Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Cheesy Green Chili Potato Casserole! Imagine layers of creamy, tender potatoes melted with zesty green chilies and rich, gooey cheddar cheese that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This isn't just another side dish – it's a comfort food masterpiece that combines the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors that will elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash, peel, and slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping to create a solid potato base.
- Sprinkle half of the diced green chilies over the potato layer, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced flavor in each serving.
- Pour half of the sour cream mixture over the potatoes and chilies, making sure to cover the surface thoroughly.
- Spread one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer, creating a melty, cheesy middle section.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, green chilies, sour cream mixture, and the final cup of cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to help steam the potatoes and keep them moist during initial baking.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 30 minutes to allow potatoes to become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to become golden brown and cheese to develop a crispy, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh chives or green onions for added color and fresh flavor.
Tips
- • For the most even cooking, use a mandoline slicer to create uniform potato slices that cook perfectly and look professionally prepared. • Make sure to pat your potato slices dry before layering to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy top layer. • Let the casserole rest for exactly 10 minutes after baking – this helps the layers set and makes serving much easier. • For extra flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and pepper jack for added complexity. • If you want a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning. • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated – just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. • For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat cheese without sacrificing too much flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
