Cheesy Potatoes: Choosing The Right Cheese For Your Taste

There are many types of cheese that can be used for cheesy potatoes, including cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey jack, Swiss, goat's cheese, Gruyère, and Parmesan. However, a sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavour.

Cheddar cheese

For example, in a cheesy potato casserole, you can combine boiled potatoes with a sauce made from melted butter, sour cream, condensed soup, and green onions. Add shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and bake it until it is browned and bubbly.

Another option is to make cheesy smashed potatoes by boiling baby potatoes, smashing them, and baking them with a mixture of oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Sour cream

When choosing sour cream for cheesy potatoes, it is important to select a product with a high-fat content to ensure the best flavour and texture. Full-fat sour cream will typically have around 18-20% fat, while reduced-fat options will have a lower percentage. It is also important to consider the freshness of the sour cream and whether it has been properly stored, as sour cream can spoil quickly if not refrigerated.

When making cheesy potatoes, it is essential to combine the sour cream with other ingredients to create a cohesive dish. Simply adding sour cream to potatoes will not create the desired result. The potatoes should be boiled or mashed, and then mixed with sour cream, cheese, butter, and other desired ingredients to create a cohesive mixture. This mixture can then be baked or cooked further to create a delicious and indulgent side dish.

Casserole

Cheesy Potato Casserole

This indulgent, comforting dish is a real crowd-pleaser and is perfect for any occasion, from a potluck to a holiday gathering. It's a simple recipe that can be made in advance and is sure to be a hit with all ages.

Ingredients

For the casserole, you will need:

• Frozen hash brown potatoes (or fresh potatoes if you prefer)
• Condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• Butter
• Sour cream
• Onions, chopped
• Cheese, shredded sharp cheddar is recommended for the best flavour, but other varieties such as Colby, Monterey Jack or Swiss can also be used

For an optional crunchy topping, you will need:

• Cornflakes, crushed
• Butter, melted

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

If using fresh potatoes, peel and cut them into small cubes. Boil the potatoes until they are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix the soup, butter, sour cream, onions, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and add any other desired seasonings such as garlic, garlic powder, or onion powder.

Combine the potatoes with the soup mixture, making sure the potatoes are well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

If adding the topping, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle over the potato mixture.

Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.

Tips and Variations

• For a lighter version, you can replace some or all of the sour cream with Greek yoghurt.
• To make it vegetarian, use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
• For a crispy topping, you can also use crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs, croutons, crispy fried onions, or crumbled potato chips.
• For extra cheesiness, add up to a cup of grated cheese over the top before baking.
• To make it ahead, prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Russet potatoes

While the potatoes are cooling, make the sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and add diced onions. Cook until the onions are translucent, and then add garlic. Next, add flour and stir to combine. Pour in milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in sour cream.

In a large bowl, combine the sauce with the potatoes, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Mix gently, being careful not to break up the potatoes. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with more shredded cheese. Bake until the potatoes are bubbly and golden brown.

For the cheese, a sharp cheddar is recommended as it will provide a bold flavour that complements the creamy potatoes. However, you can also use other varieties such as Colby Jack or Swiss cheese.

Crunchy topping

A crunchy topping is a great way to add texture to your cheesy potatoes. Here are some ideas for toppings that will give your dish that perfect crunch:

Cornflakes

Crushed cornflakes are a popular choice for adding a crispy texture to cheesy potatoes. Simply crush the cornflakes and sprinkle them on top of your potatoes before baking. You can also mix them with melted butter or margarine to create a buttery cornflake topping.

Breadcrumbs

For a golden, crispy topping, try using breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, and toast them in butter before sprinkling them over your potatoes. This adds a delicious crunch and a buttery flavour to your dish.

Ritz Crackers

Ritz crackers are another great option for a crunchy topping. Crush them up and sprinkle them on top of your potatoes, or use them as a substitute for cornflakes if you're looking for a different texture. You can also mix them with melted butter for an extra indulgent treat.

Potato Chips

For a fun and crunchy twist, try using crushed potato chips as your topping. They will add a crispy texture and a salty flavour to your cheesy potatoes. You can use plain or flavoured potato chips, depending on your preference.

Other Ideas

• Crushed pretzels
• Bacon bits
• Nuts (e.g. pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• Crumbled crackers (e.g. saltines or goldfish crackers)

Remember, the key to a crunchy topping is to create a texture contrast with your creamy cheesy potatoes. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite crunchy topping combination!

Frequently asked questions