Grandma’s Potatoes: A Comforting, Creamy Side Dish Recipe
Looking for a comforting, hearty side dish that will remind you of family gatherings and home-cooked meals? Look no further than Grandma’s Potatoes. This dish, also known as scalloped potatoes or cheesy potatoes, is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with a crispy, golden crust. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for holiday meals, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, satisfying side.
This recipe combines thinly sliced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a rich sour cream and cream soup mixture, all baked to perfection. The addition of a crunchy cornflake or Ritz cracker topping gives the dish a delightful contrast of textures, making every bite irresistible.
🥔 Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Potatoes
There are many reasons why this classic recipe is a favorite in so many households. Here are a few:
Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, cheese, and cream of chicken soup creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats each layer of potato, making it a decadent side dish.
Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent flavor, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake!
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special holiday feast, Grandma’s Potatoes are the ideal side dish to complement a variety of main courses.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy potatoes with the crispy, cheesy topping will transport you straight back to your childhood kitchen.
🧑🍳 Ingredients for Grandma’s Potatoes
To make these cheesy, creamy, and crispy potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
4-5 large potatoes (peeled and sliced thinly): Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. Thinly sliced potatoes cook more evenly and soak up the creamy sauce.
1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds flavor and a little sweetness to balance the richness of the dish.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella): The cheese is the key to the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. You can use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
1 cup sour cream: Provides creaminess and a slight tang, which helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version): This canned soup adds the creaminess and depth of flavor. You can substitute it with a vegetarian version of the soup if needed.
1/2 cup milk: Helps thin out the sauce and adds moisture.
1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the sauce and the topping.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out the flavors.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor): A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top can add a nice salty, nutty flavor that complements the cheddar.
1 cup cornflakes or crushed Ritz crackers (for topping): This crunchy topping adds texture and a golden finish to the dish.
1-2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping): Helps the topping brown and become crispy.
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Grandma’s Potatoes
Follow these easy instructions to make Grandma’s Potatoes, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress!
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure that the potatoes don’t stick and the dish cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even slices. You can use a mandolin slicer for consistent thickness and a smooth texture. The thinner the slices, the faster they’ll cook, and the creamier the dish will turn out.
3. Make the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
Sour cream
Cream of chicken soup
Milk
Melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
Stir everything together until well combined. This mixture will create the creamy base that soaks into the potatoes while they bake.
4. Layer the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are sliced and the mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Start by placing a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, pour a portion of the sour cream mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
Repeat the process by layering the potatoes and the sour cream mixture until all the ingredients are used up. Be sure to end with a layer of the sour cream mixture on top.
5. Add the Toppings
Now, it’s time to add the cheese and crunchy topping. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish.
For added crunch, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers over the top, followed by a drizzle of melted butter. This will create a crispy, golden crust on top of the creamy potatoes.
6. Bake the Potatoes
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The exposed topping will become perfectly crunchy and delicious.
7. Serve
Once the potatoes are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The dish will continue to set as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for added color and flavor, but this step is optional.
🥄 Tips for Making the Best Grandma’s Potatoes
Use a Mandolin for Consistency: For evenly sliced potatoes, use a mandolin slicer. It ensures that all the slices cook at the same rate and gives the dish a uniform texture.
Add Extra Cheese: Feel free to mix in additional cheddar or mozzarella into the layers for a more cheesy experience. You can even add some cream cheese to make it extra creamy.
Layer the Potatoes Generously: Don’t skimp on the layers! The more layers you create, the creamier the potatoes will be, so stack them up generously for the best results.
Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve. You might need to bake it for a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or another vegetable-based cream soup.
🍴 Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With its creamy layers of potatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream mixture, topped with a golden, crispy crust, this dish will become a family favorite in no time.
Perfect for a holiday meal, a family dinner, or a potluck, Grandma’s Potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Easy to prepare, versatile, and full of flavor, this recipe is the definition of comfort food.
So the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, look no further than this beloved classic. Your guests will be asking for seconds!