Elevate your comfort food game with "Potatoes Con Queso for Those Who Are Riced Out," a creamy, cheesy potato dish that’s perfect for anyone needing a break from rice-based sides. This recipe features tender, cubed russet potatoes baked in a luscious cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce infused with smoky paprika, cumin, and garlic powder for bold, Southwestern-inspired flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it transforms everyday potatoes into a golden, bubbly masterpiece, garnished with fresh green onions and optional cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch. Ideal as a standout side dish or a decadent main course, this crowd-pleaser makes the ultimate cozy dinner companion. Keywords: cheesy potato bake, comfort food recipes, easy potato side dish, Potatoes Con Queso, baked potato casserole.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry with a clean towel.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until they are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
Add the paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce, and mix well.
Transfer the drained potatoes to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro (if using) before serving.
Calories |
2062 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.8 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.7 g | 328% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 4190 mg | 182% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 192.8 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.2 g | ||
| Protein | 90.9 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.3 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2199 mg | 169% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 4800 mg | 102% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.