01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large pot, cover 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes, with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender when pierced with a fork, then drain thoroughly.
02 -
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux. This forms the rich base for your Starbucks Copycat Potato Cheddar Chive Bake.
03 -
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
04 -
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add 2 tbsp fresh chives, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
05 -
Gently fold the drained, cooked potatoes into the prepared cheese sauce until every cube is evenly coated. Transfer the entire mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures a consistent texture for your Starbucks Copycat Potato Cheddar Chive Bake.
06 -
Sprinkle the top of the potato mixture with the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bake is bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping is beautifully golden brown.
07 -
Remove the Starbucks Copycat Potato Cheddar Chive Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped, for a vibrant finish.