These creamy cheesy baked potatoes are a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Tender baked potatoes are topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and your favorite cheese. This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to elevate baked potatoes into a delightful meal.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 7 medium potatoes (russet or similar)
- Cold water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 40 g (1.1/2 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 glasses (about 500 ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Cheese of your choice (Leerdammer, cheddar, Gruyère, etc.), grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
- Prick the potatoes several times with a fork to prevent them from bursting during baking.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to rinse.
- Dry the potatoes with paper towels.
- Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and rub it into the skin.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the cheese sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, without letting it brown.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and nutmeg.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Use a fork to fluff the inside of the potatoes.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
Nutritional Facts:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 5-7g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Satisfying: A classic comfort food with a creamy cheese sauce.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the cheese and seasonings to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone will enjoy.
Health Benefits of:
- Carbohydrates: Potatoes provide energy.
- Protein and Calcium: Milk and cheese provide protein and calcium.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes and milk contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Add toppings like bacon bits, chives, or green onions.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their high starch content.
- Prick the Potatoes: Pricking the potatoes prevents them from bursting during baking.
- Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Cook the sauce until it thickens, but don’t overcook it, or it may become too thick.
- Use Your Favorite Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese for the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations to Try:
- Add Vegetables: Include sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the cheese sauce.
- Spicy Cheese Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Herb Variations: Use other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Add Cooked Meats: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try using a blend of cheeses or a strong cheese like blue cheese.
Conclusion:
These creamy cheesy baked potatoes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With their tender potatoes and rich cheese sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and find your favorite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, you can use sweet potatoes, but the cooking time may vary.
- Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
- Can I freeze leftover baked potatoes?
- It’s best to eat them fresh, but you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy?
- Whisk continuously when adding milk to the roux and cook over medium-low heat.
- Can I add other toppings?
- Yes, you can add toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, chives, or green onions.
- Can I use a different type of milk?
- Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even plant-based milk.
- How do I store leftover baked potatoes?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.