Irresistible Baked Potato Casserole: The Perfect Cheesy Side Dish for Any Occasion
There’s a reason why some dishes become timeless family favorites, especially around the holidays. This Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole is precisely one of those recipes – a truly comforting and incredibly delicious side dish that captures hearts and satisfies appetites. With its creamy, cheesy core and optional crispy topping, it’s a showstopper perfect for entertaining, a welcome addition to any potluck, or even a simple yet satisfying meal for busy weeknights. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a beloved staple at any gathering.
For many families, cheesy potatoes are synonymous with festive occasions. The rich, gooey layers of cheese embracing tender potatoes create an undeniable allure that consistently wins over everyone at the table. In my own family, this particular casserole wasn’t a tradition until I met my husband. His mother’s recipe introduced me to this delightful concoction, and it has since become an indispensable part of our holiday spread and cherished family dinners. Now, we eagerly prepare it every year, and its popularity has even spread to other branches of my extended family, solidifying its status as a true culinary triumph.
Mastering the Cheesy Baked Potato Casserole
This Baked Potato Casserole recipe simplifies preparation by utilizing convenient frozen potatoes, making it accessible even on the busiest days. While you certainly have the option to dice your own fresh potatoes, I find that pre-cut frozen varieties offer unmatched consistency in size, ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole. This consistency is key to achieving that perfect texture where every bite is equally tender and flavorful. If you’re looking to free up valuable oven space during a large meal, remember you can also adapt this concept into a Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole version, which is equally delicious and incredibly convenient.
One of the beauties of this dish lies in its adaptability. My mother-in-law traditionally prepares her cheesy potato casserole with shredded hash browns, which results in a distinct, softer texture. However, for this particular recipe, I opted for diced potatoes. I find that diced potatoes hold their shape a little better during baking, contributing to a slightly firmer, yet still wonderfully tender, bite. Both options yield fantastic results, so your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific texture you crave in your potato casserole.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Potato Casserole
Creating this rich and creamy baked potato casserole requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Each component plays a vital role in building the irresistible flavor and texture that makes this dish so popular.
- **Frozen Hash Browns:** The star of the show. Whether you choose shredded or diced, ensure they are thawed before mixing to prevent a watery casserole and ensure even cooking.
- **Butter:** Melted butter contributes to the richness and helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy topping. Divided portions ensure flavor integration within the casserole and a delightful crust.
- **Sour Cream:** This is the secret to the casserole’s incredible creaminess and tangy depth, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup.
- **Cream of Chicken Soup:** A classic shortcut that provides a savory base and helps bind all the ingredients together into a cohesive, comforting sauce. You can also experiment with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a subtle flavor variation, or even make a homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
- **Onion:** Finely chopped onion adds a pungent, aromatic layer of flavor that complements the potatoes and cheese beautifully.
- **Garlic Salt:** A simple seasoning that imparts a foundational savory, garlicky flavor without needing separate garlic and salt.
- **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and enhances all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste.
- **Cheddar Cheese:** The undisputed champion of this cheesy casserole! Shredded cheddar melts into gooey perfection, providing the signature flavor. For the best melting and flavor, consider grating a block of sharp or medium cheddar yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt.
- **Cornflakes:** This optional but highly recommended topping adds a fantastic crispy texture and a touch of savory sweetness. Alternatives like crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips also work wonderfully.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Baked Potato Casserole
Making this incredible cheesy potato casserole is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will become an instant favorite.
- **Prepare Your Baking Dish:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). While the oven heats, generously coat a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your beautiful casserole slides right out for serving.
- **Combine the Core Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, 1/2 cup of the melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, garlic salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy mixture. Avoid overmixing, but ensure there are no dry spots.
- **Transfer to Baking Dish:** Carefully pour the entire potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with your spatula to create a uniform layer.
- **Add the Crispy Topping:** Evenly sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the top of the potato mixture. This creates a delightful crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter over the cornflakes. The butter helps the cornflakes crisp up and turn golden brown during baking.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cornflake topping has achieved a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crispness. The potatoes should be fork-tender.
The cornflake topping is an optional yet highly recommended element that adds a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy potatoes. If cornflakes aren’t your preference, feel free to get creative! Crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers are excellent alternatives that provide a similar salty crunch and a different nuanced flavor. You can also try panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little Parmesan for a savory crust, or even crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Choose whatever you have on hand or what your family loves most to give your casserole that perfect salty, crispy finish.
Plan Ahead: Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips for Convenience
One of the many advantages of this Baked Potato Casserole is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature, making it an ideal choice for busy households or holiday meal prep. These tips ensure you can enjoy this comforting dish with minimal last-minute fuss.
Can I Make Baked Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent candidate for advance preparation. You can assemble the entire dish, minus the cornflake topping, up to two days before you plan to bake it. Simply mix all the ingredients (hash browns, butter, sour cream, soup, cheese, onion, and seasonings) in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before adding the cornflake topping and melted butter, then bake as directed. Adding the cornflakes right before baking is key to ensuring they stay perfectly crisp and don’t become soggy.
Can You Freeze Baked Potato Casserole?
Yes, this is definitely one of those dishes that freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal planning or having a ready-made side dish on hand. To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, you can either transfer individual portions to airtight, freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil if keeping it in the baking dish. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, I recommend baking it at a slightly lower temperature, around 325º F (160º C), covering it with foil for the first part of baking to prevent drying. This gentler heat helps the sour cream and cream soup maintain their creamy texture without separating. Bake until heated through and bubbly, removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes if you want to re-crisp the topping. If reheating from frozen without thawing, be prepared for a significantly longer baking time (likely 60-90 minutes, as noted in the recipe card).
Delicious Pairings and Customization Ideas
This Baked Potato Casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s a versatile foundation for a variety of meals and flavor profiles. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours or to pair it perfectly with other dishes:
Serving Suggestions:
- **Holiday Feast:** It’s a natural fit for holiday dinners, complementing roasted Tangerine Glazed Ham, roast turkey, or prime rib.
- **Weeknight Dinner:** Serve it alongside simple grilled chicken, pork chops, or a juicy steak for an elevated weeknight meal.
- **Potluck Perfect:** Easy to transport and universally loved, it’s always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
- **Brunch Addition:** Believe it or not, this casserole can also be a savory addition to a hearty brunch spread!
Creative Customizations:
- **Add Protein:** Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced cooked ham, or shredded cooked chicken for a more substantial meal.
- **Spice It Up:** Include a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- **Herbaceous Notes:** Fresh chives or green onions stirred into the mixture or sprinkled on top after baking add a fresh, aromatic touch.
- **Cheese Varieties:** While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- **Vegetarian Option:** Easily make this vegetarian by using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken, or by substituting with a homemade creamy sauce.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of comforting side dishes, especially those featuring potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic recipes that are sure to please your family and guests:
- Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce.
- Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory, perfect for adding depth to many dishes.
- Easy Homemade Gravy: The essential accompaniment for roasts and mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple, elegant, and healthy green vegetable side.
- Au Gratin Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cheese baked until bubbly and golden.
- Green Bean Casserole: A timeless holiday classic with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
- Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread: A famously delicious sweet and savory bread.
Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Erin Sellin
10
45
55
8
Rate Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 bag, 2 pounds frozen southern style hash browns, thawed
- 3/4 cup melted butter, divided
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350º F. Coat a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix together hash browns, 1/2 cup butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly over the potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup of butter.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10
45
55
Side Dish Recipes
American
8
892
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