Cheesy Potato Casserole

A rich and indulgent casserole combining tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and optional bacon, baked to golden perfection—an ideal side dish for family gatherings and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this dish brings together comforting flavors, transforming simple ingredients like hash browns, cheese, and cream into a crowd‑pleasing masterpiece. Its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and crunchy topping (if used) make it a homey yet impressive addition to any meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
‑ Frozen hash brown potatoes
‑ Sour cream
‑ Condensed cream soup (mushroom or chicken)
‑ Shredded cheddar cheese
‑ Onion (fresh or frozen minced)
‑ Butter (melted)
‑ Salt and pepper
‑ Optional: crushed cornflakes or crispy cereal topping

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13‑inch casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, sour cream, condensed soup, onion, melted butter, salt, pepper, and most of the cheese.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish; sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. For crunch, add crushed cornflakes or rice cereal mixed with melted butter.
4. Bake until bubbly and golden—typically 40–55 minutes, depending on the version Salty Side DishSimply Recipes+14The Diary of a Real Housewife+14Allrecipes+14Baker by Nature+4Kitchen Gidget+4spoonforkbacon.com+4AllrecipesAllrecipes.
5. Remove from oven and allow to rest briefly before serving.

Servings and timing

This casserole typically serves 10–12 people and takes about 10–15 minutes prep time plus 45–55 minutes bake time AllrecipesThe Diary of a Real HousewifeKitchen Gidget.

Variations

‑ Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor.
‑ Use sour cream in place of or along with cream soup for added tang.
‑ Garnish with crispy cornflake topping or substitute crushed potato chips for texture Allrecipes+15spoonforkbacon.com+15Simply Recipes+15.
‑ Prepare in a slow cooker: layer ingredients and slow cook on low for 2–3 hours or until heated through The Diary of a Real Housewife.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through to preserve texture and prevent sogginess AllrecipesSimply Recipes. You can also freeze assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months, then thaw and bake when needed Allrecipes+15The Diary of a Real Housewife+15Real Simple+15.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking The Diary of a Real Housewife.

What can I use instead of condensed soup?

A homemade cheese sauce (butter, flour, milk, cheese) works as a rich alternative Simply Recipes.

How do I get a crispy topping?

Top with crushed cornflakes, crackers, chips, or cereal mixed with melted butter before baking Alamy+15Kitchen Gidget+15Allrecipes+15.

Is it freezer‑friendly?

Yes—freeze assembled (uncooked) casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months The Diary of a Real Housewife+1.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but Colby‑Jack or a blend with Monterey Jack also work beautifully Home.

How do I scale the recipe for smaller portions?

A 6–8 serving version can be made in an 8×8‑inch pan using adjusted ingredients Home.

Can I omit the dairy for a lighter version?

Yes—you can substitute reduced‑fat sour cream or use a lighter cheese option.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely—add cooked bacon, diced ham, green onions, or sautéed mushrooms for variety.

What goes well with this casserole?

Pairs well with roasted meats, green salads, steamed vegetables, or ham.

Does texture change after refrigeration?

The casserole tends to firm up when chilled—reheat in oven or microwave until heated through to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Casserole strikes the perfect balance between comfort and crowd appeal—layered with creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and optional crunch, it satisfies both familiar taste and indulgent texture. Easy to prepare ahead, crowd‑friendly in size, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a reliable star on any meal table.

Print