If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy, and savory delights, this Party Potatoes Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. With tender baby potatoes bathed in a luscious mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar, topped off with just the right kick of spices and optional crispy bacon, this dish is pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday feast, or casual get-together, these golden baked potatoes will quickly become the star of the show and a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Party Potatoes Recipe plays a vital role, from the soft yet structured potatoes to the creamy base and bold seasonings that bring everything to life. These simple ingredients come together to create a perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color that’s both satisfying and visually inviting.
- 3 lbs baby potatoes (or russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes): The hearty foundation that holds the creamy goodness inside while delivering a perfect bite.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Contributes smoothness and a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk: Used to lighten the mixture for an easy, luscious texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty richness that cheese lovers will adore.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor): Adds a smoky crunch if you want to take your potatoes to the next level.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor with a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A bright finishing touch that adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by giving your baby potatoes a thorough wash, then slice them in half for quicker cooking and an appealing bite size. If russets are your choice, peeling is optional, and cutting into 1-inch cubes is important so they cook evenly. Getting this step right ensures perfect tenderness in every mouthful.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add your prepared potatoes and let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, aiming for a fork-tender texture but not mushy. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to cool slightly — this pause helps them soak up the creamy sauce better later.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While your potatoes cool, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich sauce is what elevates ordinary potatoes into an indulgent side dish with layers of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Sauce
Gently fold the tender potatoes into the creamy sauce, taking care not to break them apart. This coating step is crucial because it infuses the potatoes with flavor and ensures every bite is decadently moist and well-seasoned.
Step 5: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Onions
Now, stir in shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible melty magic. If you’re a fan of smoky notes, toss in some crispy cooked bacon. The chopped green onions add freshness and a slight crunch. These mix-ins really bring a party vibe to your potatoes.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Spread the entire mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You can sprinkle a bit more cheese on top for an extra gooey crust. Pop the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, a sprinkling of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness to this rich dish. Serve warm and watch your friends and family dive in eagerly—this recipe is a celebration in every bite.
How to Serve Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but feel free to get creative with additional chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream, or even a little crispy fried onion on top for that extra crunch. Garnishes should enhance the dish without overpowering the creamy, cheesy goodness beneath.
Side Dishes
Party potatoes are a perfect match with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh green salad. They also pair beautifully with holiday ham or turkey, making them a versatile side dish for any occasion where you want comfort food with flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Party Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—great for parties where people can grab their own personal portion. You can also turn leftovers into loaded potato croquettes by shaping, breading, and frying them for a tasty snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Party Potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it a tasty next-day side or snack. Just be gentle when reheating to avoid breaking apart the potatoes.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked dish after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Party Potatoes gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that melt-y, bubbly cheese texture. A quick broil at the end adds an extra golden crust for perfection.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes work perfectly in this Party Potatoes Recipe. Just be sure to watch the cooking time since larger cubes may take slightly longer to become tender.
Is the bacon necessary for the recipe?
Bacon is optional but highly recommended if you want to add a smoky crunch. You can leave it out for a vegetarian-friendly dish, and the flavors will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the mayonnaise and other packaged ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack or Colby for a slightly different flavor profile while still achieving a gooey texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Party Potatoes Recipe has mild spice from paprika and a warming taste from garlic and onion powders. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Party Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy to make, irresistibly cheesy, and flexible to suit your pantry and preferences. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on your go-to list for every celebration and cozy night in. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready to fall in love with these golden, creamy potatoes!
Print
Party Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Party Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy baked side dish featuring tender baby or russet potatoes mixed with sour cream, mayonnaise, and savory spices, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional bacon and green onions for extra flavor. Perfect for gatherings and holiday meals.
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
Add-ins and Toppings
- 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 them into 1-inch cubes for 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 aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Potatoes and Creamy Mixture: Add the cooked potatoes to the bowl and gently fold to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon if using, and chopped green onions or chives to the potato mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly inside.
- Bake: Optionally top with extra shredded cheese, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute russet potatoes cut into cubes if baby potatoes are unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for creamier texture.
- Chilling the potato mixture before baking is optional but helps flavors meld.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
