If there’s one dish that always gets huge grins and second helpings at my table, it’s the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole. This beloved classic brings together creamy potatoes, gooey cheddar, a crunchy cornflake topping, and a whole lot of comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside a big family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or simply craving cozy food on a chilly evening, this casserole checks every box. It’s impossibly easy, totally irresistible, and guaranteed to become tradition after your very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magical thing about this recipe is how a handful of humble ingredients join forces to create something truly craveable. Each one does its part: some lend richness, others provide crunch, and together, they make the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole shine.
- Frozen diced hash browns (1 bag, 32 ounces): The convenient base. Make sure they’re fully thawed for easy mixing and even baking.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Extra sharp cheddar melts into those perfect gooey pockets and amps up the cheesy goodness.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tangy creaminess that keeps everything moist and rich.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Binds the casserole and infuses savory flavor throughout. For vegetarians, cream of mushroom is a great stand-in.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup for casserole + 1/4 cup for topping): Divided for creamy texture in the filling and golden crispness on top.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and depth—fresh onion is best, but you can sub in dried onion flakes in a pinch.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to perk up the savory notes without overpowering the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These essential seasonings let every other flavor sing.
- Crushed cornflakes (2 cups): The secret to that satisfyingly crispy, buttery topping—don’t skip it!
How to Make Best Cheesy Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole releases easily after baking and makes clean-up a breeze. There’s nothing more tempting than seeing those golden edges as soon as you pull it from the oven!
Step 2: Mix the Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and every potato cube is nicely coated. This is the step where all those building-block flavors come together.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, pressing gently to fill out the corners. The smoother the top, the better the topping holds on. Try sneaking a little taste—if no one’s looking!
Step 4: Make and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until every flake gets a glossy, buttery coat. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potato layer so every portion is topped with that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cornflake topping turns golden brown. Those caramelized edges? That’s the good stuff. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before digging in to make serving easier.
How to Serve Best Cheesy Potato Casserole
Garnishes
To really set off the look and flavor of your Best Cheesy Potato Casserole, try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or snipped green onions over the top just before serving. For a punch of color and zing, a dash of paprika or even some crumbled bacon can add that extra-special finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is perfectly at home alongside roast chicken, glazed ham, grilled sausages, or a holiday spread, but it also makes a cozy vegetarian meal with a big green salad and some roasted veggies on the side. Its versatility is a big reason folks come back for seconds (and sometimes thirds).
Creative Ways to Present
Use the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole as a brunch casserole centerpiece by topping it with fried eggs or serving mini squares in muffin tins for a grab-and-go option. Leftover casserole can also be scooped into wraps, spooned over grilled meats, or turned into a next-day breakfast hash. Trust me—your creative spins will be as popular as the original.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole (once cooled) tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so don’t be surprised if the leftovers taste even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole is freezer-friendly—just assemble it right up to the topping step, cover tightly in foil, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cornflake topping, and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked portions in airtight containers for quick future meals.
Reheating
For best results, reheat casserole in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes). Individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven method keeps that crispy topping intact!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you have fresh potatoes, just peel and dice them finely—try to keep cubes about the same size as the frozen hash browns so the texture stays creamy throughout. You may need to parboil them for a few minutes to ensure tenderness.
How do I make the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole vegetarian?
Simply substitute cream of mushroom soup (or another condensed vegetarian soup) for the cream of chicken. The texture stays just as creamy, and the flavor is amazing. You could even try a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup for extra cheesiness!
What’s the best way to crush cornflakes for the topping?
Pour cornflakes into a zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, seal it, and then use a rolling pin or your hands to gently crush them. You want small crumbs, but not powder. Alternatively, pulse briefly in a food processor, but go easy—they crush fast!
Can I add other ingredients for more flavor?
Of course! Many folks love stirring in cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, green onions, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. The Best Cheesy Potato Casserole is wonderfully versatile, so customize it to your heart’s content.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything (except the cornflake topping) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Before baking, add the topping so it stays crisp, then bake as directed. Perfect for stress-free entertaining or busy holiday mornings.
Final Thoughts
If there’s any dish destined to be passed down and shared for years to come, it’s the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just treating yourself, every forkful delivers pure comfort plus a little joy. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—you’re in for something truly special!
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Best Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Cheesy Potato Casserole. Creamy and cheesy, with a crispy topping, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen diced hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Mixture: Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine cornflakes and melted butter. Sprinkle over the potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham.
- To make vegetarian, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
