Irresistibly Gooey Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives with this delectable cheesy potato casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy layers of golden potatoes melt together with rich, gooey cheese in every heavenly bite.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this ridiculously simple recipe.

Weekend gatherings will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.

Crispy edges and a velvety center make you want to savor each delicious forkful.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a side dish that steals the spotlight from any main course.

Grab a spoon and get ready to experience potato perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Potato Casserole Hits The Spot

• Conquer Quick Comfort: This cheesy potato casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with creamy cheese, crispy cornflake topping, and hearty hash browns, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Equally amazing as a side dish for holiday gatherings or a weeknight dinner, this casserole adapts to any occasion while providing ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
• Effortless Prep Technique: With just 10 minutes of preparation time and simple mixing of ingredients, anyone from kitchen novices to experienced cooks can whip up this foolproof recipe with confidence.

What Goes Into Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Frozen Hash Browns: Convenient base for the casserole, providing a crispy and hearty potato foundation. Choose a bag of shredded hash browns completely thawed.

• Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture. Opt for full-fat versions for maximum richness.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind ingredients together. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a smooth, creamy base with added savory depth. Select a low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. Fresh or dried onions work well.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Cornflakes, Butter: Creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a satisfying crunch. Corn chips can be substituted for variety.

Simple Steps For Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick butter or cooking spray massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Potato Mixture

• Melted butter
• Creamy sour cream
• Savory cream of chicken soup
• Finely chopped onion
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper
• Thawed hash brown potatoes

Whisk and fold everything together until the potatoes are completely coated in the dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Spread the Deliciousness

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth, inviting surface.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed cornflakes (or your favorite crispy chips)
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this golden, crispy layer generously over the potato base.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake uncovered. Watch as it transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece in about 45-50 minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool and settle for 5-10 minutes. This magical pause lets the flavors mingle and makes serving a breeze. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Tips To Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Great

• Customize Crunch: Swap cornflakes with crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or panko for a unique, crispy topping that adds extra texture and flavor to your casserole.
• Lighten Up the Dish: Replace full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess and taste.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole a day before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven for a hassle-free meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to elevate the flavor profile and make the dish more interesting.

How To Store Cheesy Potato Casserole Easily

• Refrigerate leftover potato casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Seal the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy texture and crispy topping may become soggy when thawed.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

Best Foods To Serve With Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Cut through the richness of the cheesy potato casserole with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing to balance the creamy texture.
• Complement with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken breasts or tender pork chops to transform this side dish into a hearty, satisfying meal that provides protein and depth of flavor.
• Enhance with Refreshing Beverage: Choose a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp pilsner beer to cleanse the palate and cut through the casserole's creamy, cheesy profile, making each bite feel lighter and more enjoyable.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots to introduce a caramelized, slightly charred element that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy potato casserole.

Tasty Changes For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Stir in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap half the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt, add crumbled feta, dried oregano, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix into the potato base, then sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top for an indulgent smoky flavor.
• Vegetable Power Boost: Fold in roasted bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add colorful texture to the classic casserole.

Cheesy Potato Casserole Questions

• What makes this cheesy potato casserole so special?

This casserole combines creamy, cheesy hash browns with a crispy cornflake topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and potlucks.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the cornflake topping right before baking to ensure it stays crisp.

• Are there any substitutions I can make for the cream of chicken soup?

If you want a vegetarian option, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. This allows you to customize the recipe to your dietary preferences while maintaining the creamy texture.

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

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges. The casserole should be heated through and have a slightly crispy surface, indicating it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy, irresistible Cheesy Potato Casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables. Golden layers of melted cheese and hearty potatoes promise a delightful experience you cannot resist savoring.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 30 ounces (850 grams) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or potato chips)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coating a 9×13-inch ceramic dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter.
2. Create a rich, creamy base by whisking together melted butter, tangy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, finely diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, plus a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold the thawed hash browns into the velvety mixture, ensuring each potato strand is thoroughly coated with the luxurious sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
4. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a smooth, uniform surface that will crisp beautifully during baking.
5. Craft a crunchy topping by combining crushed cornflakes (or your preferred crispy chips) with melted butter, then generously scatter this golden mixture across the potato landscape, promising a delightful textural contrast.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a bubbling perimeter and a golden-brown crown that signals perfect doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, which helps the layers meld and makes serving easier and more elegant.

Notes

• Swap out cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom alternative to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers to transform the recipe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique flavor twist that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before baking for an even more delicious result.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg