5 Delicious American Cheese Casserole Recipes to Try

In the heart of American culinary traditions, there's a special place reserved for cheese casseroles. These comforting, rich dishes are a testament to the country's love affair with cheese, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite. From the bubbly, golden tops to the gooey, melty interiors, cheese casseroles are a delight for all senses. Whether you're a fan of the tang of cheddar, the creamy smoothness of mozzarella, or the robust flavor of pepper jack, there's an American cheese casserole for every palate. Here, we dive into five delicious recipes that you absolutely must try for their comfort, flavor, and the sheer joy of melted cheese.

Cheddar Bacon Potato Gratin

The Cheddar Bacon Potato Gratin is a symphony of textures and flavors, combining the crispiness of bacon with the softness of potatoes, all enveloped in rich, sharp cheddar cheese sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, garlic, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
3. In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese, reserving some cheese for the top.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, ensuring it covers them well.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

🍲 Note: To prevent the casserole from becoming too watery, make sure the potatoes are dried after slicing.

Mac ‘n Cheese Casserole

A classic made gourmet with various cheeses for an intense flavor profile that elevates the humble dish to new heights.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan, grated
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¹⁄₄ tsp paprika
• Breadcrumbs for topping
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Once thickened, remove from heat, stir in cheese, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

🧀 Note: Experiment with cheese combinations like adding smoked gouda for an extra kick.

Spaghetti Squash and Three-Cheese Casserole

This casserole offers a delightful, lower-carb alternative with a delicious blend of cheeses that marry perfectly with the sweetness of spaghetti squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ricotta, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. In a greased baking dish, layer spaghetti squash, ricotta mixture, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
5. Garnish with basil leaves before serving.

Green Chile and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

A fiesta of flavors with layers of soft tortillas, spicy green chiles, and a triumvirate of cheeses, this casserole is a comfort-food dream.

Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or beef
• 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix shredded meat with enchilada sauce, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
3. In a baking dish, layer tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with a cheese layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche Casserole

This casserole transforms the beloved quiche into a hearty dish, featuring the classic combination of broccoli and cheddar.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust, pre-baked
• 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread broccoli over the pre-baked crust.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli, then sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.

These five cheese casserole recipes are not just about the cheese; they embody the warmth, comfort, and simplicity of American home cooking. Each dish brings its own character to the table, from the savory layers of the cheddar bacon potato gratin to the vibrant fusion of green chile and cheese enchiladas. Whether you’re looking for a meal to feed a crowd or something special for a dinner party, these casseroles offer versatility and indulgence, making them perfect additions to any culinary repertoire.