Some potato recipes are so simple, they’re the kind of thing you remember years after. And these Creamy Pour-Over Baked Potatoes are just that. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a baking dish and covered with a rich, creamy mixture, then baked until tender and golden brown. The result is a warm, comforting side dish that makes something special out of a commonplace ingredient.I love this recipe because there is no complicated preparation. No separate cheese sauce or hours on the stove needed. The creamy mixture is just poured over the potatoes before they go into the oven. As the potatoes cook they soak up the sauce and get soft in the middle and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.This is the type of plain potato casserole that goes with almost any main dish. Serve it alongside roast beef, baked chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, gammon or even just a plain roasted turkey. Add in some green beans, peas, broccoli, or a fresh salad and you have a comforting family dinner with no effort.This is also a perfect choice for Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings as you can prepare the dish ahead of time and let the oven do the work while you focus on the rest of your meal.Ingredients for 4 persons:2 lb potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced1 can cream of mushroom soup, condensed1 cup milk.1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded2 tablespoons melted butterInstructionsPreheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Place the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping.In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk and melted butter until smooth.Slowly and evenly pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, making sure it goes down in between the layers.Cover the baking pan well with aluminium foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the potatoes are beginning to get tender.Take the foil off and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Return the dish to the oven and continue baking uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.Let the potatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit and makes it easier to scoop out.Variations & Tips Slice the Potatoes Thinly Thin, evenly sized slices will help the potatoes cook evenly. A mandoline can make this easier but a sharp knife works just fine. Pick the right potato: Russet potatoes will give you a nice, soft, creamy texture, and Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavour and hold their shape well. Try different cheeses: Cheddar is a classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella or a mild cheese blend are also tasty toppings. Add Cooked Ham: For a heartier casserole, add chopped cooked ham between the potatoes. This is especially handy if you want to make the side dish part of the main meal. Add Onions: Place thinly sliced onions between the layers of potatoes for a little extra savoury flavour. They become nice and soft during the baking of the casserole. Cream of Chicken Soup: No mushroom soup? Use condensed cream of chicken soup instead for a rich alternative. Pour Slowly: Pour the creamy mixture in a slow stream in one spot. Spread it evenly over the potatoes so the sauce can get in between the layers. The potatoes need to be softened before the cheese can be added. Give the first bake time. The lid on the pan traps in steam to help the potatoes cook evenly. For a Golden Top: During the final baking step, remove the foil so the cheese can brown a little and melt. Look at the last few minutes. Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest a few minutes so the sauce can thicken up and it will be much easier to serve. Serve With Roast Beef: These potatoes are creamy and go well with roast beef, pork, chicken, gammon and meatloaf. The sauce is particularly delicious with savoury roasted meats. Store Leftovers Store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge. To reheat, heat individual portions in the oven or microwave until hot and creamy.This Creamy Pour-Over Baked Potatoes recipe is the kind of old school comfort food that proves simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying dish. Potatoes absorb creamy sauce and melted cheddar creates a golden, savoury topping.These creamy baked potatoes are a go-to whether you’re making a quick weeknight side, a Sunday family meal, or a holiday dinner. Simple to make, delicious and comfortingly good with just about any main course.
Creamy Pour-Over Baked Potatoes
