Cheesy Potatoes Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Totally Addictive

By Lilo On May 21, 2025

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheesy Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish You Need to Try

Few side dishes hit the comfort-food sweet spot quite like cheesy potatoes. Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy in the center, and topped with melted cheese, these oven-baked wedges are as easy to make as they are satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers indulgence without fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy potatoes are a classic for a reason. They’re:

Versatile – Ideal with meats, veggies, or salads
Simple – Made with pantry staples
Customizable – Easily enhanced with add-ins like bacon, herbs, or spice
Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike

With crispy edges, a tender interior, and golden melted cheese on top, this side dish brings warmth and richness to any plate.

Ingredients

You’ll need:

6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold, red, or russet)
6 cubes of butter (about 1 tsp each)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Mozzarella cheese (to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

Chopped parsley or chives
Crumbled bacon or diced ham
Sliced jalapeños
Shredded cheddar or Gruyère for extra cheesiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prep the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut each into four wedges. No peeling required—just scrub well.

3. Use a Muffin Tin

Place one wedge in each cup of a muffin tin. This setup helps achieve maximum crispiness and keeps them upright.

4. Season

Top each potato wedge with:

1 cube of butter
A pinch of garlic
A sprinkle of salt and black pepper

5. Bake

Place in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.

6. Add the Cheese

With about 10 minutes left, pull the tin out and generously sprinkle mozzarella on top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potatoes

Leave the Skin On: It adds texture and nutrition.
Add Your Twist: Try smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs.
Make It Meaty: Add bacon bits or ham for extra depth.
Go Spicy: Jalapeños or chili flakes offer a fiery kick.

What to Serve With Cheesy Potatoes

These pair beautifully with:

Grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops
Fresh green salads
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Dipping sauces like garlic aioli, pesto, or sour cream

Storing and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes for best results.
Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate uncooked. When ready to serve, bake and add 5–10 extra minutes.

Air Fryer Method (Faster Alternative)

Short on time? The air fryer works wonders:

Prepare the potatoes as above.
Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway.
Add cheese in the last 5 minutes and cook until melted.

Final Thoughts

These melt-in-your-mouth cheesy potatoes are everything a side dish should be: simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether baked in the oven or crisped up in the air fryer, they deliver cozy, cheesy goodness with every bite. Add them to your dinner table and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds.