Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s big on flavor and always disappears from the table, Cheesy Potato Casserole is the answer. This beloved side dish combines crispy hash browns, creamy cheddar, and a buttery, crunchy topping for a bite that’s warm, gooey, and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want something cozy on a weeknight, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that fits right in with just about any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cheesy Potato Casserole is how a handful of familiar, easy-to-find ingredients come together to make something truly special. Each ingredient plays an important role, from adding silky richness to providing a golden crunch on top.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz, thawed): The hearty base, these save time and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Brings the bold, melty cheese factor that makes every forkful irresistible.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Adds savory creaminess and binds everything together beautifully.
- Sour cream (1 cup): For tang and an extra-creamy, luscious texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Richness galore, making the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add a subtle garlicky warmth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the casserole with gentle, savory depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of mild spice to balance the creaminess.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (1 1/2 cups, for topping): Delivers that signature golden crunch you’ll crave with every bite.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Helps the topping get beautifully crisp and flavorful in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This helps ensure nothing sticks and gives those edges a nice, golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and looks creamy and cheesy throughout. You want every bit of potato to be coated in that dreamy mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This step is all about making sure you have a uniform layer, so every scoop when serving has plenty of cheese and potatoes.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery, crumbly mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This is what gives Cheesy Potato Casserole its signature crisp, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the topping is beautifully golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking so it sets up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions on top just before serving adds a pop of color and a light, zesty bite that brightens up the richness of the Cheesy Potato Casserole. You could also offer crumbled cooked bacon or a dash of smoked paprika for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole is the sidekick everyone wants at the table! It pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled meats, a simple green salad, or steamed veggies. If you’re serving it for brunch, try it alongside scrambled eggs or fruit salad for a hearty start to the day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ramekins for dinner parties, or use cookie cutters to cut the baked casserole into shapes for kids’ plates. If you’re feeling fancy, layer it with sautéed vegetables or diced ham for a main dish version that’s still true to the classic Cheesy Potato Casserole spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Potato Casserole is a gift that keeps on giving! Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping) in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping crisps up again, about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the oven is best for restoring that signature texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian version or just a different flavor, swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Both work beautifully and keep the Cheesy Potato Casserole just as creamy and delicious.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
Buttery crackers like Ritz are a fantastic alternative, adding just as much crunch and a rich, savory bite. Even panko breadcrumbs can work in a pinch if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make Cheesy Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add the topping right before baking for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add meat or vegetables?
Definitely! Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or even sautéed bell peppers and onions to make this dish heartier or to use up whatever you have in the fridge. It’s a great way to customize Cheesy Potato Casserole for your family.
How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry before mixing. Excess moisture from frozen potatoes can make the casserole a bit soggy, so this simple step helps keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to bring this Cheesy Potato Casserole to your own table soon! It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone running to the kitchen, and I promise it’ll be a hit whether you’re serving it for a holiday, potluck, or just a regular Tuesday night. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make side dish perfect for family dinners and potlucks. Featuring tender shredded hash browns baked with sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and a crunchy buttery cornflake topping, this classic American dish is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Spread mixture: Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare and add topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns a golden brown color.
- Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Make it ahead by assembling the casserole (without topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on the day of serving.
- For a meatier version, add diced ham or cooked bacon to the potato mixture before baking.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes or crackers to adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets.
- The casserole freezes well; prepare completely, then freeze before baking. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (approximately 1/10th of the casserole)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
