Your Cheesy Potato Skillet is a warm, comforting dish filled with golden potatoes and gooey cheese. It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast or dinner!
What I love most is how cheesy and crispy it gets! Sometimes, I sneak in some veggies to make it a bit healthier. You can never go wrong with a meal that’s this cheesy! 🧀🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect as they cook quickly and have a creamy texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes—just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you’re after something milder, go for mild cheddar or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick! Feel free to mix and match based on your taste.
Sour Cream vs. Cream Cheese: I often use sour cream for a tangy flavor, but cream cheese gives a rich, creamy texture. Choose based on what you have on hand, and don’t hesitate to use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist!
Milk or Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter option, use milk or plant-based milk. Heavy cream will give it a luxurious feel, but any milk will work. Just remember, thicker cream makes for a richer texture!
How Do I Get the Potatoes Perfectly Tender and Golden?
Getting the potatoes just right is essential for this dish. I recommend cooking them on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without browning too quickly.
- Start with halving or quartering the baby potatoes for faster cooking.
- Cook them for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want them tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- For a golden touch, let them cook undisturbed for a minute or two after stirring; this allows some to brown nicely.
Trust me, it adds depth to the flavors!
How to Make Cheesy Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Potatoes and Cooking Essentials:
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Creamy Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Potato Skillet takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes total, including cooking and baking time. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the potatoes on the stove, followed by about 20 minutes baking in the oven. It’s an easy, tasty dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to melt that delicious cheese perfectly!
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the halved or quartered baby potatoes. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are just tender and starting to turn golden. This will give them a lovely texture and flavor!
3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
While the potatoes are cooking, grab a mixing bowl and combine the sour cream (or cream cheese), milk (or heavy cream), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until smooth and creamy. This will be the magical sauce that brings our dish together!
4. Combine in the Skillet:
Once the potatoes are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the potatoes. Gently stir to coat the potatoes evenly with the creamy goodness. Make sure all the potatoes are nicely covered!
5. Add More Cheese:
It’s cheese time! Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if you’re using it) evenly over the top of the potato mixture. We want it nice and cheesy!
6. Bake in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just slightly golden on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, carefully remove the skillet (it will be hot!). Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let everything settle.
Dig in and enjoy your comforting, cheesy potato skillet! It’s perfect as a side dish or even a main meal.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for their size and texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Oven-Safe Skillet?
No worries! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the potato mixture to a baking dish after mixing in the cheese. Just ensure it’s well-coated before popping it in the oven!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Definitely! Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and a non-dairy sour cream or yogurt. Adjust the cream quantity with almond milk or any plant-based milk for compatibility!
