.
- Chicken bouillon: We’ll also be using some chicken bouillon to get the perfect chicken broth flavor to potatoes. Alternatively, you can make your own chicken stock using the chicken carcass or chicken bones.
How to Make Potato Casserole
Making this incredible potato casserole is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Prep Potatoes
Start by preparing to peel the potatoes and then wash them thoroughly.
Cut the potatoes into four equal-sized pieces.
Take a large saucepan and place the cut potatoes into it. Give them a final rinse with water to remove any dirt or residue.
Cover the potatoes with water in the saucepan, add a couple of teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the water from the saucepan containing the potatoes and set aside.
How to Make Creamy Mixture for Potato Casserole
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the creamy mixture.
Begin by peeling the carrots and grating them finely.
Chop half of the yellow onion. Finely chop four large cloves of garlic.
Take a pan and add some olive oil to it. Sautee onion, garlic, and grated carrots into the pan on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to guarantee even cooking. Once done, set the mixture aside.
Preheat a Dutch oven pot on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As soon as the butter melts, add flour and whisk until it mixes and cooks with the butter. That takes about 10 seconds.
Pour in the Half & Half (a type of cream) and then add the sautéed carrots, onion, and garlic mixture.
While the sauce is simmering add seasonings: Mrs. Dash seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and chicken bullion paste. Let it slowly cook for a minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
How to Assemble and Bake Potato Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large ceramic baking pan. Once that is done, pour the mixture over the potatoes in the baking pan. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated.
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven, uncovered, and let it bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes or until the dish is heated through.
Once the baking time is complete, remove the pan from the oven. If you prefer creamier potatoes, gently mix the potatoes in the pan right after removing them from the oven.
Finally, it is time to enjoy your delicious creamy potato dish! Serve it as a side dish or as a main course.
Recipe Tips
Pre-cook the potatoes: Boiling or steaming the potatoes before assembling the casserole will make sure that they are fully cooked and tender in the finished dish.
Use a mix of cheeses: If you’re looking to add cheese to it, add a mix. For a flavorful and delicious casserole, you can use a combination of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Hashbrowns: You can also use some frozen hash browns to make this recipe faster or even some frozen diced breakfast potatoes. I prefer homemade so I’ve made it from scratch in this recipe.
Add a crispy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes over the top of the casserole before baking to create a crispy and golden crust.
Cover with foil: To prevent the cheese from burning and to guarantee even cooking, cover the casserole dish with foil for the first part of the baking time, then remove it to allow the top to brown.
Substitutions and Variations
This delicious potato casserole recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Bacon: For a savory twist, add crumbled bacon to the potato casserole before baking. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon will complement the creamy potatoes, in turn, creating a delicious combination of flavors.
Cheesy broccoli: For a healthier option, add steamed broccoli florets to the potato casserole before baking. The vibrant green color of the broccoli adds visual appeal to the dish, while the cheesy flavors and creamy texture of the casserole pair beautifully with the tender broccoli.
Super cheesy: For a cheesy potato casserole, top it with your favorite cheese such as sharp cheddar cheese, and maybe even a little butter. It’s a delicious potato bake that you’ll love. Add some garlic powder on top along with some green onions and sausages for a filling side dish.
Soup: If you’re looking to make a flavorful cream mixture, you can also use some ready-made soup such as cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup as the base.
Spicy: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the potato casserole before baking. The spicy flavor adds an exciting twist to the dish, and pairs well with the creamy and cheesy potatoes. Adjust the level of spiciness according to your choice.
Italian herb: For a taste of Italy, add a mixture of dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme to the potato casserole before baking. The aromatic herbs add a burst of flavor to the dish, giving it an Italian flair.
Loaded: You can also add toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives to the potato casserole before baking. The combination of these classic baked potato toppings creates a rich and delightful dish that is sure to be an absolute hit. Sprinkle the cheese over the potatoes before baking, and serve the casserole with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the potato casserole as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty and satisfying meal. The creamy and cheesy potatoes complement the savory flavors of the meat perfectly.
- Pair the casserole with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete and balanced vegetarian dinner. The combination of the crispy salad, warm potatoes, and bread creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Serve the potato casserole alongside roasted vegetables for a flavorful and comforting vegetarian option. The combination of the creamy potatoes and roasted vegetables makes a nutritious meal.
- Serve the casserole as a brunch dish with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. The combination of creamy potatoes, fluffy eggs, and crispy bacon creates a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
- Use the potato casserole as a base for a loaded baked potato bar. Set out toppings such as sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and shredded cheese, and let everyone customize their own loaded potato creation. This is a fun and interactive option for parties or gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, let it come to room temperature first and then bake as directed.
Yes, you can freeze potato casserole. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed.
Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but you can also use Swiss, mozzarella, or any other type of cheese that melts well. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite.
Yes, you can add other ingredients to customize it to your taste. Some popular additions include cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped vegetables, or herbs and spices. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you are adding more ingredients.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers of the recipe, begin by allowing the dish to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the casserole into an airtight container or cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Place the container in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to reheat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F and transfer the casserole into a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Unfortunately, this potato casserole may not be suitable for freezing. Potatoes have a high water content, which can cause them to become mushy and lose their texture when thawed and reheated.
