Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving in our house without a bubbling dish of cheesy potatoes on the table. That golden, creamy goodness has been my family’s must-have side dish for as long as I can remember – my grandma always said it was the “glue” that held our holiday meal together! There’s something magical about how the potatoes soak up all that rich, cheesy sauce while baking into perfect tender slices. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re a seasoned pro, this Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes recipe will have everyone begging for seconds (and the recipe!).
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Oh, where do I even start with why these cheesy potatoes are the absolute best? Here’s the scoop:
- Creamy dreamy perfection: That combo of melty cheddar, sour cream, and buttery sauce makes every bite ridiculously indulgent
- Total crowd-pleaser: Kids, grandparents, picky uncles – nobody can resist this stuff (trust me, I’ve tested it on all of them!)
- Easy as pie: Just slice, layer, and bake – no fancy techniques needed
- Your rules: Want it extra cheesy? Add bacon? Swap the onions for chives? Go wild – this recipe’s your canvas!
Seriously, these potatoes might just steal the show from the turkey. And I’m perfectly okay with that!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our cheesy potato weaponry! Here’s what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece:
- 3 pounds russet potatoes – peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch thick for perfect tenderness)
- 1/2 cup butter – melted (real butter only, please – no substitutes!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – or cream of mushroom for my vegetarian friends
- 1 cup sour cream – full-fat gives the creamiest results, but I won’t tell if you use light
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch
- 1/2 cup chopped onion – sweet yellow or white onions work best here
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – plus extra for potato layers if you’re feeling bold
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
See? Nothing too fancy – just honest ingredients that come together to make pure magic!
How to Make Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
Okay, let’s get down to business! Making these cheesy potatoes is seriously easy – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have holiday magic in no time.
Prep the Potatoes
First things first – grab those russet potatoes and peel them (unless you’re a rebel who loves the skins – no judgment here!). The key is slicing them evenly – about 1/8-inch thick. Too thick and they won’t cook through, too thin and they’ll turn to mush. Pro tip: If you’ve got time, soak the slices in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch – it makes them extra fluffy! Just pat them dry before layering.
Layer the Casserole
Now the fun part! Grab your greased 9×13 dish and layer half the potato slices on the bottom. In a bowl, mix together all that glorious sauce – melted butter, soup, sour cream, cheese, onions, salt and pepper. Spread half this heavenly mixture over your first potato layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce – easy peasy! Cover the dish tightly with foil – this helps the potatoes steam to perfection.
Bake to Perfection
Pop that beauty into your preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour (set a timer – trust me, you’ll forget!). Then comes the magic moment – remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling like a cheesy volcano. Your kitchen will smell like Thanksgiving heaven! Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps the layers set up perfectly.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
After making this dish for years (and occasionally messing it up royally!), here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Resting is key: Letting it sit for 5 minutes after baking means perfect slices instead of cheesy soup
- Cheese matters: Mix sharp cheddar with gruyère or Monterey jack for next-level flavor
- Slice smart: Mandoline-cut potatoes cook evenly – no mushy or crunchy surprises!
- Drain well: Pat those potato slices dry unless you want watery potatoes (learned that the hard way!)
Follow these tips and your cheesy potatoes will be legendary – promise!
Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s time to play with your food! Here are my favorite ways to jazz up these cheesy potatoes when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Toss in a cup of crispy crumbled bacon between the layers – the smoky saltiness cuts through all that richness perfectly
- Southwestern Kick: Mix in a diced jalapeño (seeds removed if you’re a wimp like me!) and swap half the cheddar for pepper jack cheese
- Crispy Topping: During the last 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top for an irresistible crunch
- Everything Bagel: Stir in everything bagel seasoning with the cheese mixture – those onion and garlic flavors take it to a whole new level
The best part? You can make a small test batch of any variation in a ramekin before committing to the whole dish – my family calls this “chef’s privilege”!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
Now that you’ve got this glorious dish of cheesy potatoes ready, let’s talk about how to make them shine even brighter on your holiday table! Personally, I love serving them right in the baking dish – those golden edges peeking out just beg to be scooped up. Here’s how I build my perfect Thanksgiving plate:
First, the classic trio: A generous scoop of cheesy potatoes next to tender roasted turkey (with extra gravy on the side, obviously), some crispy green bean casserole, and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce. The flavors balance perfectly – rich, creamy, fresh, and tart all in one heavenly bite.
For leftover magic (if you’re lucky enough to have any!), these potatoes reheat like a dream. My favorite method: Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes. If you’re impatient like me, microwave single portions at 50% power in 1-minute bursts, stirring between. Pro tip: Leftover potatoes make killer breakfast hash – just crisp them up in a skillet with some fried eggs on top!
And don’t forget – these aren’t just for Thanksgiving! They’re perfect with ham at Christmas, alongside grilled chicken in summer, or honestly… straight from the fridge at midnight when no one’s watching. I won’t tell!
Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes Recipe FAQ
I get asked these questions ALL the time when I bring my cheesy potatoes to gatherings – so let me save you some time with the answers I’ve learned through trial and (many) errors!
Can I make cheesy potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Here’s my make-ahead trick: Assemble the whole dish (layers and all) the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. The flavor actually gets better as the potatoes soak up all that cheesy goodness overnight!
What’s the best vegetarian option?
Easy peasy – just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom (or celery if you prefer). I’ve done this for my vegetarian friends and nobody could tell the difference – still just as creamy and delicious!
Why are my potatoes watery?
Oh honey, I’ve been there! Two likely culprits: Either your potato slices weren’t patted dry enough (they release moisture as they bake), or you didn’t let the dish rest before serving. Those extra few minutes let everything set up perfectly.
Can I freeze cheesy potatoes?
You can, but fair warning – the texture changes a bit. The potatoes get softer when thawed and reheated. If you must freeze, underbake slightly before freezing, then finish baking when ready to serve. But honestly? They’re so good fresh, I’d just make a new batch!
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that perfect tang, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! I sometimes do half cheddar, half gruyère for extra depth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible – those anti-caking agents can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated melts so much smoother!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – we’re not exactly eating cheesy potatoes for their health benefits! But because I know some folks like to track this stuff (or just want to know how much extra treadmill time they’ll need after Thanksgiving dinner), here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
Important note: These values are estimates based on the exact ingredients I use. Your numbers might vary slightly depending on your cheese brand, whether you use full-fat sour cream, or if you add any of those delicious variations we talked about earlier (looking at you, bacon lovers!).
My philosophy? Thanksgiving comes once a year – enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite without guilt! You can always have a salad tomorrow.
Made this Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes recipe? Tag me in your photos – I love seeing your creations! And if you loved it as much as we do, leave a star rating below to help other potato lovers find this recipe.
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Irresistible Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes Recipe in 3 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy side dish perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. These cheesy potatoes are easy to make and loved by everyone.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the sliced potatoes in the dish.
- Mix melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread half the mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and mixture.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove cover and bake 15 more minutes until golden.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: thanksgiving, cheesy potatoes, side dish, holiday recipe