Potatoes Romanoff

Potatoes Romanoff is a classic American steakhouse side dish featuring baked and shredded potatoes mixed with sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and finely diced shallots. This rich and creamy casserole is simple to make but impressive enough for dinner parties and holiday meals. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and bold flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet easy: Made with simple ingredients but delivers gourmet flavor.
• Perfect side dish: Ideal with steak, roast chicken, or holiday meals.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when needed.
• Creamy and cheesy: A comfort food classic packed with flavor.
• Great use for baked potatoes: Leftovers never tasted so luxurious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Russet potatoes, baked and chilled
• Sour cream
• Sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• Shallots, finely minced
• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• White pepper (or black pepper if preferred)
• Optional garnish: chives or parsley

Directions

this recipe

1. Bake the potatoes: Scrub and pierce russet potatoes, then bake at 400°F (204°C) for 1 hour or until tender. Let them cool, then refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
2. Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish.
3. Grate the potatoes: Using a large grater, grate the chilled baked potatoes (with or without the skins).
4. Sauté shallots: In a small skillet, melt butter and gently sauté the shallots until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, sautéed shallots, most of the shredded cheese, sour cream, salt, and white pepper. Mix gently to avoid mashing the potatoes.
6. Bake: Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus potato baking and chilling time)
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes (including baking and prep, plus overnight chilling)

Variations

• Add bacon: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
• Different cheeses: Try Gruyère, Fontina, or a mix of cheddar and Parmesan.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Lighter version: Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Why do the potatoes need to be baked and chilled first?

Baking and chilling firms up the texture, making them easier to grate and preventing mushiness in the final dish.

Can I use boiled potatoes instead?

Baked potatoes provide better texture and flavor. Boiled potatoes may become too soft and lose structure.

Is white cheddar necessary?

No—yellow cheddar or other melting cheeses will work fine, but sharp white cheddar offers the best flavor contrast.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze Potatoes Romanoff?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture can become grainy upon thawing.

Can I peel the potatoes before baking?

Leave the skins on while baking to retain moisture. You can peel them afterward if desired.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

It already is! Just ensure your cheese is made without animal rennet.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives a better texture.

Is there a way to make this more decadent?

Yes—add a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for extra richness.

What main dishes go well with this?

It’s excellent alongside grilled steak, roast beef, pork chops, or baked chicken.

Conclusion

Potatoes Romanoff is an indulgent, cheesy side dish with a silky texture and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re planning a steakhouse-style dinner or looking for a showstopping side for the holidays, this dish will impress every time. Easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly, it’s comfort food at its finest.

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