BEST Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe (Party Potatoes)

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes (approximately 4 medium-sized potatoes)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided*
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese*
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon (approximately 8 slices)
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch...: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. 2

   Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a...: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes or until they are fork tender, but not too soft. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted...: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, whole milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix together.

4. 4

   Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheese...: Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheese mixture, making sure that the potatoes are evenly coated.

5. 5

   Transfer the potato mixture to the greased baking...: Transfer the potato mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top the mixture with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

6. 6

   In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes...: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and crumbled cooked bacon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese layer.

7. 7

   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for...: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.

8. 8

   Remove the casserole from the oven and let...: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh chives.