I’m about to share my absolute favorite comfort food recipe with you – a cheesy potato casserole that’s pure, creamy heaven on a plate.
There’s something special about that first forkful when the melted cheddar stretches between your plate and mouth, and the creamy potatoes practically melt on your tongue. Who doesn’t need a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day?
Wait until you discover my secret ingredient that takes this classic to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes
- Perfect comfort food that delivers warmth and satisfaction on chilly evenings, creating those cozy family moments everyone craves.
- Kid-approved favorite that even picky eaters will devour, making dinner time stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that adapts to whatever ingredients you have on hand—swap cheeses, add leftover meats, or customize to your family’s preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly preparation saves you precious time on busy weeknights while still delivering a homemade meal everyone will love.
- Budget-friendly ingredients like potatoes and cheese create a filling, satisfying dish that stretches your grocery dollars without sacrificing flavor.
A smart meal prep system helps you organize ingredients and plan this casserole alongside other weekly dishes for maximum efficiency.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Potatoes?
When it comes to making a classic Wisconsin cheesy potato casserole, I’m all about using simple, hearty ingredients that remind me of family dinners with my girls. This comfort food staple brings together creamy, starchy, and savory elements that transform humble potatoes into something magical.
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen right now.
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds russet potatoes (locally grown Wisconsin potatoes when in season)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (Wisconsin cheese is a must!)
- 1 cup sour cream (from a local dairy if possible)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, but great from the garden)
- 1 cup cornflake crumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter (for that perfect crunchy topping)
What makes this recipe truly special is how adaptable it is to what you have on hand. No cheddar? Any Wisconsin cheese will work beautifully—try a combination of colby and Monterey Jack, or even add some smoked Gouda for depth.
Got some leftover holiday ham? Chop it up and toss it in! The cornflake topping might sound unconventional, but it provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy potatoes beneath.
And remember, when feeding picky eaters, you can always dial back the onions or substitute onion powder for a milder approach.
How to Make These Cheesy Potatoes
The process of bringing these cheesy potatoes to life starts with the proper preparation of those 5 pounds of russet potatoes. I like to peel them completely, then cut them into uniform, bite-sized cubes—about 1-inch pieces work perfectly.
Boil these potato chunks in lightly salted water until they’re just fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. You want them cooked through but not falling apart, that sweet spot where they’ll hold their shape while still absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Once done, drain them thoroughly and let them cool slightly while you prepare the cheese mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your 2 cups of shredded Wisconsin cheddar (isn’t it wonderful how our state produces such exceptional cheese?), 1 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. This forms the creamy foundation of our casserole.
Add in your finely diced medium onion, the can of cream of chicken soup, and all those perfect seasonings—1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Gently fold in your slightly cooled potatoes, being careful not to mash them. The girls always want to help with this part, and I’ve learned that letting my 9-year-old take charge here works best, as she’s the gentlest touch of the three.
Transfer this mixture to a buttered 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
The final touch—and what makes this dish truly exceptional—is that cornflake topping. Mix 1 cup of cornflake crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined, then sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of your casserole.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 45 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with those optional fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
This waiting period might be the hardest part of the whole recipe, especially with three hungry girls hovering around the kitchen, drawn in by that irresistible aroma of cheese and potatoes.
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Cheesy Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
While this cheesy potato casserole shines with Wisconsin cheddar, I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own based on what’s in your pantry or dietary needs.
Try swapping the cheddar for creamy Colby, smoky Gouda, or even a tangy blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
My daughters love it when I mix in diced ham or crispy bacon bits—protein that transforms this side into a hearty main dish.
For a lighter version, Greek yogurt works beautifully instead of sour cream.
And those beautiful farm-fresh Wisconsin potatoes? Russets are classic, but Yukon Golds add a buttery dimension worth trying.
This comfort food classic tastes even better when prepared in premium cast iron cookware, which ensures even heat distribution and a perfectly golden crust.
What to Serve with Cheesy Potatoes
As a centerpiece of comfort food, these cheesy potatoes deserve companions that balance their rich, creamy goodness.
I’ve found that protein-forward mains like glazed ham, roasted chicken, or grilled brats complement the decadence perfectly.
For a Wisconsin touch, try a local beer-braised pot roast alongside.
My kids always request a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for contrast—smart little critics, balancing the meal intuitively.
Something acidic, like pickled vegetables or a vinegar-based slaw, cuts through the richness beautifully.
Trust me, the tang creates that perfect bite when alternated with forkfuls of cheesy goodness.
A professional kitchen organizer can help keep your serving dishes and casserole pans neatly arranged for easy access when preparing these comfort food meals.
Wisconsin Pairing Ideas:
- Beer: A crisp Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing cuts through the richness while complementing the creamy texture
- Cheese: Mix in some aged Wisconsin cheddar or add crumbled bacon and chives for a loaded baked potato twist
Final Thoughts
Bringing these cheesy potatoes to your table represents more than just serving a dish—it’s creating memories.
Whether it’s Sunday dinner with family or a potluck with friends, this casserole has a way of bringing people together. I’ve noticed how my girls’ faces light up when they smell that golden, bubbly goodness coming out of the oven.
What I love most about Wisconsin cooking is how it connects us to our land, our farmers, and each other.
This humble dish, made with local cheese and potatoes, tells our Midwestern story one comforting bite at a time.
For the best results, consider preparing this casserole in an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven for superior heat distribution and a perfectly golden crust.
