Heavenly Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Potatoes become pure magic when you craft this crispy potato casserole that transforms ordinary side dishes into something extraordinary.

Layers of golden, crunchy edges promise a delightful culinary experience waiting to unfold.

Every forkful brings a perfect balance of creamy interior and irresistible crisp texture.

Cheese, herbs, and carefully selected seasonings dance together to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Regional comfort meets gourmet technique in this crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints hungry diners.

Rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this casserole stands ready to steal the spotlight at any meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing comfort classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Stuff To Get For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Creates tangy, velvety texture and enhances creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides silky consistency and depth of savory flavor.
• Onion: Delivers subtle sharp taste and aromatic base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, robust cheese flavor.
• Hash Browns: Serves as hearty potato foundation with crispy potential.

• Cornflakes or Chips: Creates irresistible golden, crispy layer that contrasts creamy base.
• Melted Butter: Helps topping achieve perfect golden-brown crunch.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
• Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spicy undertone.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like sour cream, cheese, and hash browns with a smooth, even mix.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for spreading the potato mixture and creating a golden, crispy casserole.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for preparing the crunchy cornflake topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot dishes during baking and serving.

Steps To Make Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Whip Together the Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend melted butter, sour cream, and that magical cream of chicken soup. Toss in some chopped onions, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Fold in those chilled hash browns until everything’s dancing together.

• Spread the Love

Pour your potato mixture into the prepped baking dish, making sure it’s smooth and even like a perfect blanket.

• Create the Crunchy Crown

Crush some cornflakes and mix with melted butter. Shower this crispy topping all over your casserole, creating a golden landscape of deliciousness.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and transform for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are singing with crispy excitement.

• Rest and Serve

Let your masterpiece catch its breath for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting and serving a breeze. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, crunchy magic!

Helpful Tips For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Crunch Factor Boost: Add extra crispy texture by using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for a more delicate, golden topping that delivers incredible crispiness.
• Protein Power Option: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by mixing in cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon before baking for added protein and flavor complexity.
• Dietary Flexibility: Create a gluten-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and using gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers as the topping.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure even heating.

Best Ways To Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Pair this cheesy potato casserole with classic comfort dishes that complement its rich, creamy texture and hearty flavor.
• Sunday Roast Companion: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pot roast, or grilled steak for a satisfying main course that brings warmth to the dinner table.
• Fresh Side Kick: Balance the casserole's richness with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add brightness and nutrition.
• Brunch Superstar: Transform this dish into a weekend brunch highlight by serving with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete morning meal.

Storage Advice For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for future quick meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 350F for 2025 minutes.
• Portioning Trick: Cut individual servings before storing to make reheating easier. Each portion can be microwaved separately for 1-2 minutes, ensuring consistent warmth and crispy topping.
• Freshness Revival: Restore crispiness by briefly placing reheated casserole under broiler for 23 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning, allowing cornflake topping to regain its delightful crunch.

Crispy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato casserole delivers comfort and warmth from classic American kitchens. Hearty layers of potatoes, cheese, and seasoned cream promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 30 oz (850 g) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or potato chips)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch ceramic dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until a smooth, creamy mixture forms.
3. Potato Integration: Incorporate thawed hash browns into the sauce, ensuring each potato strand is completely enveloped in the rich, savory coating for maximum flavor distribution.
4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a level surface that promises uniform cooking and optimal texture.
5. Crispy Topping Creation: Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter, then sprinkle this golden, crunchy mixture generously across the potato base to add a satisfying textural element.
6. Baking and Finishing: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a perfectly golden-brown top that indicates complete cooking and caramelization.
7. Resting Phase: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the flavors to meld and ensuring clean, elegant serving.

Notes

• Customize Potato Selection: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or frozen hash browns for best texture and maximum creaminess, ensuring a consistent, smooth base.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat hash browns dry before mixing to eliminate excess moisture, guaranteeing a crispy, non-watery casserole that holds its shape perfectly.
• Cheese Elevation Technique: Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and gruyère for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that transform the classic dish.
• Dietary Accommodation Hack: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian options, or use gluten-free cornflakes to create a celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise taste or texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg