This Cheesy Potato Skillet is a warm and comforting dish filled with crispy potatoes and gooey cheese. You can top it with your favorite veggies or even bacon bits for extra flavor!
I love making this for breakfast, and sometimes I can’t resist the urge to eat it for dinner too! It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot. Who can say no to cheese and potatoes? 🧀🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for a tender bite. If they’re not available, you can use small Yukon Gold potatoes. They’re creamy and delicious! I also love using red potatoes for a little color and unique flavor.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky crunch that enhances the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta can work as alternatives. I sometimes even use smoked sausage for a twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick to the dish. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more! For a milder flavor, try a Monterey Jack. It’s just as melty without the sharpness.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and is a bit healthier too! You can also use cottage cheese for a different texture.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are lovely, but don’t stress if you don’t have them! Dried herbs can work, or even a bit of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Potatoes for This Skillet?
Cooking the potatoes right makes all the difference. To get them perfectly tender inside and crispy on the outside, follow these steps:
- Start with halved or quartered baby potatoes for even cooking.
- Cook them in bacon grease to infuse flavor. If you prefer, you can use olive oil as a healthier alternative.
- Keep the heat medium. This allows the potatoes to soften without burning. Stir occasionally for even cooking; around 15 minutes should do the trick.
- Look for golden edges as an indicator they’re ready for the creamy mixture!
How to Make Cheesy Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or small Yukon Gold potatoes), halved or quartered
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Potato Skillet takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook, including both stovetop and oven time. You’ll spend some time crisping the bacon and cooking the potatoes, but the result is totally worth it. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot for the cheesy goodness to come!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large cast iron skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces from the skillet and set them aside, but don’t discard that delicious bacon grease—it’ll add tons of flavor to the potatoes!
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
Carefully add the halved or quartered potatoes to the skillet with the leftover bacon grease. Season them with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary if you’d like. Cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a little golden on the edges, which should take about 15 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Mixture:
While the potatoes are cooking, grab a bowl and mix together the butter, sour cream, milk, and minced garlic. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is what brings everything together!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour that creamy mixture over the potatoes in the skillet and give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Add the Cheese:
It’s cheese time! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the potato mixture.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has golden edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Finish With Bacon and Parsley:
Once it’s done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces on top. Then, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let your Cheesy Potato Skillet cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm straight from the skillet. It’s perfect as a side dish or a main course. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes and small Yukon Golds work best for this recipe, you can also try red or fingerling potatoes. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
What if I Don’t Have Bacon?
If bacon isn’t available, you can substitute it with turkey bacon, pancetta, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the meat altogether and add a bit of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it directly from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. You may want to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess when reheating.