Cheesy Potatoes: A Yummy Side Dish to Try

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prep the Potatoes:**
– Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. This will help them cook faster and allow them to absorb the creamy cheese sauce more easily.
– Place the diced potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

2. **Prepare the Cheese Sauce:**
– In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent.
– Stir in the sour cream, milk, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
– Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, remove the pan from the heat.

3. **Combine the Potatoes and Cheese Sauce:**
– Add the drained, cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and gently stir to coat all the potatoes evenly with the cheesy mixture.

4. **Bake (Optional, for a Crispy Topping):**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Transfer the cheesy potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs on top of the potatoes.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once the cheesy potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, and serve as a side dish to your favorite main course.

### Tips for the Best Cheesy Potatoes:

– **Use a mix of cheeses:** While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix it up by adding mozzarella, gouda, or even parmesan for extra flavor. A combination of sharp and mild cheese gives the dish more depth.

– **Make it creamy:** For an extra-creamy texture, you can stir in a bit more sour cream or use heavy cream in place of the milk.

– **Customize the flavors:** Add your favorite ingredients to make this dish your own! Try mixing in crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture. You could also add a little Dijon mustard or hot sauce for some tang.

– **Crispy topping:** If you prefer a crispy, golden crust on your cheesy potatoes, be sure to sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese on top before baking. For added crunch, you could also mix in some crushed crackers or fried onions.

– **Use leftovers:** If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can easily adapt this recipe by mixing the mashed potatoes with the cheese sauce, baking, and topping with breadcrumbs.

### How to Serve Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with just about anything. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

– **Roast chicken or turkey:** Cheesy potatoes make an excellent side dish for roasted poultry, complementing the savory flavors of the meat.
– **Grilled steak or pork chops:** The richness of cheesy potatoes pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, creating a satisfying balance of flavors.
– **Barbecue:** Whether it’s ribs, pulled pork, or grilled sausages, cheesy potatoes are a great match for barbecue-style meals.
– **Salads and greens:** Pair this hearty side dish with a fresh salad or sautéed greens to balance the richness of the potatoes.
– **Holiday meals:** Cheesy potatoes are a classic choice for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, where they can shine alongside your main courses.

### Final Thoughts

Cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, bringing warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to any meal. With their creamy, cheesy goodness and versatile flavor profile, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking them with a crispy topping, adding extra ingredients, or simply serving them as is, this cheesy potatoes recipe is one you’ll want to make over and over again.

So next time you’re looking for the perfect side dish, try these cheesy potatoes—your taste buds will thank you!