Is there anything more frustrating than making a “kid-friendly” dinner, only to be met with a chorus of “I don’t like that”? I’ve been there, standing in my kitchen, feeling totally defeated. If you’re nodding along, I have a secret weapon for you: Garlic Parmesan Creamy Potatoes. This dish is a fantastic side for so many meals, like these easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
This dish is my weeknight hero. It turns simple potatoes into something magical with a rich, cheesy sauce that’s impossible to resist. The best part? It’s a side dish that often becomes the main event on my kids’ plates. Let’s dig into this simple, comforting recipe that might just become your new family favorite.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Category: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I get it. Getting kids to try new textures can be a battle. This dish wins because it’s all about familiar comfort. The potatoes are soft and creamy, not strange or crunchy. The white sauce is smooth and cheesy, with no weird chunks.
The garlic flavor is gentle and roasted, not sharp or spicy. It’s basically like the best, most grown-up version of mashed potatoes and mac and cheese had a delicious baby. It’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I promise, no fancy grocery store trips are needed. You probably have most of this in your kitchen right now!
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (they make the creamiest sauce!)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a tiny bit of color)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (also optional, but my kids like the “green confetti”)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is my top trick for making them excited to eat. For this recipe, there are perfect, safe jobs for helpers.
Younger kids can be in charge of washing the potatoes in the sink. Older kids can carefully measure the milk, cream, and cheese. My personal favorite task to delegate? Sprinkling the final handful of Parmesan on top before it goes in the oven. It gives them a real sense of pride in the finished dish.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the “creamy sauce” part scare you. It’s simple, I promise! Just follow these steps.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes. You can peel them if you want, but I leave the skins on for extra nutrients and less work! Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Place the potato slices in your prepared dish. Try to layer them evenly.
- Now, make the garlic butter sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. This is the same delicious base we use for our Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute, until it smells amazing. Don’t let it brown!
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks the flour taste out and makes your roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should be nice and creamy.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour this glorious cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish. Use a spoon to gently press the potatoes down so they’re all covered.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley if using. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different taste buds. Here’s how to make this dish work for everyone at your table.
Garlic Parmesan Creamy Potatoes Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Parmesan Creamy Potatoes Recipe!
Nutrition Information
For super sensitive kids, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Sometimes, control is all they want! For kids who love protein, mix in some diced, cooked ham or chicken after pouring the sauce.
For the adults, I love adding a bit of crispy, cooked bacon on top or mixing in a handful of fresh spinach with the sauce. A dash of Italian seasoning in the sauce can also boost the flavor beautifully.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal! Let it cool completely, then store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I find the oven works best to keep the texture creamy. Cover it with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition Notes
- Potatoes are a great source of Vitamin C and potassium.
- Using whole milk and cheese provides calcium and protein.
- For a lighter version, you can use 2% milk and half the cream.
- Leaving the skins on adds fiber.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
You can, but I really recommend grating a block yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a bit grainy and less smooth. Freshly grated melts like a dream!
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds are my first choice for their buttery texture and thin skin. Russet potatoes will also work, but they tend to fall apart more. For a firmer bite, you could try red potatoes.
My sauce seems too thick. What did I do wrong?
Don’t worry! Just whisk in a little extra warm milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the creamy consistency you want. It’s an easy fix.
There you have it! My go-to recipe for when I need a guaranteed win at the dinner table. It’s cozy, filling, and uses simple ingredients to create something truly special. If you love this creamy, garlicky flavor profile, you must try our Creamy Garlic Chicken next.
I truly hope this recipe brings a little peace (and full bellies) to your family table. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
