Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes Recipe

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant first introduced Betty’s Potatoes as a signature side dish named after one of their beloved kitchen staff members.

This creamy, cheesy potato creation quickly became a customer favorite that perfectly complemented their American cuisine menu.

When Cooper’s Hawk added Betty’s Potatoes to their menu, customers couldn’t stop talking about it. The rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked potatoes created something truly special.

Regular customers would come back just for these amazing potatoes, and families would plan visits around getting this dish. The restaurant kept it as a permanent menu item because customers loved it so much.

Now I am sharing this copycat Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes recipe so you can enjoy Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes in your own kitchen.

Cooper’s Hawk Mary’s Potatoes vs Betty’s Potatoes

Many people ask about the difference between Mary’s and Betty’s potatoes at Cooper’s Hawk restaurant. Here are the differences:

1. Mary’s Potatoes: Come with a different seasoning blend and lighter cooking method. This version tends to be less heavy and uses different herbs for flavoring.
2. Betty’s Potatoes: Focus on the creamy cheese sauce that makes them so special. The sauce in Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes Recipe uses chicken broth, cream, and sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Taste Difference: Betty’s potatoes create a richer, more indulgent taste compared to Mary’s lighter version.
4. Customer Appeal: Both dishes are popular, but Betty’s potatoes have that extra comfort food appeal that keeps customers coming back for more.

What Does It Taste Like?

Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes taste like pure comfort food. The first bite gives you creamy, soft potatoes covered in a rich cheese sauce. The cheddar cheese creates a smooth, tangy flavor that pairs well with the mild potato taste.

Each piece of potato soaks up the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying. The top layer gets golden and slightly crispy while baking.

The Dijon mustard adds a gentle kick that balances the richness. The onions become sweet and soft, adding extra flavor to each spoonful.

Fresh scallions on top give a light, fresh taste that cuts through the richness. The whole dish tastes warm, cozy, and like something from Cooper’s Hawk restaurant.

Best Potatoes for This Copycat Recipe

Not all potatoes work well for this Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes Recipe. You need starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold.

These types get soft and creamy when baked, which is exactly what you want. Waxy potatoes like Red potatoes or fingerlings stay too firm and won’t absorb the creamy sauce properly.

Russet potatoes are my top choice because they break down slightly and create that perfect creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes work great too and have a naturally buttery taste.

Avoid using new potatoes or any waxy varieties – they just won’t give you that restaurant-quality result you’re looking for.

Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes Ingredients

• Potatoes (3.3 lb | 1.5 kg): Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. They get soft and creamy when baked.
• Butter (1.5 oz | 40 g): Butter adds richness and helps create a silky sauce. Unsalted butter is best, but salted butter can also be used if you reduce the added salt later.
• Onion (6 oz | 180 g): A yellow onion is preferred because it turns sweet when cooked, balancing the creamy sauce. White onions can work too but are sharper in flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh garlic gives the dish warmth and aroma. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh cloves taste better.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Flour thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the potatoes. Cornstarch can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount slightly.
• Chicken Broth or Water (2 cups | 500 ml): Broth gives more flavor to the sauce, while water keeps it simple and light. Vegetable broth works too for a meat-free option.
• 20% Cream (6 fl oz | 180 ml): This makes the sauce silky and rich. Half-and-half or milk can be used for a lighter version, but the result will be less creamy.
• Cheddar Cheese (9 oz | 270 g): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a bold flavor. Mild cheddar, Colby Jack, or a mix of cheeses can also be used.
• Dijon Mustard (2 tsp): Adds a mild tang that cuts through the richness. Yellow mustard can work, but Dijon is smoother and blends better.
• Salt (2 tsp): Brings out all the flavors in the dish. Adjust based on your taste or if using salted butter.
• Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a little spice and balances the creamy flavors. White pepper can be used for a milder finish.
• Scallion (2 tbsp | 10 g): Fresh and green, sprinkled on top for a pop of color.

Kitchen Appliances You Need

1. Stockpot – Large enough for potatoes
2. Large Pan – For sauce preparation
3. Baking Dish – Glass works best
4. Wooden Spoon – Gentle stirring tool
5. Sharp Knife – Clean, even cuts
6. Cutting Board – Stable work surface
7. Measuring Cups – Accurate ingredient portions
8. Cheese Grater – Fresh grated cheese
9. Oven Mitts – Safety first
10. Timer – Perfect cooking times

How To Make Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes

Step 1 | Prep the potatoes

Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Put them in a stockpot with cold water, add 1 tsp of salt, and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 | Cook the onion and garlic

Heat butter in a large pan over low heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cook for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3 | Make the sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion mix and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth (or water), then cream. Stir until smooth.

Add salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4 | Combine potatoes and sauce

Pour the sauce over the drained potatoes and add 5 oz (150 g) of cheddar cheese. Mix gently until everything is coated.

Step 5 | Prepare the baking dish

Take your baking dish and use a little extra butter to grease the inside. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking.

Then, pour the potato and sauce mixture into the dish. Use your spoon to spread it out into one even layer.

Step 6 | Bake

Make sure your oven is heated to 350°F (180°C). Once it is hot, place the baking dish in the oven. Let it bake for 35 minutes.

The potatoes should be tender when you poke them with a fork, and the edges should be bubbling.

Step 7 | Add cheese topping

Take the dish out of the oven. Be careful, as it will be very hot! Sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Place the dish back in the oven for just five more minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted and has a few golden spots.

Step 8 | Serve

Take the potatoes out of the oven for the final time. Sprinkle the freshly chopped scallions all over the top. Y

our Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes are ready to serve! They are best when enjoyed hot and gooey.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Here are a few extra tricks I have learned to make sure your potatoes turn out perfect every single time.

• Pre-cooking the Potatoes: Do not skip the step of boiling the potato cubes for 5 minutes. This step makes sure the potatoes are fully tender and creamy after baking. If you put them in raw, they might still be hard in the middle.
• Prevent a Soupy Casserole: After you drain the boiled potatoes, let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to let all the steam and extra water evaporate. Too much extra water will make your sauce thin.
• Let it Rest Before Serving: I know it is tempting to eat right away, but let the potato casserole sit for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the sauce to set a little, making it easier to scoop out neat servings.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For a little extra crunch, you can mix some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the last bit of cheese you sprinkle on top before the final bake.

Perfect Pairings for Betty’s Potatoes

Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes work wonderfully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked pork chops.

The rich, creamy texture complements barbecued ribs and honey-glazed ham perfectly. For special dinners, serve them alongside prime rib or roasted turkey.

For lighter meals, pair them with grilled salmon or baked chicken breast. These potatoes also work great at holiday meals with traditional roasted ham or turkey.

Shelf Life and Storage Guidelines

1. How to Store: Store Betty’s Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh for 3 to 4 days. This way, the flavors stay good and the texture doesn’t get mushy.

2. How to Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the top crunchy. Microwaving is faster but may soften the crust.

3. Freezing Instructions: To freeze, cool the potatoes completely. Place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes Recipe FAQs

1. What is the best way to peel potatoes quickly?

Using a swivel peeler is easiest. To speed up, peel potatoes under running water or soak them before peeling to remove skins faster.

2. Why did my sauce turn out lumpy?

Lumps happen if you add the liquid too quickly. Always pour the broth and cream in slowly while stirring constantly. If you see lumps, just whisk the sauce vigorously until they disappear.

3. My casserole is too runny. What did I do wrong?

A runny casserole often means the sauce needed more simmering time to thicken first. Also, make sure the potatoes are drained well after boiling.

Let the baked dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving; the sauce will thicken as it sits.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the dish can be prepared a day earlier. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, but add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

This makes it perfect for holidays and dinner parties.

5. Can I add extra toppings?

Yes, crispy bacon bits, breadcrumbs, or extra herbs like parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top before baking. This gives more flavor and texture.

6. What size baking dish should I use?

A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is the perfect size for this amount of ingredients. It gives the potatoes enough room to cook evenly.

If you use a smaller dish, the casserole will be very deep and might take much longer to bake all the way through.

7. What oven rack is best for baking?

Middle rack evens the heat for golden top without burning bottom. If your oven runs hot, lower it a bit. Rotate halfway for uniform cook. This ensures creamy inside and crisp outside.

Test with a fork at thirty-five minutes. Adjust based on your oven type. It comes out perfect this way.

Cooper’s Hawk Betty’s Potatoes Recipe is a delicious, simple dish that fits any meal.

The mix of creamy potatoes, cheesy sauce, and golden crust makes it special and easy to prepare.