Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe With Scallion Cheddar Crust

I’ve always found that a truly comforting meal brings everyone together, and this cheesy potato casserole recipe With Scallion Cheddar Crust certainly does. Imagine: golden, bubbly perfection with a crispy, savory topping, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This incredible casserole is not just easy on your budget; it’s a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With simple ingredients and a dependable method, you’ll have a hearty, family-friendly dish on your table in no time. Get ready to discover the secrets to this irresistible classic.

Ingredients and Smarter Substitutions

Crafting a fantastic cheesy potato casserole recipe With Scallion Cheddar Crust begins with understanding its core components. Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference in flavor and texture, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Essential Cheesy Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Potatoes: 5 lbs (approx. 2.2 kg) Russet or Yukon Gold, chosen for their creamy texture when cooked, providing the perfect base.
• Shredded Cheese: 4 cups (approx. 450 g) sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a melty, flavorful blend that forms the rich sauce and crust. I often use a block of aged cheddar and grate it myself for superior melt.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup (240 g) full-fat or light, adds rich creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together (or Greek yogurt if that’s what’s in the fridge for a tangier note).
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole or 2%, thins the sauce to the perfect pourable consistency.
• Butter: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted, for sautéing and adding richness to the topping.
• Scallions: 1/4 cup chopped (approx. 2-3 large), adds a fresh, mild onion bite, essential for the savory Scallion Cheddar Crust.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (50 g), creates a wonderfully crispy texture for the scallion cheddar crust, much better than regular breadcrumbs.
• Seasonings: 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, to enhance all the flavors in the casserole.

To elevate this cheesy potato casserole recipe, consider using organic potatoes for the best natural flavor or a high-quality aged cheddar for a deeper, more complex cheese profile. Fresh chives can be a milder alternative to scallions for the topping.

This adaptable dish supports healthy eating and various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, swap in plant-based milk and sour cream, along with your favorite vegan cheese shreds. To create a lighter, low-carb meal, you can replace half the potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets. For those seeking gluten-free staples, simply use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

For convenience, especially if you’re planning meal prep recipes for a busy week, look for pre-shredded cheese and even pre-sliced or cubed potatoes available online, though I prefer to shred my own cheese for the best melt.

Simple Step-by-Step Method

Making Your Cheesy Potato Casserole

1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice 5 lbs (2.2 kg) potatoes to about 1/8-inch thick. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until just tender, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they still hold their shape. Drain well. If the potatoes are overcooked, they may become mushy; I often cook them until slightly underdone to prevent this.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 g) sour cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth. Stir in 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese until just combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half the prepped potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish. Spread half the creamy sauce over them, ensuring good coverage. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce, building a sturdy base for your cheesy potato casserole recipe.
4. Create the Scallion Cheddar Crust: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (approx. 2-3 large) chopped scallions, and 2 tbsp (30 g) melted butter. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and moist. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This forms the signature Scallion Cheddar Crust.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is visibly bubbly around the edges and the Scallion Cheddar Crust is beautifully golden brown and fragrant. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.

For busy schedules, turn this into an easy dinner idea by using frozen pre-sliced potatoes to skip boiling, or buying pre-shredded cheese. You can also prepare this cheesy potato casserole recipe With Scallion Cheddar Crust in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, though the crust won’t be as crispy.

Variations allow you to customize your dish: add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. For a lighter option, use low-fat dairy and incorporate extra steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a kid-approved meal, mix in extra cheese or finely diced cooked vegetables into the layers. This customizable cheesy potato casserole recipe With Scallion Cheddar Crust offers variations for every taste.

Best Times to Make and Enjoy It

This cheesy potato casserole recipe is perfect for comforting weeknight dinners. It makes a crowd-pleasing side for potlucks and holiday gatherings, or a hearty dish for Sunday supper. You can even enjoy it as quick lunches.

Serve this dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with a simple green salad. Try topping your casserole with extra fresh chives or a dollop of extra sour cream.

Store leftovers of this amazing dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.

Why Cheesy Potato Casserole Supports a Better Lifestyle

This casserole provides energy from wholesome potatoes. It also offers calcium and protein from the cheese, making it a satisfying component of a balanced meal, especially when paired with lean protein and veggies for healthy family meals.

• Offers comforting, home-cooked goodness that feeds the soul.
• Can be tailored with leaner ingredients for a healthier profile, making it a great option for meal prep recipes.
• Utilizes fresh, simple ingredients for a family-friendly approach.

Everyday Value of This Recipe

This cheesy potato casserole recipe uses budget-friendly potatoes and pantry staples. It can be prepped ahead, saving precious time on busy weeknights. This approach provides a satisfying meal that helps avoid takeout costs, supporting healthy eating.

• Feeds a hungry family affordably, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• An excellent dish for feeding a crowd at gatherings.
• Offers a comforting, familiar taste after a long day at work or school.

Flavor Boosts, Adjustments & Safety Tips

For richer flavor, sauté diced onion or garlic with thyme before mixing into the sauce. To get a crispier scallion cheddar crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully. Serve this cheesy potato casserole straight from the oven, garnished with fresh scallions.

Adapt the dish for various diets: use vegan cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan sour cream for a plant-based version. For a diabetic-friendly option, swap 1/3 of the potatoes for steamed cauliflower. Ensure all ingredients suit gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free needs.

Always wash potatoes thoroughly. Refrigerate any leftover casserole promptly within two hours of cooking. Check sodium content if using condensed soup.

FAQs About Cheesy Potato Casserole With Scallion Cheddar Crust

Is cheesy potato casserole good for a high-protein diet?

While potatoes are carbs, you can boost protein by adding cooked chicken or a layer of lentils to the casserole. The shredded cheese in this recipe also contributes protein, making it a satisfying option.

What’s the best way to buy cheesy potato casserole ingredients online?

Look for organic potatoes and high-quality aged cheddar cheese from your preferred grocery delivery service. Pre-shredded cheese and chopped scallions can save significant prep time for this recipe.

Can cheesy potato casserole be prepped ahead for the week?

Yes! Assemble the entire casserole (without the scallion cheddar crust topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking, then bake as directed.

What kind of potatoes work best for cheesy potato casserole?

Russet potatoes are a classic choice for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds also work well. Yukon Golds yield a creamier result that holds its shape nicely, which I often prefer for a robust cheesy potato casserole.

How do I get a really crispy scallion cheddar crust for my cheesy potato casserole recipe?

Ensure your panko breadcrumbs are mixed thoroughly with melted butter before sprinkling. Bake this casserole uncovered, and for the last few minutes, place it under the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Can I freeze leftover cheesy potato casserole?

Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping tightly or placing in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

What are some good add-ins for cheesy potato casserole?

Sautéed mushrooms or a layer of steamed broccoli are delicious additions. You can also incorporate cooked chicken for a more filling, high-protein meal, making this a truly family-friendly option.

Conclusion

This cheesy potato casserole recipe With Scallion Cheddar Crust isn’t just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming, satisfying experience for family dinners that brings everyone to the table. Save this recipe, add it to your next meal plan, and get ready for rave reviews!

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