There’s nothing that says “comfort food classic” quite like Cheesy Potato Casserole. This beloved dish brings together tender hash browns, creamy sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese, all finished with a buttery, crunchy topping. Whether you’re serving a crowd for the holidays or just craving a cozy side on a weeknight, this casserole is sure to disappear fast! Every spoonful is a blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy topping—making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheesy Potato Casserole is that the ingredients list is straightforward, but each item truly matters. You’ll find that every component lends its own flavor, texture, or richness, resulting in pure casserole magic.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (6 cups, thawed): Pre-shredded potatoes are a huge time-saver and bake up creamy and tender every time.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): For the ultimate cheese pull and bold flavor, sharp cheddar works wonders here.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): This gives the casserole a tangy, luxurious creaminess that you can’t beat.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): The secret to rich, savory flavor and a perfectly cohesive texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Essential for richness—using unsalted butter lets you control the final saltiness.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle aromatic kick that builds layered flavor.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives you oniony goodness without any chopping, and rounds out the flavor base.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Pulls all the flavors together; you can adjust to your liking.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth and depth to balance the richness.
- Crushed Cornflakes or Butter Crackers (1 1/2 cups, for topping): The classic crunchy finish—choose your favorite for extra texture and flavor.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Tossing your topping in butter ensures every bite crisps up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of cooking spray or a swipe of butter. This prevents sticking and helps every cheesy corner release perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a big mixing bowl, combine your thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is creamy and cheesy and all the potatoes are well coated. Don’t rush this step—an even mix means every bite will be packed with flavor!
Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish
Transfer the hash brown mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer, making sure those edges get filled in (they’ll get extra golden and delicious).
Step 4: Make and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or butter crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Scatter this mixture evenly over the top of the cheesy potato casserole—don’t skimp, this is what gives you that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden brown top. Once it’s done, let it rest on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes before diving in—this helps the casserole set and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole
Garnishes
While this casserole is a beauty as-is, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even a few crumbles of crispy bacon can add color, crunch, and bursts of flavor. These finishing touches really let your Cheesy Potato Casserole stand out, especially for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesy Potato Casserole with roasted meats like ham, turkey, or chicken, or make it the centerpiece alongside simple steamed vegetables, green beans, or a crisp salad. Its comfort food DNA means it’s just as home at a holiday table as it is with everyday dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at dinner parties, or use themed baking dishes to coordinate with the season. For a playful brunch spin, top the finished casserole with poached eggs or serve alongside breakfast sausage.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering and storing it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors seem to meld and improve overnight.
Freezing
Cheesy Potato Casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Simply assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, usually about 20 minutes. For a crispy top, uncover for the last few minutes. Individual portions can be heated in the microwave, but the oven gives best results for texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! You can peel and shred your own potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole. Frozen hash browns are a big time-saver and work beautifully, but fresh adds a homemade touch.
What’s the best cheese for Cheesy Potato Casserole?
Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic, but feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for extra melty goodness. Try grating your own cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Can I make Cheesy Potato Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You’ll keep the same texture and richness, but the casserole will be completely meat-free.
How do I make the casserole extra crispy on top?
For ultimate crunch factor, use cornflakes and toss them really well in melted butter before topping. Bake uncovered and consider broiling for the last minute or so (watch closely to prevent burning).
Can I prepare Cheesy Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a lifesaver for busy holidays or potlucks! Assemble everything (except the topping) up to one day ahead, refrigerate, and just add the crunchy topping right before baking for freshly baked results.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that brings comfort, joy, and plenty of compliments every single time. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, I hope this recipe finds a place at your table and becomes as much of a family favorite for you as it is for me. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Cheesy Potato Casserole, also known as funeral potatoes or hash brown casserole, perfect for a holiday side dish or family gathering. Creamy and cheesy with a crispy topping, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 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 butter crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Casserole: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread: Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom soup to make it vegetarian.
- Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or green onions for extra flavor.
- This dish can be assembled a day in advance and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
