Ultimate Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes: A Hearty, Homemade Side Dish for Any Occasion

Imagine a dish that’s comforting, savory, and incredibly versatile – perfect for a festive holiday meal, a cozy family dinner, or even a hearty brunch. These Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes fit that description perfectly. Crafted entirely from scratch, without the need for canned soup, this recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and flavorful experience that will quickly become a household favorite. Reminiscent of classic cheesy potato casseroles, often known as “funeral potatoes,” our version elevates the concept with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican chorizo and a delightful crunch from French fried onions. It’s elegant enough for your holiday spread yet simple and satisfying for any weeknight.

As much as I cherish the freedom of self-employment, there’s a certain camaraderie I miss from my office days – particularly the potluck parties. My former workplace had a fantastic tradition: a group of us would regularly bring in homemade dishes to share, transforming an ordinary office space into a mini-culinary celebration. These gatherings were often themed, be it for Christmas festivities or a lively Game Day.

One coworker, in particular, was famous for her irresistible cheesy potatoes. “Are you making your potatoes again?” was a frequent and eagerly anticipated question. Years have passed since I last tasted her creation, prompting me to develop my own from-scratch version, perfect for sharing during the holidays.

When the holiday season approaches, potatoes invariably come to mind as a quintessential side dish. My family often enjoys variations like stove top scalloped potatoes, au gratin potatoes for two, or mashed potatoes for two. This year, why not introduce a new, exciting twist with these Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes?

What sets this recipe apart is its commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients. We’re talking about perfectly diced potatoes cooked from scratch, combined with authentic Mexican pork sausage. There are no shortcuts here – absolutely no frozen potatoes or reliance on processed canned soups. Instead, we achieve that desirable creaminess using a homemade sauce base of sour cream and rich chicken broth, ensuring a superior flavor and texture.

And for that essential textural contrast, a generous topping of French fried onions provides a savory crunch that evokes the festive spirit of holiday classics, much like a gourmet green bean casserole. The beauty of chorizo and potatoes lies in its incredible adaptability: serve it as a hearty side dish for dinner, an impressive addition to brunch, or even enjoy the leftovers for breakfast or as a flavorful filling for chorizo potato tacos. This dish truly knows no bounds!

While these cheesy potato casseroles are sometimes affectionately, or perhaps ironically, dubbed “funeral potatoes” due to their common appearance at post-funeral gatherings, there’s no need to wait for such a somber occasion to enjoy them. I prefer to think of them as “celebration potatoes” or “happy potatoes” – because that’s exactly how they make you feel!

Why Choose Homemade Chorizo Potatoes?

Opting for a homemade approach to Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes offers several advantages over store-bought or semi-homemade versions. Firstly, you gain complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to select high-quality potatoes, fresh chorizo, and your favorite cheeses. This ensures a superior flavor profile that’s simply unmatched by dishes relying on frozen ingredients or artificial flavors often found in canned soups.

Secondly, avoiding canned soup means skipping unnecessary sodium and preservatives, making this a healthier and fresher option for your family. The homemade sauce, built on a roux with broth, milk, and sour cream, creates a depth of flavor and a silky texture that a can opener simply cannot replicate. Plus, there’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious, comforting dish from scratch, knowing every ingredient that goes into it.

What Exactly Is Chorizo? Discovering This Flavorful Sausage

The term “chorizo” often sparks curiosity, with many unfamiliar faces simply nodding along. In essence, chorizo is a highly flavorful pork sausage, distinctively seasoned with paprika and chili powder. It comes in two primary forms: Mexican and Spanish, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Mexican Chorizo: This is typically a fresh, raw sausage that needs to be cooked before eating. It’s known for its vibrant red color, crumbly texture when cooked, and a spicy, sometimes tangy flavor profile derived from a blend of chilies and vinegar. When cooked, Mexican chorizo renders a significant amount of richly flavored fat, which is excellent for building sauces or frying other ingredients, eliminating the need for extra oil. This is the type we recommend for our Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes.
• Spanish Chorizo: In contrast, Spanish chorizo is usually cured and smoked, similar to salami. It’s often harder, less crumbly, and can be sliced and eaten without further cooking, though it’s also delicious when incorporated into cooked dishes like paella or tapas. Its flavor tends to be smokier and less spicy than its Mexican counterpart.

For those who’ve never encountered it, Mexican chorizo can be compared to Italian sausage but with a distinct Mexican flair. Its rich flavor and the savory grease it produces are perfect for sautéing onions and creating the base for our creamy cheese sauce. If you happen to have any extra chorizo, it’s fantastic in recipes like my chorizo cheese dip, adding an incredible depth of flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chorizo Potatoes

