Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian); 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder (optional); 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (or cornflakes); 4 tbsp butter, melted

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This cheesy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With tender, golden potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy, golden crust, it’s the kind of dish everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or for a cozy family dinner, this cheesy potato casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Potato Casserole

This dish is packed with everything you want in a comfort food: creamy, cheesy goodness, crispy edges, and hearty potatoes. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Decadent and Flavorful: The combination of creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and savory seasonings makes every bite pure bliss.
Versatile: It’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, but it’s also great for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a dish that feels like a special treat without too much effort.
Family Favorite: This casserole is the type of dish that everyone, from little ones to adults, will enjoy. It’s a surefire hit at any table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy potato casserole irresistible:

Potatoes: The heart of the casserole. Use starchy potatoes, like russets, for a creamy texture when baked.
Cheddar Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes this casserole a dream. Feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness that balances out the cheese and potatoes.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy soup helps bind everything together and makes the casserole extra smooth.
Butter: For richness and flavor.
Milk: Helps thin out the sauce and make it nice and creamy.
Garlic Powder: For a touch of savory flavor.
Onion Powder: To enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Cornflakes or Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy casserole.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a cheesy, creamy potato masterpiece:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). You can also use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
Layer the Potatoes: Place a layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon a little bit of the creamy sauce mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with a handful of cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers until all the potatoes, sauce, and cheese are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Add the Crunchy Topping: Mix the cornflakes or breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so it firms up. Scoop it onto plates, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole

This cheesy potato casserole pairs beautifully with just about anything! Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

With Roasted Meats: It’s perfect alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or ham. The creamy, cheesy potatoes complement the savory flavors of the meat.
With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole.
As a Side Dish to Your Holiday Meal: Serve it with your holiday roast or as a side to a Thanksgiving turkey or Easter ham.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Make it the star of your brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs or bacon.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Custom Add-ins: Want to switch it up? Add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to get the top nice and crispy again.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes well! Assemble it, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It saves time on the day you want to serve it.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Yes, you can use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even gouda for a different flavor profile.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?
A3: You can use a homemade white sauce or substitute the cream of chicken soup with a can of cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes! Just assemble the casserole and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, cook it from frozen with an extra 30 minutes of baking time.

Q6: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a vegetable or mushroom-based soup.

Q7: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Q8: How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
A8: Make sure to drain the potatoes well after slicing, and don’t overdo the milk in the sauce. You want it to be creamy, not too runny.

Q9: Can I add protein to this casserole?
A9: Absolutely! You can stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef for a heartier dish.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a quicker option, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Conclusion

Cheesy potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying with your family. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a crispy topping that’s just to die for. Make it for your next meal, and watch everyone come back for seconds!