The First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes Recipe is pure comfort food joy. I still remember tasting them first time at brunch.
Creamy. Cheesy. Warm. Crispy edges. I knew I had to recreate them at home. This recipe brings that same cozy feeling to your kitchen.
Today, I will show you how to make First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes easily. You will love the flavor, texture and simple steps. These potatoes feel special, yet comforting.
Why I Love Making This First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes
I love this dish because it feels fancy but is very simple. It reminds me of slow weekend mornings. Coffee brewing. Music playing softly.
Potatoes roasting in the oven. The creamy sauce melts into every bite. The cheese forms golden bubbles on top. This recipe always gets smiles at the table.
Even picky eaters ask for seconds. It is also easy to adjust for family tastes. That makes it perfect for home cooks.
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes
- Servings: 4 to 6 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Side dish or brunch special
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: About 320 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes Recipe
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, washed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Optional: cooked bacon bits for topping
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Boil the Potatoes
Place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water. Add salt. Boil until fork-tender but not mushy.
2. Drain and Cool Slightly
Drain the potatoes well. Let them cool for five minutes. This helps keep texture perfect.
3. Crush the Potatoes
Place potatoes in a bowl. Gently crush with a fork. Keep some chunks for texture.
4. Make the Creamy Base
Add sour cream and cream cheese. Mix gently until creamy and smooth.
5. Add Butter and Garlic
Pour melted butter into the bowl. Add minced garlic. Stir slowly for even flavor.
6. Season the Mixture
Add salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Add the Cheese
Fold in cheddar and mozzarella. Save some cheese for topping later.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
9. Add Toppings
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Add bacon bits if using them.
10. Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. The top should bubble and turn golden.
11. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven. Sprinkle green onions on top. Serve warm and creamy.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use baby gold potatoes for best creamy texture.
- Do not over-boil potatoes or they turn watery.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter taste.
- Try pepper jack cheese for bold flavor.
- Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Million Dollar Potatoes became popular because of their rich, indulgent taste. The name suggests luxury and comfort together. First Watch made them famous by serving them at brunch.
People loved the creamy texture paired with breakfast dishes. Over time, home cooks recreated them with personal touches. That is how comfort food evolves. Simple ideas become classics.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
They pair beautifully with eggs, omelets and breakfast sausage. I love serving them with grilled chicken or roasted turkey.
Fresh salads balance the richness nicely. Toast or biscuits also work well. For brunch, add fresh fruit on the side. It keeps the meal light and happy.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Serve it at weekend brunch with family. Bring it to holiday breakfasts. It works great for potlucks and casual dinners.
I often make it for cozy evenings with friends. It also shines on special mornings like birthdays or celebrations. Everyone loves it.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keeps fresh for up to three days.
- Reheat in oven for best texture.
- Microwave works but stir halfway through.
- Add a spoon of milk before reheating if dry.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Health Benefits
Potatoes provide energy and comfort together. They contain potassium and fiber. Dairy adds protein and calcium for bones. When enjoyed in moderation, this dish fits a balanced meal.
Pairing it with vegetables adds nutrition. Home cooking also means you control ingredients. That always helps health and happiness.

First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes washed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Optional: cooked bacon bits for topping
Instructions
Boil the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water. Add salt. Boil until fork-tender but not mushy.
Drain and Cool Slightly
- Drain the potatoes well. Let them cool for five minutes. This helps keep texture perfect.
Crush the Potatoes
- Place potatoes in a bowl. Gently crush with a fork. Keep some chunks for texture.
Make the Creamy Base
- Add sour cream and cream cheese. Mix gently until creamy and smooth.
Add Butter and Garlic
- Pour melted butter into the bowl. Add minced garlic. Stir slowly for even flavor.
Season the Mixture
- Add salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the Cheese
- Fold in cheddar and mozzarella. Save some cheese for topping later.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Spoon mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Add Toppings
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Add bacon bits if using them.
Bake Until Golden
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. The top should bubble and turn golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle green onions on top. Serve warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use baby gold potatoes for best creamy texture.
- Do not over-boil potatoes or they turn watery.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter taste.
- Try pepper jack cheese for bold flavor.
- Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
FAQs about First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes Recipe
Can I make First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture earlier. Store it covered in the fridge. Bake fresh before serving for best taste.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Baby gold or red potatoes work best. They stay creamy and hold shape well after boiling and baking.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Potatoes?
Freezing is not ideal. The dairy may separate. Fresh or refrigerated leftovers taste much better.
How do I make this recipe lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Reduce cheese slightly. Flavor will still stay delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is mild. You can add spice if desired. Smoked paprika adds warmth, not heat.
Final Thoughts
This First Watch Million Dollar Potatoes Recipe brings comfort straight to your table. It feels rich, cozy and homemade. The steps are simple.
The flavor feels special. Once you try it, you will crave it again. Serve it warm. Share it with love. Cooking should feel joyful and this recipe truly delivers that feeling.

Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.












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