Cheesy Potato Casserole is the epitome of comforting, indulgent meals. Rich, creamy, and deliciously cheesy, this dish has earned its place as a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts. Known affectionately as “funeral potatoes” in the Midwest, it combines shredded or diced potatoes, a flavorful cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping that’s baked to perfection. Whether it’s for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or a potluck, this casserole is always a hit with guests of all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Creamy and Cheesy: The luscious cheese sauce paired with creamy potatoes offers the ultimate comfort.
- Easy to Make: With simple, everyday ingredients, it comes together effortlessly.
- Perfect for Group Gatherings: This dish feeds a crowd, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients such as green chiles, ham, or even vegetables to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the casserole in advance, making meal prep a breeze.
- Freezer-Friendly: It freezes and reheats well, so you can always have a comforting meal on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness, this casserole is a hit with children and picky eaters alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen hash brown potatoes (shredded or diced)
- Cream of chicken soup (or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter (melted)
- Onion (finely chopped or use onion powder)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Topping Options:
- Crushed cornflakes
- Buttery crackers
- Additional shredded cheese
- Optional Add-ins:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chopped green onions
- Cooked ham or sausage for a heartier version
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Cheese and Potatoes: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the frozen hash browns, ensuring that everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring the mixture covers the bottom of the dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or your chosen topping) with the remaining melted butter. Mix well and then sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
- Let It Rest: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- For a Different Flavor: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup.
- Meatier Version: Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for added flavor and heartiness.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in green chiles or jalapeños to add a spicy kick to the dish.
- Cheese Lovers: Substitute the cheddar for a cheese blend like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Include frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers to make the casserole even more nutritious.
- Topping Variations: Instead of crushed cornflakes, try French fried onions or panko breadcrumbs for an alternative crispy topping.
Storage and Reheating
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the casserole cool completely before storing.
- To Freeze: Assemble the casserole without the topping and freeze it for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking. Be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- To Reheat: Reheat the casserole by warming it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but reheating in the oven will help preserve the casserole’s texture and crispiness.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish made with shredded potatoes, a rich cheese sauce, and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for any family gathering, holiday, or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen diced hash brown potatoes thawed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup or substitute with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes for topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and thawed hash browns. Stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- For the topping, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Potato Casserole!
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
FAQs
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel, shred, or dice them and parboil them for a few minutes to soften before mixing them into the casserole.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking.
- What’s the best cheese for this recipe? Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack for different flavors and textures.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup, and you’re good to go.
- Is this casserole gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cream soup and opt for gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
- What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping? Buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips are great alternatives for the topping. You can also use more shredded cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Be sure to reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- How can I prevent the casserole from being too runny? Make sure to drain any thawed hash browns well before using them in the casserole. Also, avoid adding extra liquid to the mixture. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just use two 9×13-inch baking dishes or a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
- What should I serve with Cheesy Potato Casserole? This dish pairs wonderfully with ham, roast chicken, grilled meats, or even a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Conclusion
Cheesy Potato Casserole is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its creamy texture, rich cheese, and crispy topping make it a crowd-pleaser at every occasion, from holiday dinners to casual weeknight meals. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, make ahead, and customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a large group or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to satisfy.
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. With its melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, creamy cheese, and golden crispy topping, it’s everything you love in a comforting dish. Try it today, and let the deliciousness speak for itself!