Save A rich decadent Southern-style casserole featuring layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy cheesy sauce—perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners.
This has been a holiday staple in my family for years with everyone eagerly awaiting its creamy cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded
- Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup (90 g) shredded
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (56 g)
- All-purpose flour: 3 tbsp (24 g)
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp plus more to taste
- Ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: ¼ tsp
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley: for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat and grease baking dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
- Make roux:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
- Add milk and cream:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 3–5 minutes.
- Season sauce:
- Stir in garlic powder salt pepper and paprika. Remove from heat.
- Add cheeses:
- Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup Gruyère cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Layer potatoes and onions:
- Arrange half the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the onions.
- Add cheese sauce:
- Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes and onions. Layer the remaining potatoes and onions on top then cover with the rest of the cheese sauce.
- Top with remaining cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Bake uncovered:
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives or parsley and serving.
Save Making this dish always brings back cherished moments of family gatherings full of laughter and warmth.
Variations
For a spicy kick add a pinch of cayenne or include cooked bacon layers between the potatoes for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with roast meats or as a vegetarian main alongside a fresh green salad.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven.
Save This classic Southern dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its creamy rich layers and comforting flavors.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Monterey Jack or mozzarella to suit taste preferences.
- → How do I know when the casserole is perfectly baked?
It’s ready when the potatoes are tender throughout and the top is golden and bubbling.
- → What spices enhance the creamy sauce?
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper provide a balanced, flavorful warmth to the sauce.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate, then bake as directed before serving for optimal freshness.