Cheesy Baked Potato Skillet

Introduction: A Skillet Full of Joy (and Cheese)

Let’s be real—after a long day of juggling work, errands, and keeping everyone fed, you want dinner to be easy and delicious. That’s where the Cheesy Baked Potato Skillet comes in. It’s hearty, it’s golden, it’s bubbling with creamy, melty cheese. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet. Less mess, more yum.

This dish is perfect for those “ugh, what’s for dinner?” nights. You know the ones—when you want comfort food but not a million steps. Just potatoes, cheese, and some serious satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Potato Skillet

• It’s a one-pan wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, crispy-edged potatoes.
• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Flexible: Add protein or veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the potatoes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the cheese sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt, to taste

Optional toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Crispy fried onions
• A dash of hot sauce or sour cream on the side

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Baked Potato Skillet

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, line a baking dish for the final step.
2. Sauté the potatoes: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to brown and the potatoes are nearly tender.
3. Make the cheese sauce: While the potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
4. Combine and bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes in the skillet and gently stir to combine. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions or crispy onions for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm with a side salad or your favorite protein.

Quick Tips to Make It Even Better

• Shortcut idea: Use pre-cooked or frozen diced potatoes to cut down on prep time.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce adds a nice kick.
• Add-ins: Toss in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms for extra oomph.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I first made this skillet one snowy Saturday when we were all stuck inside, and the fridge was looking sad. I threw this together with what I had, and the kids thought I was a genius. It became an instant family favorite—and now I always keep the ingredients on hand for busy nights or last-minute guests. It’s humble, yes, but it never disappoints.

FAQs

Love Cheese? Love Comfort? You’ll Love This.

Love hearty, home-cooked meals? If this Cheesy Baked Potato Skillet hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try our Easy Homemade Pepperoni Pizza — a crispy, cheesy classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Looking to mix things up? Dive into the bold flavors of North Africa with our Moroccan Tagine recipe — a slow-cooked, aromatic dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. And before you start cooking, don’t forget to check out our Tagine Ingredient Guide to make sure you have everything you need on hand.

Bon appétit and happy cooking!