Russet Potatoes: Select firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without blemishes or green patches. Look for medium to large potatoes with consistent coloring and minimal sprouting. Ideal for creating creamy, tender layers in your casserole.
Yellow Onions: Choose firm, heavy onions with dry, papery skins. Avoid onions with soft spots or sprouting. Sweet yellow varieties provide depth of flavor and subtle aromatic notes to complement the cheesy potatoes.
Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter from reputable dairy brands. Fresh, creamy butter will enhance the sauce’s richness and provide a smooth, velvety texture to your dish.
All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached, fresh flour from reliable brands. This will help create a smooth, consistent roux for your cheese sauce without lumps or graininess.
Whole Milk: Select fresh, full-fat milk for maximum creaminess. Look for milk from local dairies with recent packaging dates to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Mild Cheddar Cheese: Choose a high-quality block cheese you can shred yourself. Avoid pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality.
Kosher Salt: Select pure, clean-tasting kosher salt without additives. Provides balanced seasoning and enhances the overall flavor profile of your dish.
Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns you can freshly grind. Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the creamy cheese sauce.