Baking Cheesy Potatoes: Timing For Perfection

Cheesy potatoes are a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make side dish for any occasion. This versatile dish can be made with simple ingredients and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. The potatoes are usually baked in the oven, resulting in a warm and bubbly casserole that is hard to resist. So, how long do they take to bake? The answer depends on the recipe and oven temperature, but on average, cheesy potatoes are baked for around 30 to 60 minutes at temperatures ranging from 325°F to 375°F.

How to bake cheese potatoes in the oven

How to Bake Cheesy Potatoes in the Oven

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to bake cheesy potatoes in the oven:

• Frozen hash brown potatoes
• Cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Butter
• Cornflakes
• Cheese (cheddar or similar)
• Salt and pepper

Method

• Preheat your oven to 325-375°F.
• Combine the hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken/mushroom soup, sour cream, butter, cheese, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• For the topping, crush the cornflakes and mix them with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the potato mixture.
• Bake in the oven for 35-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and bubbling hot.

Tips and Variations

• You can also add other ingredients such as bacon, ham, or vegetables to the potatoes for extra flavour.
• If you want a lighter version, you can replace some or all of the sour cream with Greek yoghurt.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.
• You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker or crockpot. Simply mix all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Storage and Reheating

• This cheesy potato casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
• To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in the oven at 325-350°F until heated through. If frozen, be sure to fully thaw before reheating.

How to make a topping for cheese potatoes

There are many different toppings you can add to your cheese potatoes to make them extra delicious. Here are some ideas:

• Melted butter and cornflakes - crush the cornflakes and sprinkle them over the potatoes, then drizzle with melted butter. You could also use Ritz crackers, potato chips, or breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.
• Sour cream, cream of chicken soup, butter, salt, onion and cheese - mix these ingredients with your potatoes.
• Cream, butter, flour and cheese - make a sauce with these ingredients and pour over your potatoes.
• Green onions, mushrooms or garlic powder - add these to your potatoes for extra flavour.
• Sharp cheddar cheese - this will give your potatoes a stronger flavour and turn a lovely golden brown colour when baked.

How to reheat cheese potatoes

Oven

Oven reheating is the best way to ensure your cheese potatoes don't dry out. It's also a good method if you have multiple potatoes to reheat.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Cover your potatoes with a layer of foil or an oven-safe lid.
• Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven.
• Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are warmed all the way through.

Microwave

Microwaving is the quickest method, but it can result in dried-out potatoes.

• Cut the potato in half and cover each half with a damp paper towel.
• Place the potato in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-4 minutes, or until the potato is heated through.

Air Fryer

The air fryer is a good option if you want to retain the crispy skin of your cheese potatoes.

• Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F.
• Place one or more unwrapped potatoes in the basket.
• Cook for 3-8 minutes, or until heated through.

Grill

• Wrap one or more whole baked potatoes securely in heavy-duty aluminium foil.
• Place the potatoes on the grill rack and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them a few times.
• For even heating, use indirect heat and place the potatoes away from direct flames.

Stovetop

The stovetop is a quick and easy method for reheating cheese potatoes.

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over a medium-low heat.
• Cut the potato in half and put the cut sides down in the pan.
• Cover with a lid, reduce the heat, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Once heated, flip the potatoes so that all sides get crispy.

Tips

• If you're reheating in a skillet, add a pinch of garlic or rosemary for extra flavour.
• For crispy skin, place the potato directly on the oven rack when reheating in the oven.
• If you're short on time, the microwave is a good option, but the potato might lose some of its texture. Microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
• Before reheating, bring your potatoes to room temperature to reduce the amount of time they need in the oven.
• If you're making a large batch, the oven is a good option, but it may take a few cycles to reheat all of your potatoes.
• To prevent your potatoes from drying out when reheating in the oven, wrap them in foil.
• Cut the potato in half before reheating for faster and more even heating.

How to make cheese potatoes in a crockpot

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes in a Crockpot

Ingredients:

• Frozen hash brown potatoes (either shredded or diced)
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Butter (optional)
• Cornflakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

First, spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray. This will make the clean-up process easier. Then, break up the frozen hash browns in the bag—this helps them cook more thoroughly once added to the crockpot.

Next, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. You can also add butter to this mixture for some added richness. Stir in the hash browns, onions, and 1 cup of the cheese. Use a large spoon to mix these ingredients to prevent the hash browns from turning to mush.

After all the ingredients are combined, pour the mixture into the crockpot and top with the remaining cheese. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Tips:

• You can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen, but this may increase prep time.
• For a complete meal, add cooked shredded chicken, browned ground beef, or sausage to the mixture.
• For a spicy kick, stir in green chilis or diced peppers.
• For a crispy topping, mix crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top of the potatoes before serving.

Storing and Reheating:

• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dish as instructed but leave off the cornflake topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then add the topping and bake as directed.
• To freeze, prepare the dish without the topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as instructed.
• To reheat leftovers, spread on a plate and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, or place in a baking dish and reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm.

How to make cheese potatoes with tater tots

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes with Tater Tots

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of tater tots
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
• 2 cups of cornflakes, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, mix the tater tots, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, butter, and cheese until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
• In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter.
• Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the potatoes.
• Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Tips

• You can use either shredded or diced tater tots for this recipe.
• If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before baking. Just remember to leave off the cornflake topping until you're ready to bake.
• To freeze this casserole, prepare it without the topping, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Frequently asked questions