Creating this irresistible chorizo and potatoes side dish requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Potatoes: We recommend using Russet potatoes for their high starch content, which helps them soften beautifully and absorb the creamy sauce, creating a tender and fluffy texture. However, yellow or red potatoes can also be used; just be aware they might hold their shape a bit more and offer a slightly different texture. Peel and cube them evenly for consistent cooking.
• Chorizo: Look for raw, ground Mexican chorizo in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near the tortillas or other ground sausages. Avoid the shelf-stable, cured Spanish chorizo for this recipe, as its texture and flavor profile are quite different and won’t yield the desired result.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the foundational flavor base of our dish. Diced white or yellow onion adds sweetness and savory depth, while minced garlic provides a pungent kick that complements the chorizo perfectly.
• Green Pepper: Finely diced green bell pepper introduces a subtle vegetal freshness and a slight crunch, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese. It also adds a pop of color to the casserole.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is our thickening agent. Whisked into the rendered chorizo fat, it creates a roux, which is essential for building a smooth, luscious cheese sauce without relying on canned soup.
• Chicken Stock/Broth: Used to thin out the roux and create the initial liquid base for our sauce. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Whole Milk: Added alongside the broth, whole milk contributes to the creamy consistency and rich flavor of the sauce. Room temperature milk will incorporate more smoothly into the roux.
• Full-Fat Sour Cream: This is a key ingredient for achieving a wonderfully tangy and creamy sauce that replaces canned soup. Full-fat sour cream provides the best texture and flavor; ensure it’s at room temperature to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: What are “cheesy potatoes” without plenty of cheese? Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its robust flavor and excellent melting properties, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for variations. Ensure your cheese is also at room temperature for optimal melting.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkling of fresh, chopped cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness that brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness.
• Salt: Crucial for seasoning. Potatoes can be bland without adequate salt, so be sure to taste and adjust throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the cheese and sour cream. Kosher salt is often preferred for its pure taste.
• French Fried Onions: These crispy, pre-fried onions are the crowning glory of this casserole, providing an unmatched savory crunch and a nostalgic holiday flavor. You can find them in the canned goods or baking aisle of most supermarkets.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Cheesy Chorizo with Potatoes

Crafting this delightful chorizo and potatoes recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, bubbly, and golden casserole:

1. Prepare Potatoes: Begin by peeling and cubing your Russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender but still hold their shape. They should not be mushy, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain them thoroughly and let them cool slightly.
2. Sauté Chorizo and Aromatics: While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil, then crumble in the ground chorizo. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chorizo is browned and no longer pink, and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked chorizo and vegetable mixture from the skillet and transfer it to a separate bowl, leaving the rendered chorizo grease behind. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
4. Create the Roux and Sauce: Into the hot grease remaining in the skillet (if there’s less than 2 tablespoons, add up to 1 tablespoon of extra vegetable oil), whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually and slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the whole milk, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 5-8 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the room temperature sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Gently fold in the cooked chorizo-vegetable mixture and the par-cooked potatoes.
6. Bake to Perfection: Lightly grease a 1-quart casserole dish. Transfer the entire potato mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly, then top generously with the French fried onions. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the French fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making this a great make-ahead or meal-prep option.

Tips for Success with Your Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes

To ensure your Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Pre-cook Potatoes Just Right: Avoid overcooking your potatoes in the boiling step. They should be tender but still firm, as they’ll soften further in the oven. Al dente is the goal!
• Room Temperature Dairy: Ensure your milk, sour cream, and shredded cheese are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the hot roux, preventing curdling and creating a silky, lump-free sauce.
• Don’t Skimp on Chorizo Fat: The rendered fat from the chorizo is crucial for building the roux and infusing the sauce with incredible flavor. If your chorizo doesn’t render much fat, supplement with a little extra oil.
• Layering for Flavor: While the recipe mixes everything together, some like to layer half the potatoes, then half the chorizo mixture, then half the cheese, repeating for a distinct layered effect before the final onion topping.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use a less spicy chorizo or reduce the amount of chili powder if you’re seasoning plain ground pork yourself. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Even Dicing: Dice your potatoes and vegetables to a similar size for even cooking and a consistent texture in every bite.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

These Cheesy Chorizo Potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving and customizing them:

• For Dinner: They make a fantastic side to roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork loin, or even a simple green salad. The rich, savory flavors stand up well to a variety of main courses.
• For Brunch: Pair them with scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a mimosa for a hearty and satisfying brunch spread.
• As a Main Dish: Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans directly into the potato mixture, or increase the chorizo quantity, and serve it as a standalone meal with a simple side salad.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: As mentioned in the FAQ, you can easily make this vegetarian. Substitute the chorizo with a plant-based sausage, seasoned tofu crumbles, or simply increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, ensuring you still use vegetable broth.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper Jack will add a spicy kick, Monterey Jack offers superb meltiness, and a smoked gouda could add a unique depth of flavor.
• Extra Toppings: Beyond French fried onions, consider crumbled bacon, a dollop of extra sour cream, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for additional flavor and texture.

More Delicious Potato Side Dishes to Explore

Since potatoes are such a versatile and beloved ingredient, and you’ll likely have plenty of ideas for them after making this recipe, here are more fantastic potato-centric recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:

• Small Batch Pan Fried Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfect for a quick and satisfying side.
• Amish Potato Salad: A creamy, sweet, and tangy classic that’s always a hit at picnics and potlucks.
• Italian Potato Salad: A lighter, vinaigrette-based salad bursting with fresh herbs and zesty flavors.

Originally published on December 12, 2016, this beloved recipe has been updated and expanded to bring you even more deliciousness!