Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy potatoes are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion, a family dinner, or just a casual night in, cheesy potatoes are a quick and easy dish that always hits the spot. This dish combines melted cheese's creamy, rich flavor with soft, tender potatoes. Topped with green onions and served with a dollop of sour cream, cheesy potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You don't need to be a pro in the kitchen to make them! This recipe is simple, with just a few basic ingredients that anyone can find at their local grocery store. Let's dive into the cheesy potato recipe that will impress!
Cheesy potatoes are a versatile and comforting dish that's easy to make and always satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious, cheesy meal that everyone will love. Whether you are serving them as a side or enjoying them as a main dish, cheesy potatoes will never disappoint!
Cheesy potatoes are baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and a sprinkling of chopped green onions. The dish is served with a side of sour cream, adding extra creaminess and flavor. This simple recipe makes a delicious and satisfying meal.
- 1 large Potato (Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best)
- 1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Use any cheese of your choice)
- 1 tbsp Butter (Adds richness and flavor)
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream (Optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 tbsp Green Onions (For garnish)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (To taste)
- Step 1: Prepare the Potato
The first step is to prepare the potato. Start by scrubbing it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. It’s important to clean the skin properly, as you'll be baking the potato with the skin on. If you want, you can poke a few small holes in the potato using a fork. This helps release steam while baking and prevents the potato from bursting in the oven.
Once your potato is cleaned, place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook it in the microwave on high for about 5-6 minutes. Depending on the size of the potato and your microwave's power, this time might vary. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the potato. It should go through easily. If the potato isn’t soft enough, microwave for another 1-2 minutes.
Alternatively, if you prefer baking the potato in the oven, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the potato directly on the oven rack for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is tender inside.
- Step 2: Add the Butter and Cheese
Once your potato is cooked and tender, let it cool for about 2-3 minutes before cutting it in half lengthwise. This step helps the steam escape, making it easier to add the cheesy toppings.
Now, take a small spoon and scoop out some of the potato flesh from each half. You don’t want to scoop out too much; just enough to make room for the butter and cheese. Place a small amount of butter into the center of each potato half, letting it melt and coat the inside of the potato. This butter will add creaminess and flavor to the dish.
Next, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the buttered potato halves. Be sure to cover the potato well. If you like extra cheesy potatoes, you can even add more cheese, or use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Step 3: Bake Until the Cheese Melts
Now that your cheesy potatoes are topped with butter and cheese, it’s time to bake them until the cheese melts beautifully. Place the potato halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. You can also broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes if you want the cheese to be golden and slightly crispy on top.
If you don’t have an oven, you can also melt the cheese in the microwave. Place the potato halves back in the microwave and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Step 4: Add Final Touches and Serve
Once the cheesy potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and color. The green onions add a mild, slightly spicy bite that complements the richness of the cheese and butter.
Finally, if you like, you can serve your cheesy potatoes with a dollop of sour cream on top. The sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes and brings everything together beautifully. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your cheesy potatoes hot, and enjoy this simple, delicious dish!
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- Calories from Fat 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other toppings like bacon bits, sour cream, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For lower-calorie options, you can put low-fat cheese and sour cream.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can boil the potatoes for an additional 1-2 minutes after the cheese melts.
- This recipe is great for meal prepping! You can make a batch of cheesy potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.