We’ve always been fans of hearty comfort food, and Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe hits the spot with its gooey cheese and crispy edges. This classic American dish draws from simple home-cooking traditions that make it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Originating from family kitchens like Mrs. Dell’s, it’s packed with flavor yet easy to prepare. We’ll guide you through the steps to create this irresistible side that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
In our Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that deliver the perfect balance of creamy texture and bold flavors. Below, we list them in the order they’ll be used, with precise measurements and prep notes for effortless preparation.
- Potatoes: 2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced—form the hearty base we start with for even cooking.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced—added next for a subtle sweetness that enhances the cheesy layers.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese—melted into the mix for that signature gooey goodness we love in Mrs. Dell’s version.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup of full-fat sour cream—incorporated to create the creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted—used for greasing the baking dish and adding richness.
- Milk: 1 cup of whole milk—poured in to achieve the ideal consistency for our comforting bake.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper—sprinkled last for flavor depth before baking.
Required Tools
To prepare our Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe seamlessly, we need a set of essential tools that ensure precise preparation and perfect results. Building on our ingredient list, these tools help transform fresh potatoes, cheese, and seasonings into a crispy-edged, gooey delight.
Here’s a curated list of the required tools, organized by their role in the recipe process:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal for even heat distribution and achieving those irresistible crispy edges. We recommend one that’s at least 2 inches deep to hold all the layered ingredients without overflow.
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized stainless steel or glass mixing bowls—one for combining potatoes and onions, and another for the cheese and sour cream mixture—to keep our prep organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife (at least 8 inches long) paired with a sturdy wooden or plastic cutting board for safely slicing potatoes and dicing the onion into uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Box Grater or Food Processor: A box grater with a medium shredding side for quickly grating the sharp cheddar cheese, or a food processor with a grating attachment if you’re handling larger quantities for efficiency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (1-cup and ½-cup sizes) and spoons (for tablespoons and teaspoons) to accurately measure ingredients like milk, butter, and seasonings, guaranteeing the creamy texture we love.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant silicone spatula for stirring and folding ingredients without scratching bowls, or a wooden spoon for mixing the final batter before baking.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move forward confidently and create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that highlights the best of home-cooked traditions.
Instructions
Let’s guide you through preparing Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe with these straightforward steps. We’ll use the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to create a dish that’s irresistibly gooey and crispy, perfect for any gathering.
Prepare the Potatoes
First, we peel and slice the 2 pounds of russet potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife and cutting board for uniform cooking. Next, we place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes until they’re just tender but not mushy —this ensures they absorb flavors without falling apart. Once done, we drain them thoroughly in a colander and let them cool slightly, allowing the steam to escape for that ideal texture that makes our cheesy potatoes so comforting.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, we combine the cooled potato slices with 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped), 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 cup of whole milk. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, we gently fold everything together until the mixture is evenly coated —imagine the sharp cheddar melting into creamy pockets that promise a bold, tangy bite. Season with a mix of salt, pepper, and any additional herbs like garlic powder to taste, ensuring the flavors blend harmoniously for a dish that’s rich and satisfying.
Bake the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for even heat distribution. We transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared dish, spreading them out evenly, then top with an extra 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that irresistible golden crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is bubbly and crisply browned, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese and tender potatoes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the beauties of our Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time without sacrificing that irresistible gooey cheese and crispy edges. By planning ahead, we ensure this comforting side dish remains fresh and flavorful for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
We can streamline our cooking process by prepping key components ahead of time. Follow these steps for efficient make-ahead strategies:
- Peel and slice potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the 2 pounds of russet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Submerge them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning, then store covered in the refrigerator. This keeps their texture firm and ready for cooking.
- Grate cheese and chop onions: Shred the 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and dice the medium yellow onion a day ahead. Place them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain their bold flavors and prevent drying out.
- Mix wet ingredients: Combine the 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1 cup of whole milk in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, ensuring the mixture stays creamy and easy to incorporate later.
Assembling and Storing the Dish
For even greater convenience, we can partially assemble Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe before baking:
- Combine ingredients: After cooking the potatoes until just tender, mix everything in a large bowl as outlined in our preparation steps. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, but hold off on adding the extra cheese topping.
- Refrigerate or freeze: Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to preserve the creamy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Reheating guidelines: When ready to serve, remove from the fridge, add the extra cheese, and bake as directed. If reheating from frozen, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time for that perfect bubbly, golden finish.
Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
To keep our cheesy potatoes at their best, refer to the table below for recommended storage times and conditions. These guidelines help maintain the dish’s sensory appeal, from the melty cheese pull to the crisp edges that make it a crowd-pleaser.
| Storage Method | Duration | Conditions | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container at 40°F or below | Prevents moisture buildup and flavor loss |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn | Thaw slowly in fridge for even reheating |
Conclusion
We’ve shared how Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe brings warmth to any table with its simple charm. It’s a go-to dish that makes gatherings memorable and weeknights easier.
Trust us, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for those crispy edges and creamy bites. Let’s make this timeless favorite part of our kitchen traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe?
Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe is a classic comfort food dish featuring gooey cheese, crispy edges, and tender potatoes. Rooted in simple home-cooking traditions, it’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a creamy, flavorful side that enhances any meal with its easy preparation and bold tastes.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
The key ingredients include 2 pounds of russet potatoes, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of full-fat sour cream, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 cup of whole milk, and seasonings. These high-quality items ensure a perfect balance of creamy texture and rich flavors, with precise measurements for effortless prep.
What tools are required to make this dish?
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish for even baking, mixing bowls for prep, a sharp knife and cutting board for slicing potatoes, a box grater or food processor for cheese, and measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. A spatula or wooden spoon helps with mixing, ensuring seamless and precise results.
How do I prepare Mrs. Dell’s Cheesy Potato Recipe?
Start by peeling and slicing 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then cook until tender. Mix with 1 medium onion, 2 cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup sour cream, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 cup milk, and seasonings in a bowl. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden—about 30-40 minutes at 350°F for a delicious, crowd-pleasing side.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components like peeling and slicing potatoes, grating cheese, and mixing wet ingredients in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer. Partially assemble the dish before baking, following storage guidelines to maintain freshness and flavor, making it ideal for busy schedules.
How long does it take to make the cheesy potatoes?
Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes, including peeling and mixing ingredients. Baking time is 30-40 minutes at 350°F until golden and bubbly. Total time is roughly 50-70 minutes, but you can save time by prepping ahead, keeping it convenient for weeknights or events.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves 6-8 people as a side dish, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, with its hearty mix of potatoes and cheese providing a satisfying addition to any meal. Adjust quantities for larger crowds if needed.