If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, soul-warming classic, this Party Potatoes Recipe is pure gold. Imagine crispy, buttery cornflake topping giving way to a creamy, cheesy, tender hash brown base that’s full of savory goodness. It’s the kind of dish that instantly becomes everyone’s favorite side at gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself and friends to pure comfort with every bite. I promise, once you make this, it will be requested again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture found in every bite of the Party Potatoes Recipe. Each plays a starring role: from the creamy base to the crunchy topping, here’s what you’ll want to gather.
- Frozen hash brown potatoes (30 oz): Thaw completely to ensure the casserole bakes up creamy and tender throughout.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): Adds richness and that classic comforting soup base that holds everything together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives a tangy creaminess that balances the cheesy flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted): Adds moisture and richness inside the casserole, sealing in flavor.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Brings a mild sharpness and depth of flavor to the mix.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Because what’s party potatoes without that gooey, melty, cheesy goodness?
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): The simple seasoning combo that amps up every savory note.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (2 cups): For that irresistible crunchy topping that makes the dish shine.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons) for topping: Coats the crumbs, helping them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your dish won’t stick and makes for easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture thoroughly until it’s smooth and velvety. This base is where all the comforting flavors blend together and coat the potatoes with deliciousness.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Potatoes
Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, then gently fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures every morsel is packed with cheesy, creamy goodness, making each bite a delight.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture
Pour your creamy concoction into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This creates an even layer for baking, so your potatoes cook uniformly and stay nice and moist inside.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, making sure every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the potato mixture to create a golden, crispy finish that everyone will love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns beautifully golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving so the layers settle, making it easier to dish out generous servings.
How to Serve Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits on top just before serving for an added pop of flavor and texture. A little fresh parsley can brighten things up and lend a hint of color to the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This Party Potatoes Recipe pairs incredibly well with classic comfort mains like roasted chicken, baked ham, or meatloaf. For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed veggies or a crisp, tangy salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, serve the potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Or layer the contents in a clear casserole dish so everyone can see the gorgeous golden crust and cheesy layers beneath. It’s both inviting and a feast for the eyes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Party Potatoes Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully while retaining its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it without the crumb topping, wrapping it tightly, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, then bake fresh for that just-made crispiness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through, then uncover for an extra 5 minutes to revive the crunchy topping. Alternatively, microwave single servings, but ovens help maintain the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Fresh potatoes can be used but require more prep such as peeling, shredding, and cooking off excess moisture. Frozen hash browns offer convenience and consistent texture, making them ideal for this Party Potatoes Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap the condensed cream of chicken soup with condensed cream of mushroom soup, and you have a delicious vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as comforting and tasty.
What can I add to make the casserole more flavorful?
Adding cooked bacon, diced ham, or chopped green onions adds bursts of savory flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This version traditionally relies on dairy ingredients, but you could try substituting sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the taste and texture may differ slightly from the classic version.
Will the topping get soggy if I make this ahead?
To keep your topping perfectly crunchy, assemble the casserole ahead but hold off adding the buttery cornflake or cracker topping until right before baking. This will keep it crisp and golden every time.
Final Thoughts
This Party Potatoes Recipe is truly a beloved classic that deserves a spot on your recipe roster. It’s simple to prepare, packed with comfort, and guaranteed to bring smiles around any table. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s such a cherished dish for celebrations and everyday dinners alike. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Party Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Party Potatoes is a classic American cheesy hash brown casserole perfect as a comforting side dish at gatherings. It features tender thawed hash browns mixed with a creamy blend of condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with a crunchy cornflake or buttery cracker crust for a golden finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.
- Add Cheese and Potatoes: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly, then gently fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes until everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes or cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the potato casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns a golden crispy color.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow it to firm up for easy serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it, adding the crunchy topping just before baking.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
- Enhance flavor by mixing in chopped green onions, diced ham, or cooked bacon into the potato mixture.
