There’s something about a pan of oven-baked potatoes that feels like home, especially out here where the fields stretch farther than the eye can see and supper is still the anchor of the day. This dish is a simple, comforting casserole of raw potatoes tucked under a rich, tangy blanket of sour cream, sharp cheddar, garlic, and chives. It reminds me of the kinds of “church basement” potatoes that showed up at every potluck when I was raising my kids—humble ingredients, nothing fancy, but so satisfying you’d always go back for seconds. You’ll like this recipe if you enjoy honest, stick-to-your-ribs Midwestern cooking that doesn’t require much fuss: just a glass casserole dish, a handful of pantry staples, and a few quiet minutes at the counter, spooning that creamy mixture over the potatoes while the oven warms the kitchen.
These oven-baked potatoes are hearty enough to sit beside just about any main dish. They pair beautifully with simple roasted chicken, meatloaf, or a skillet-fried pork chop, the kind with a little crust on the edges. Add a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a bit of freshness, or spoon these potatoes alongside grilled brats and a pile of coleslaw for a real Midwest-style supper. They also sit nicely on a holiday table, nestled between a baked ham and a bowl of buttered corn, and the leftovers reheat well for breakfast with a fried egg on top.
Creamy Cheddar & Chive Oven-Baked PotatoesServings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled (if desired) and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish, if you like)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened (for greasing the dish and dotting on top)
Optional: 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream, if mixture seems very thick
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9x13-inch glass casserole dish, making sure to get into the corners so the potatoes don’t stick.
Prepare the potatoes by peeling them if you prefer (the old farm wives around here often left the skins on for extra flavor and less waste), then slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Spread the sliced potatoes evenly in the buttered glass casserole dish, separating any pieces that want to cling together.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sour cream, 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems very stiff, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it just enough to spoon easily.
Set the casserole dish on the counter so you can work comfortably over it. Using a spoon, dollop the sour cream and cheddar mixture over the raw potatoes, then gently spread it so it nestles down between the slices. It doesn’t have to be perfect—those little pockets of sauce are what make each bite a little different.
Once the potatoes are generously covered, dot the top with small bits of the remaining butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar over the surface, letting some fall into the nooks and crannies.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake on the middle rack for 45–55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. The sauce should be hot and bubbling around the edges.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the cheese has melted into a golden, bubbly layer. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil again.
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the creamy mixture thickens slightly and clings to the potatoes. Sprinkle with a few extra chopped chives for color, then scoop onto plates while it’s still warm and comforting.
Variations & Tips
If you’ve cooked in the Midwest long enough, you learn that a recipe like this is more of a friendly guideline than a strict rule. For extra richness, you can stir a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon into the sour cream mixture before spooning it over the potatoes—this turns it into something very close to a loaded baked potato casserole. A little finely chopped onion or sliced green onions can be added alongside the garlic if your family likes a stronger savory note. If you’re cooking for folks who prefer milder flavors, cut back on the garlic and use a mild cheddar or even Colby Jack. For a slightly lighter version, you can use light sour cream and reduce the cheese by half; the texture will be a bit less decadent but still comforting. Those who enjoy a bit of a crust can scatter buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top for the last 10–15 minutes of baking. And if you ever find yourself short on time, you can parboil the sliced potatoes for 5–7 minutes before assembling; they’ll bake a bit faster and more evenly, which is handy on busy weeknights or when the house is already full of hungry relatives.
