Party Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

The Best Party Potatoes Recipe: Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing

Comfort food reaches new heights with these irresistible party potatoes that blend cheesy goodness with creamy textures.

Potato lovers will swoon over this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms humble spuds into a decadent side dish.

Every bite promises rich, melted cheese and smooth potato perfection.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a magical culinary experience that draws people together.

Crispy edges and a silky interior make these potatoes an instant hit at any gathering.

Warm, indulgent, and supremely satisfying, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to become the star of your next potluck or family dinner with this ultimate potato sensation.

Party Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy, And Crowd-Pleasing

  • Conquer Quick Cravings: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these haystacks a speedy solution for sudden sweet tooth attacks.
  • Unleash Playful Textures: Crunchy chow mein noodles combined with smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter create an exciting mouth-feel that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Master No-Bake Magic: Zero oven time means less kitchen stress and more snacking happiness – perfect for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a stress-free treat.
  • Customize with Creativity: Adjust stack sizes, experiment with chocolate types, or sprinkle extra toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep things interesting.

Ingredients For Party Potatoes

Potato Base:
  • Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that form the hearty foundation of this creamy casserole.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a rich, smooth texture and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese flavor that makes the dish irresistibly delicious.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth and savory undertones to the potato mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.
Crispy Topping:
  • Cornflakes (or Ritz Crackers): Adds a crunchy, golden-brown layer that contrasts with the creamy potato base.

Baking Instructions For Cheesy Creamy Party Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for potato magic.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Potato Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Frozen hash browns
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully blended and looking deliciously creamy.

Step 4: Spread Potato Goodness

Transfer the potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Craft Crunchy Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix:
  • Crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers)
  • Melted butter

Blend until the crumbs are well-coated and look perfectly crumbly.

Step 6: Add Crispy Crunch

Sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture across the top of the potato casserole, ensuring an even coverage for maximum crispiness.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top that’s crisp and inviting.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Tips For Party Potatoes That Everyone Will Love

  • Crush cornflakes or Ritz crackers finely to ensure a crispy, even layer that won't become mushy during baking.
  • Use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor in the potato mixture.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole.
  • Prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient party prep.
  • Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly alternative.

Flavor Twists To Try With Cheesy Party Potatoes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Replace hash browns with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version, maintaining creamy texture and cheesy flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Potato Bake: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free butter alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Herb-Infused Potato Casserole: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives to elevate the flavor profile, creating a more sophisticated side dish with aromatic herbs.
  • Spicy Southwest Potato Casserole: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation with extra kick.

Pairing Ideas To Accompany Party Potatoes

  • Savor Crisp Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the rich, creamy potato casserole's heaviness while complementing its cheesy texture.
  • Hearty Red Companion: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau, which offers bright acidity and light tannins that balance the dish's creamy, comforting profile.
  • Craft Beer Match: Opt for a Belgian-style wheat beer or a smooth amber ale that provides a refreshing contrast to the potatoes' richness and enhances the dish's golden, crispy topping.

Proper Storage Advice For Party Potatoes

  • Transfer leftover party potatoes to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly to prevent burning.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Party Potatoes?

The key ingredients are hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, and a crispy cornflake or Ritz cracker topping. These components create a rich, creamy, and crunchy potato casserole.

  • Can I make Party Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover the unbaked dish and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • Are there any substitutions for hash browns?

You can use frozen shredded hash browns or fresh grated potatoes. If using fresh potatoes, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.

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Party Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Party Potatoes Cheesy, Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crowd-pleasing Party Potatoes bring comfort and joy to any gathering, delivering a mouthwatering blend of crispy edges and creamy centers. Guests will devour these irresistible potatoes, savoring each rich, cheesy bite that promises pure potato perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Soup and Seasoning:

  • 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fat and Binding:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine shredded potatoes with cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Transfer the creamy potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  4. Create a crispy topping by blending crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers) with additional melted butter until well integrated.
  5. Generously scatter the buttery crumb mixture over the potato base, covering the entire casserole with an even layer.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown and delightfully crisp top.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
  8. Serve immediately while warm, providing a comforting and indulgent side dish that’s sure to delight guests.

Notes

  • Customize crunch by swapping cornflakes with different breadcrumbs like panko or gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
  • Boost nutrition by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the potato mixture for extra color and vitamins.
  • Make ahead by preparing the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Lighten up the dish by using reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and low-sodium soup to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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