Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Comfort arrives in a magical cheesy potato casserole that whispers warmth and nostalgia from the first creamy bite.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through each golden layer of tender potatoes and melted cheese.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a dish that feels like a delicious hug on a chilly evening.

Rich textures and deep flavors promise a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Crispy edges and smooth interior make this casserole a true crowd-pleaser for weekend gatherings.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few careful steps.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed ones?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I want a vegetarian option?

Use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce made with vegetable broth as a vegetarian alternative.

• How can I make this casserole more nutritious?

Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor to the dish.

Cheesy Potato Casserole Everyone Loves

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a rich, cheesy potato dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy texture and irresistible flavor profile.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills, with straightforward mixing and layering that even beginner cooks can master in minutes.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a hearty side dish that complements multiple main courses with its universal appeal.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Allows easy modifications like adding bacon bits, swapping cheese types, or using different cracker toppings to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients to Prepare Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that form the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy, rich binding sauce for the potato mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a smooth, velvety texture to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese flavor that complements the potatoes.

• Onion: Brings a subtle, savory depth to the overall dish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a mild, aromatic seasoning that boosts the casserole's flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Ritz Crackers, Melted Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Potato Mixture

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

Stir everything until it blends into a deliciously smooth mixture.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Base

Spread the potato mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Craft A Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly and sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs across the top of the potato mixture.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy potato masterpiece!

Tips to Perfect Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Sauté diced onions briefly to mellow their sharp flavor and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Use thawed hash browns and pat them dry to prevent excess liquid that could make the casserole soggy.
• Swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different crispy texture and flavor profile.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup to create a vegetarian version of the dish.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Variations to Try with Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Southwestern Kick: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a spicy version of the casserole.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crumble crispy bacon into the mixture and top with extra bacon bits for a rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to elevate the casserole with aromatic freshness.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free alternative.

Pairings for Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Pair with Roasted Herb Chicken: Complement the rich, creamy casserole with tender roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme, creating a balanced and hearty meal that highlights the potato dish's savory flavors.
• Serve alongside Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy casserole with a light, refreshing salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, adding brightness and cutting through the dish's richness while providing a fresh contrast.
• Match with Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Select a crisp, acidic white wine that cuts through the creamy texture, enhancing the casserole's cheesy notes and providing a clean, refreshing palate cleanse between bites.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Potato Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Bake at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy topping.

Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible cheesy potato casserole that promises pure creamy indulgence. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and hearty potatoes blend into a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.

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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
• 1 small onion, finely diced

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

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

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking vessel by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create the potato mixture by combining frozen hash browns with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even surface across the entire pan.
4. Craft the crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl, then generously sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the potato base to create a golden, crunchy layer.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a rich golden brown and the interior becomes hot and bubbling.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier, then slice and serve while still warm.

Notes

• Swap hash browns for cauliflower rice to create a lower-carb version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
• Create a vegetarian-friendly option by substituting cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a homemade vegetable-based cream sauce.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or pepper jack to add unexpected flavor complexity and elevate the dish’s taste profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole the night before, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience and time-saving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg