If you are looking to bring a crowd-pleasing side dish to your next get-together, this Party Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and just the right hint of smoky bacon and savory spices, it’s the perfect comfort food that feels both indulgent and welcoming. Whether it’s a holiday feast, potluck, or casual gathering, the tender potatoes combined with a luscious sauce make this dish an instant favorite that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Party Potatoes Recipe are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture that you’ll adore. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the sharpness of cheddar cheese, each component contributes to the overall magic of the dish.

Baby potatoes or russet potatoes: Choose tender baby potatoes for a creamier bite or russet for a traditional texture, cut into 1-inch cubes to cook evenly.
Sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that brings a refreshing balance to the rich cheese and bacon.
Mayonnaise: Provides velvety moisture and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Milk: Lightens the mixture slightly, ensuring the potatoes remain tender and saucy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and gooey meltiness that makes every bite heavenly.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Optional but highly recommended for a smoky, savory punch that elevates the dish.
Chopped green onions or chives: Introduce a fresh, mild onion bite to brighten the flavor.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika: These spices add depth and a subtle kick of warmth.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Party Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing your baby potatoes thoroughly and cutting them in half, or peel your russet potatoes if you prefer and chop them into one-inch cubes. The size is important to ensure they cook evenly and hold their shape without falling apart.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your prepared potatoes. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are tender but still firm enough to hold up in the casserole. Drain them well and allow them to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

While the potatoes are cooling, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This creamy mixture will coat the potatoes with incredible flavor and keep the dish delectably moist.

Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the creamy mixture to coat each piece evenly. This gentle folding helps prevent breaking up the potatoes while ensuring every bite has that luscious, creamy coating.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Green Onions

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled bacon if you’re using it, and chopped green onions or chives. This combination adds layers of gooey cheese, smoky bacon goodness, and fresh onion flavor that make this Party Potatoes Recipe truly irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with extra shredded cheese if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top. This final bake brings everything together, giving you that delightful golden crust.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve your Party Potatoes Recipe warm and prepare for plenty of compliments and requests for seconds!

How to Serve Party Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley or additional green onions on top before serving enhances the look and adds a subtle brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors. For a spicy twist, consider sprinkling a pinch of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños.

Side Dishes

This Party Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops, as well as smoky barbecued fare. It’s also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties. You can also top it with extra bacon bits and cheese right before serving for an extra layer of indulgence. Leftovers reimagined as potato cakes pan-fried until crisp make a delightful breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Party Potatoes Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by tightly wrapping it or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the potatoes watery and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes in this Party Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Baby potatoes and russet potatoes are great options, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes would work beautifully too. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise if I already have sour cream?

The mayonnaise adds extra richness and helps create the creamy texture, but you can reduce the amount or substitute it with additional sour cream if you prefer a lighter version.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute. The dish will still be packed with flavor thanks to the cheese and spices.

How spicy is this Party Potatoes Recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly by default, with warmth coming from paprika rather than heat. You can easily add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you’d like more spice.

Can I prepare this dish earlier in the day?

Definitely! You can prepare everything up to combining the potatoes with the creamy mixture and storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed to enjoy hot, melty Party Potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Party Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that brings joy to any table. Its blend of creamy textures, sharp cheese, and flavorful spices makes it a reliable go-to for celebrations or simple family dinners. Don’t hesitate to try it out at your next event — you’re going to love how it brings smiles and satisfied appetites all around.