If you have ever longed for the perfect comfort side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes, look no further. This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe brings together shredded hash browns, sharp cheddar, and a little bit of magic in the form of sour cream and seasonings to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, it’s the ideal blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each element plays an important role, from the creamy base to the crispy topping, ensuring every bite is packed with richness and just the right amount of crunch.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 ounces): The heart of the casserole, providing that tender potato texture that holds the dish together perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds a sharp, melty dimension that makes the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Contributes creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Acts as a savory binder to keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Infuses the dish with a buttery richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle aromatic lift without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the savory profile with subtle earthiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients to life.
- Chopped green onions or chives (1/2 cup, optional): A fresh, mild bite of onion flavor that brightens each spoonful.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (1 cup, optional topping): Creates a delightfully crispy, golden crust that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Helps the topping brown evenly and adds an extra layer of buttery flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly warm to start baking as soon as your casserole is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This setup ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the edges get deliciously golden.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted butter. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using green onions or chives, fold them in now. Stir everything together thoroughly so every bit of potato is evenly coated with cheesy, creamy goodness.
Step 3: Transfer and Add Topping
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top for an even bake. For an added crunch, mix crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this golden topping over the casserole, creating that perfect crispy layer everyone loves.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the topping has turned a mouthwatering golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving so it sets up and is easier to plate.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your casserole not only taste amazing but look inviting, sprinkle some additional fresh chopped chives or green onions on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also complement the creamy texture, adding a cool contrast to this warm dish.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Potato Casserole is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with roast meats like turkey, chicken, or ham. It’s also fantastic alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Think of it as a hearty companion to your favorite protein and colorful veggie medley.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties or holiday meals. You could also layer leftover casserole in a breakfast bake with eggs and bacon for a twist on morning comfort food. The creamy and cheesy layers make for endless delicious possibilities!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat the whole casserole in the oven until heated through and bubbly again.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to re-crisp the topping if desired. You can also microwave single servings for a quick fix, though the topping won’t be as crunchy this way.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just shred about 4 to 5 cups of fresh potatoes and rinse them well to remove excess starch, then pat dry before proceeding with the recipe to achieve the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce to keep the dish vegetarian without sacrificing creaminess and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When baking, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated evenly.
What can I use instead of crushed cornflakes for the topping?
Crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips work wonderfully as alternatives, giving that perfect crunchy topping everyone loves.
How spicy is this casserole? Can I add heat?
This casserole is mild and comforting by nature, but if you love a kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for a spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over, whether it’s a special occasion or craving comfort food on a regular night. It’s simple to prepare, hearty, and packed with flavor in every creamy, cheesy bite. Give it a go and watch it become a fast favorite in your home too!
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Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for holidays and family dinners. Made with thawed hash browns, sharp cheddar, and a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. Optional crunchy cornflake topping adds a delightful texture contrast. Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, it fits perfectly into any American cuisine meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can 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
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
Optional Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions if using. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface for even cooking.
- Prepare Optional Topping: If you want a crunchy topping, combine the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the casserole is hot throughout, bubbly around the edges, and has a golden-brown top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight; just add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
- The optional cornflake or cracker topping adds texture but can be omitted if preferred.
