If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that brings creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors all in one dish, look no further than this glorious Party Potatoes Recipe. Picture tender, perfectly cooked potatoes nestled in a rich blend of sour cream and mayonnaise, then loaded with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of freshness. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it the ultimate side dish guaranteed to sparkle at your next gathering. Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday feast, or a casual get-together, this Party Potatoes Recipe effortlessly elevates the humble potato to a crowd favorite that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Party Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own special touch. From tender potatoes providing hearty texture to sharp cheddar delivering bold flavor, these ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible.
- 3 lbs baby potatoes or russet potatoes (cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the dish, providing tender, fluffy bites that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds delicious tanginess and smoothness to the creamy base.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Brings richness and helps bind all the flavors together cozy and creamy.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the mixture slightly so it’s luscious but never heavy.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, delivering that classic cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): For a smoky crunch that adds incredible depth, but feel free to skip if you want a vegetarian option.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives: Provides a fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the potatoes with subtle savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts that comforting flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to tie all the ingredients into perfect harmony.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): A pop of green freshness and a lovely finishing touch before serving.
How to Make Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by getting your potatoes ready. If you’re using baby potatoes, give them a good wash and cut them in half so that every bite will have that perfect tender texture. For russets, peeling is optional, but cutting them into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures they’ll cook evenly and absorb that wonderful creamy mixture.
Step 2: Boil Until Fork-Tender
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your potatoes and cook them just until they’re fork-tender, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. The timing is key here — you want them soft but still holding their shape. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly to prepare for mixing.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This smooth, flavorful base is what takes your Party Potatoes Recipe from simple to show-stopping.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes with the Sauce
Gently fold your cooked potatoes into the creamy mixture, taking care not to smash them. Coating each potato tenderly ensures every bite is infused with that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese, Bacon, and Onions
Next, stir in a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon if you’re using it, and crisp green onions or chives. This is where the flavors really start to dance together, layering cheesy, smoky, and fresh notes in every spoonful.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Transfer your luscious potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you want to dial up the cheese factor, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese melts into bubbly golden perfection, it’s time to take it out.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a beautiful pop of color and freshness. Serve your Party Potatoes Recipe warm, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic way to add bright color and a hint of herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich potatoes. You can also try a sprinkle of extra green onions or a light dusting of paprika for that inviting red hue on top.
Side Dishes
Party Potatoes make a perfect partner for roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. They also complement green vegetable sides like sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, balancing the meal with texture and flavor. Their creamy, cheesy richness pairs delightfully with crisp, fresh salads as well.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve your Party Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions at a dinner party. You can even layer the potatoes in a clear casserole dish to show off the beautiful cheesy layers or top with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Party Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so before baking. Transfer the prepared but unbaked potato mixture to a freezer-safe container, covering tightly to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. For a quicker option, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly, though the oven method preserves that baked crispness better.
FAQs
Can I make this Party Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon, and you’ll still have a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for vegetarians.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Baby potatoes work wonderfully because they’re tender and don’t require peeling, but russet potatoes are a fantastic alternative, especially if you like a fluffier interior.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it fully and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking, or freeze it unbaked for longer storage.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Try swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and reducing the cheese slightly. Using low-fat dairy options can also brighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
After baking, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese on top and create a golden, crispy crust that adds a delightful texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little comfort, joy, and guaranteed smiles to your table, you simply must try this Party Potatoes Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty that everyone loves, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together. Once you make it, this dish will become your go-to for potlucks, celebrations, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying side. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and the recipe) every time!
Print
Party Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Party Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy casserole featuring tender baby or russet potatoes mixed with sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and paprika. Enhanced with optional bacon and green onions, this warm, comforting dish is baked to bubbly perfection, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 lbs baby potatoes (or russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Creamy Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: If using baby potatoes, wash them thoroughly and cut them in half. If using russet potatoes, peel them if desired and cut into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly to avoid breaking them during mixing.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the cooked potatoes to the creamy mixture and gently fold to coat them evenly without mashing, maintaining the potato texture.
- Add Cheese and Extras: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon if using, and chopped green onions or chives to distribute flavors throughout the dish.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the potato mixture evenly into it, preparing for baking.
- Bake the Dish: Optionally top with additional shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve warm to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- You can substitute russet potatoes for baby potatoes; peel them if preferred.
- The bacon is optional but adds a smoky flavor; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest results.
- Make sure not to overcook the potatoes in boiling water to avoid them turning mushy during baking.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving for convenience.
- For variation, try mixing in sour cream and cream cheese or adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