Plus, the dairy and cheese may separate or change in consistency when frozen and thawed. It is best to enjoy this casserole fresh or within a few days of preparing it.
Recipe Card
Potato Casserole Recipe (Rich and Creamy)
Ingredients
For Potatoes
- 5 lbs. yellow potatoes
- 1 tbsp. sea salt
For Creamy Mixture
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. carrots
- 4 large garlic cloves
- ½ medium yellow onion
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart organic Half & Half
- 2 tsp. Mrs. Dash
- ¾ tbsp. sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tbsp. black ground pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp. organic chicken bullion paste
Instructions
How to Make Potato Casserole
- Start by preparing to peel the potatoes and then wash them thoroughly.
- Cut the potatoes into four equal-sized pieces.
- Take a large saucepan and place the cut potatoes into it. Give them a final rinse with water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Cover the potatoes with water in the saucepan, add a couple of teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the water from the saucepan containing the potatoes, and set aside.
How to Make Creamy Mixture for Potato Casserole
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the creamy mixture.
- Begin by peeling the carrots and grating them finely.
- Chop half of the yellow onion. Finely chop four large cloves of garlic.
- Take a pan and add some olive oil to it. Sautee onion, garlic, and grated carrots into the pan on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to guarantee even cooking. Once done, set the mixture aside.
- Preheat a Dutch oven pot on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As soon as the butter melts, add flour and whisk until it mixes and cooks with the butter. That takes about 10 seconds.
- Pour in the Half & Half (a type of cream) and then add the sautéed carrots, onion, and garlic mixture.
- While the sauce is simmering add seasonings: Mrs. Dash seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and chicken bullion paste. Let it slowly cook for a minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
How to Assemble and Bake Potato Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large ceramic baking pan. Once that is done, pour the mixture over the potatoes in the baking pan. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven, uncovered, and let it bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 45 minutes or until the dish is heated through.
- Once the baking time is complete, remove the pan from the oven. If you prefer creamier potatoes, gently mix the potatoes in the pan right after removing them from the oven.
- Finally, it is time to enjoy your delicious creamy potato dish! Serve it as a side dish or as a main course.
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This recipe was originally posted on November 13, 2014 (original picture below). I updated the pictures and the post for a better user experience. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Liya says
Can you prepare everything the night before and bake the next day? If so for how long. I need to make a giant batch for 30 servings. Any recommendations?
Valya's Taste of Home says
The cream mixture can be prepared the knight before and stored in the fridge. The potato can be peeled and stored in water until the next day (the potato will not taste good if cooked the night before and baked the next day). So, its best to precook potato on the stove right before baking in the oven with the creamy carrot mixture. I hope this helps.
Inesa L says
Made this last night for dinner (and I thought it will be to much so can give my husband some for lunch tomorrow at work) well it was all gone!! It was just Delicious!! You have some very good Recipes Valya. I made this week with salads and baking around 5 Recipes or so.. All just Delicious!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
I know exactly what you mean. We never have left overs, it's just that good. I'm glad your family like it. Thank you for such a sweet and encouraging comment Inesa 🙂 it is very much appreciated!
tworaspberries says
this looks absolutely WONDERFUL! ... I love potato's ... well I love all carbs! 😉
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Aren't carbs great? I love them too! Thank you Michele 🙂
Ilona's Passion says
I can eat potatoes all the time so this recipe is for me:) Really delicious casserole! Pinned it.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
I'm the same; I can eat potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your pinning is very much appreciated. Thank you Ilona! 🙂
mira says
I love potato casserole and yours looks delicious Valya! Never tried it with carrots, but I'm sure I'll like it! 🙂
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you Mira! I try to use as much vegetables in cooking as I can. 😉
Nina says
This looks so so delicious! On my to cook list. Thanks for all the holiday table ideas!:))
valya'stasteofhome.com says
You are very welcome Nina! I'm so happy to hear that you find helpful Holiday ideas on my blog. Encourages me to post even more delicious recipes! 🙂
Natasha says
Love potatoes! Breakfast, lunch and dinner!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
I love potatoes too! You never get tired eating it, right? Tahanks Natasha! 🙂
alena says
Looks delicious! Can u please post Markovka salad and korzinochki?
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Markovka salad will be on my to do list. Kirzinochki are posted https://www.valyastasteofhome.com/edible-baskets-корзинки
Thank you Alena! 🙂
spicedblog says
This casserole looks absolutely perfect for my Thanksgiving table! I also love that you developed this one as a result of a reader request. Readers are the best part about blogging! (Ok, eating the food is a pretty close second, too. Haha!)
valya'stasteofhome.com says
You are actually right David. This creamy potatoes are very popular on weddings or church gatherings. My readers asked me if I make this kind of potatoes and if I can post it. We just made this potatoes last Saturday for teen conference in our church.
olha says
yum yum .THANKS
valya'stasteofhome.com says
It is! Thank you Olha! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This potato casserole looks amazing, Valya! I don't think I've ever had one quite like this. I love the seasonings in here! Such a great alternative to regular mashed potatoes!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thank you Gayle! I made it twice in one week that's how much we love it 🙂
glutenfreehappytummy says
oh my gosh YUM!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
Thanks 🙂