Oh, let me tell you about my Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes! This dish has become my ultimate holiday tradition, and honestly, I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving table without it. Picture this: creamy, cheesy goodness that hugs each potato bite, making it the star side dish that everyone raves about. There’s something so comforting about the combination of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic—it’s pure magic! My family always gathers around the table, and when those cheesy potatoes make their grand entrance, you can hear the collective “Mmm!” It takes me back to my childhood, where I watched my mom whip this up with love, and now I get to share that same joy with my friends and loved ones. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close for all your holiday feasts!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sour cream, for that creamy texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, because more cheese is always better!
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup, adding depth and richness
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for a fresh touch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, to give it that lovely aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t forget to season well!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
Preheat and Boil
Let’s get things started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is the perfect temperature for achieving that golden, bubbly top we all love. While that’s heating up, grab your diced potatoes and place them in a large pot. Fill it with water, making sure the potatoes are covered. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. You’ll want to boil those potatoes until they’re tender—about 10-15 minutes should do the trick. You can poke them with a fork to check; they should be soft enough to easily pierce but not mushy. Drain them well, and let’s move on!
Mix the Ingredients
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix it all together until it’s perfectly blended. The creamy mixture should be smooth and inviting. Don’t be shy—taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed. This is where the magic happens, and it’s a great time to get creative with flavors!
Combine and Bake
Next, it’s time to bring the potatoes into the mix! Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the creamy mixture. Make sure every potato piece is coated in that cheesy goodness—this is crucial for flavor! Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; look for that beautiful golden top and bubbling edges. When you see that, you know it’s ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes! Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, so these numbers are just estimates to give you an idea. Generally, a serving size of about 1 cup contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 500mg
So, while these cheesy potatoes are definitely indulgent, they’re all about bringing joy to your holiday table! Just remember to enjoy them in moderation alongside all those other delicious dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Rich, creamy texture that everyone will rave about—seriously, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic, making it utterly irresistible.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main dish, from turkey to ham!
- Can be prepped a day in advance, saving you time on the big day.
- A comforting, nostalgic dish that brings back fond holiday memories.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create something truly special.
Tips for Success
To make your Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes truly shine, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, consider prepping the potatoes the night before. Just keep them in water to prevent browning, and you’ll save time on the big day. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost. Don’t forget to taste your mixture before adding the potatoes; it’s the perfect moment to adjust seasonings! Lastly, if you love a bit of crunch, topping it with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs before baking adds a delightful texture. Enjoy the process and get creative!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on these Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes! If you’re looking to add a bit of color and nutrition, consider folding in some steamed broccoli or spinach right before baking. It not only brightens up the dish but adds a lovely texture, too!
For those who enjoy a kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can elevate the flavor profile and give your cheesy potatoes a delightful heat. Don’t shy away from fresh herbs, either! Chopped fresh parsley or thyme mixed in can add a beautiful aromatic element that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the dish.
If you want to make this dish even heartier, you could throw in some cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon bits for a savory boost. And for a twist on the cheese, why not experiment with a blend? A mix of gouda and pepper jack can create a fabulous, melty experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The possibilities are endless—get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftovers of these delicious Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes? Lucky you! To store them, simply let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to label it with the date, so you don’t forget how long they’ve been hanging out in there!
When it comes to reheating, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place your cheesy potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent them from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. If you want that bubbly, golden top again, take the foil off for the last 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop a serving in the microwave. Just place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot. Remember, though — the texture might not be quite as fabulous as when they’re freshly baked. But hey, it’s still cheesy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Thanksgiving cheesy potatoes ready to steal the show, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! These creamy, cheesy delights are incredibly versatile and can complement a whole range of main dishes. For a classic holiday meal, nothing pairs better than a beautifully roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham. The savory flavors of the meat balance perfectly with the richness of the potatoes.
If you’re going for something a bit different, try serving them with herb-crusted prime rib or a succulent pork loin. The cheesy potatoes work wonderfully with the juicy, tender meat, creating a comforting plate that everyone will love. And for my vegetarian friends out there, a stuffed butternut squash or a hearty mushroom Wellington is an excellent choice—trust me, the flavors meld beautifully!
Don’t forget about the greens! A crisp, fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the potatoes. You could also serve some roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans on the side for an extra pop of color and nutrition. Whatever you choose, just remember that these cheesy potatoes will shine alongside anything you whip up, making your Thanksgiving table truly memorable!
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Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy potato dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the diced potatoes until tender.
- In a large bowl, mix sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked potatoes to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cheesy potatoes, creamy potatoes, holiday side dish
