A comforting and flavorful potato casserole topped with crispy onions and melted cheese.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Cooking the roux removes the raw flour taste, so don't skip this step.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
Adding the milk slowly prevents lumps from forming in the sauce.
Season the sauce with parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly. Add them to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Uniform slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
Transfer the potato mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crispy fried onions.
For extra crunch, add a bit more fried onions just before serving.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheesy potato bake!
Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.