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This Creamy Potato Casserole is the ultimate definition of pure, indulgent comfort food. By layering thin slices of starchy russet potatoes with a velvety blend of full-fat sour cream, whole milk, and robust sharp cheddar cheese, you create a dish with an incredibly rich, luxurious texture. Finely chopped onions melt into the sauce during the bake, releasing a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the savory garlic and optional smoky paprika notes. The clever two-stage baking process—starting under a foil tent to steam the potatoes to tender perfection before an uncovered blast creates a bubbling, golden-brown cheese and breadcrumb crust—ensures a magnificent contrast of textures in every single bite.

Creamy Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Pan and Oven Setup: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of extra butter or nonstick cooking spray to keep the starchy potatoes from sticking to the edges.

Step 2: Whisk the Rich Cream Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/4 / cup of melted unsalted butter and the finely chopped onion. Stir in the 2 cups of sour cream, exactly 1 1/2 / cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it is completely smooth, evenly blended, and free of any large cheese or seasoning lumps.

Step 3: Construct the Layers: Arrange half of your thinly sliced russet potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour exactly half of the creamy sour cream mixture uniformly over the potatoes, using a spatula to spread it to the edges so every single slice is well-coated. Layer the remaining sliced potatoes flat on top, followed by the rest of the creamy sauce, ensuring all the potatoes are completely submerged to promote uniform cooking.

Step 4: The Crispy Canopy Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 / cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. If you are choosing to use them for an added texture contrast, scatter your breadcrumbs uniformly over the cheese layer.

Step 5: The Foil-Tent Steam Bake: Cover the baking dish securely with a sheet of aluminum foil, taking care to arch it slightly so it does not directly touch the cheese topping. Slide the pan onto the center rack of your preheated oven and bake covered for 45 / minutes to allow the potatoes to steam and soften in the rich cream base.

Step 6: The Bubbly Golden Finish: Carefully remove the aluminum foil from the dish and return the casserole to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15 / to 20 / minutes until the cheese canopy is bubbling vigorously and has transformed into a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. Remove the dish from the oven and let the casserole rest undisturbed on a heat-safe surface for 10 / minutes to allow the rich starches to settle and set up beautifully. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve warm!