The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouthwatering cheesy potato casserole recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy, golden potatoes meld perfectly with rich, melted cheese in every delectable bite.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to taste this irresistible dish.

Layers of tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and a crispy golden top create a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each forkful delivers a comforting warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

This classic side dish elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate potato casserole that will become your new go-to comfort food.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns directly from the bag?

No, always thaw hash browns first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture that can make the casserole soggy.

• Is it okay to substitute ingredients?

Yes, you can replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, swap cheddar for another cheese like Monterey Jack, or use cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers for the topping.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top, bubbly edges, and internal temperature of 165F. The casserole should be hot throughout and have a crispy topping.

Highlights of Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This lasagna delivers serious wow factor with layers of rich, hearty flavors that make everyone at the table cheer.
• Master Simple Layering Technique: Assembling this dish requires no fancy culinary skills, just basic stacking and spreading that even beginner cooks can nail perfectly.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or adjust cheese quantities to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the classic lasagna structure.
• Feed a Hungry Crew: Packed with protein and cheese, this recipe serves multiple people, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings where hungry mouths need satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that create the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich creaminess and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a smooth, savory base that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty cheese flavor and creamy texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Onion: Adds a subtle aromatic depth and savory undertone to the dish.

• Ritz Crackers, Cornflakes: Provide a crispy, crunchy texture to contrast with the creamy casserole base.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crisp topping and adds richness to the dish.

Making Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create The Dreamy Mixture

• Thawed hash browns
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Diced onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together until ingredients are completely blended and look super creamy.

Step 3: Layer And Prep The Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this crispy cracker blend across the top of the casserole for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Potato Casserole Success

• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for different flavor profiles or to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Use panko breadcrumbs or cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers for a lighter, crispier topping that adds extra texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gruyère, or monterey jack to elevate the dish's flavor complexity.
• Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and introduce more colorful elements to the casserole.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Delicious Variations of Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Gluten-Free Potato Bake: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. Add diced bell peppers and spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Low-Sodium Comfort Dish: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, reduce salt, and replace regular cheese with reduced-sodium cheddar. Season with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free butter alternative, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions with Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy potato casserole, providing a refreshing contrast with its bright, citrusy notes that cleanse the palate.
• Match Hearty Red Meat: Serve alongside grilled ribeye steak or roasted beef tenderloin, where the robust meat flavors complement the creamy, cheesy potato texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy, rich profile, adding a crisp and zesty element that prevents the meal from feeling too dense.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to introduce a caramelized, slightly charred vegetable side that provides textural contrast and nutritional balance.

Keeping Cheesy Potato Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavor. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty cheesy potato casserole, packed with creamy layers and golden-brown goodness. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and rich potato goodness invite you to savor each comforting, indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (32 ounces/907 grams) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Dairy and Soup Base:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely diced

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick preparation.
2. Harmonize thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, liquefied butter, minced onion, grated cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a capacious mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients meld seamlessly.
3. Transfer the velvety potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an uniform distribution across the surface.
4. Pulverize Ritz crackers and amalgamate with molten butter in a separate container, creating a rustic crumbly topping.
5. Cascade the cracker mixture over the potato foundation, generating a textural crown that will transform golden and crisp during baking.
6. Position the casserole in the preheated oven, roasting uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the surface achieves a bronzed hue and the interior reaches a steaming, effervescent state.
7. Extract from oven and allow a brief resting period to stabilize before presenting this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Swap hash browns for cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb version that’s just as delicious and satisfying.
• Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes if you need a celiac-friendly option to maintain the crispy topping texture.
• Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gruyere to add unexpected flavor complexity and make the dish more gourmet.
• Consider adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham directly into the mixture for extra protein and a savory boost that elevates the entire casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg