Masters of kitchen
Cheesy Potato Casserole is a baked dish made with shredded or cubed potatoes, cheese, a creamy binder like sour cream or condensed soup, and a crunchy topping. It’s a staple in many American households, especially in the South and Midwest, and often appears at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and yes—funerals.
While it’s often confused with scalloped potatoes or potatoes au gratin, there are key differences. Scalloped potatoes are usually made with thin slices and a white béchamel-style sauce. Potatoes au gratin involve layered potatoes with a lot of cheese between the layers. Cheesy potato casserole, on the other hand, leans into a creamy, mixed base and often uses shortcut ingredients like frozen hash browns and canned soup.
There are also classic versions (often made with cornflake toppings) and modern twists (using fresh herbs, bacon, or even spicy jalapeños). The beauty of this dish? You can easily adapt it to your taste or pantry.
Key Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole
Let’s break down what makes this dish irresistibly good:
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Potatoes: Most people use frozen shredded hash browns for convenience, but fresh grated or diced potatoes work just as well.
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Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to blend in Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for extra flavor and meltiness.
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Creamy Base: Sour cream is essential for that rich tang. Many traditional recipes also use cream of chicken soup, but cream of mushroom or homemade roux-based sauces are great alternatives.
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Toppings: Crushed cornflakes tossed in melted butter is a time-honored favorite. Crushed Ritz crackers or even more shredded cheese can also create that crave-worthy golden top.
Bold Tip: Always thaw your frozen hash browns before mixing them in—otherwise, your casserole will bake unevenly and could end up watery!
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this a hit—just the right balance of creaminess, cheese, and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a go-to for a reason. Here’s why it wins hearts (and clean plates!):
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Easy Prep: It’s practically dump-and-bake. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or can be prepped ahead.
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Perfect for Groups: Whether it’s brunch, a potluck, or Sunday dinner, it feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
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Comfort in Every Bite: Gooey cheese, soft potatoes, a crunchy top—every bite feels like a warm hug.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it 1–2 days in advance or freeze it for later. Just bake and serve.
If you’ve got 10 minutes to stir and 45 to bake, you’ve got cheesy comfort food magic.
Variations on the Classic Cheesy Potato Bake
This dish is endlessly customizable. Here are some fun and flavorful ways to switch it up:
With Bacon or Ham
Fold in chopped cooked bacon or diced ham for a protein boost. It turns your side dish into a main!
Jalapeño Cheesy Potatoes
Add diced pickled jalapeños or fresh ones (if you like heat!) to give your casserole a spicy twist.
Vegetarian Option
Skip the cream of chicken soup and use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or a homemade veggie béchamel instead. A handful of sautéed mushrooms or broccoli is a bonus!
Gluten-Free Friendly
Many condensed soups contain gluten. Opt for a certified gluten-free cream soup or make your own. Choose GF crackers or cornflakes for the topping.
Loaded Casserole
Go full comfort-food mode: stir in green onions, an extra dollop of sour cream, more bacon, and a handful of chives. Think of it as a baked potato in casserole form!
These riffs let you tailor the casserole to fit the season, the crowd, or whatever’s left in your fridge.
Expert Tips for Cheesy Potato Casserole Success
Want to take your casserole from good to great? Here’s how:
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Don’t skip the topping – It’s not just pretty. That crunch balances out the creamy filling.
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Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
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Bake uncovered – This gives the top a golden, bubbly finish. Covering it can make it soggy.
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Let it rest – Give it 10 minutes out of the oven to firm up and cool slightly.
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Double up – This freezes beautifully. Make two: bake one now, freeze the other for busy weeks.
Even small upgrades—like using a blend of cheeses or tossing your topping in butter—can make a big difference.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Step-by-Step
Ready to bring some serious comfort to the table? Here’s a simple breakdown of how to make the best cheesy potato casserole at home.
Prepping Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using frozen hash browns, make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture. Grate your cheese, open your soup can, and let the sour cream come to room temp for easier mixing.
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt and better flavor!
Mixing the Base
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and any extras like chopped onions or seasonings. Stir until the mixture is well blended and creamy. Fold in the hash browns gently so they’re evenly coated.
Assembling the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the potato mixture into the dish and smooth out the top. Press it down gently with a spatula to make it even and compact.
Topping with Crunch or More Cheese
Now it’s time to top your casserole. If you’re using crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers, toss them in a bit of melted butter for that irresistible golden crunch. Sprinkle evenly over the top. Prefer extra cheese? Go for a cheesy topping instead—or do both!
Baking Time & Temperature (350°F / ~45–50 mins)
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden. If your topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to crisp it up.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets and scoops cleanly.
What to Serve With Cheesy Potato Casserole
This casserole is a natural sidekick to all your favorite mains. It pairs beautifully with:
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Roast beef, glazed ham, or BBQ ribs at family dinners or holidays
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Grilled chicken or meatloaf for easy weeknight meals
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Scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a hearty brunch
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Steamed broccoli, green beans, or mixed greens to balance the richness
It’s that “goes with everything” kind of side dish.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Planning ahead? You’re in luck—this dish is very freezer-friendly.
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Assemble the casserole (without baking) and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
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Reheat leftovers covered at 325°F until warmed through.
Time Saver: Make two at once—one for now, one for the freezer!
Storage, Reheating, and Leftover Ideas
Once baked, your cheesy potato casserole stores beautifully:
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Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 325°F.
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Repurpose leftovers into breakfast burritos, potato pancakes, or mix them into an egg bake.
It’s just as good (if not better) the next day!
FAQs About Cheesy Potato Casserole
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Just peel and shred your potatoes, then rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess starch. Pat them dry before mixing them into the casserole.
Can I make cheesy potato casserole without cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely. Substitute with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or make your own with butter, flour, milk, and broth for a from-scratch alternative.
How do I keep it from being watery?
Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed and drained. Also, avoid overmixing the base, which can break down the texture and release moisture.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Mix all the ingredients, place in a greased slow cooker, and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The top won’t be crispy, but it’ll be creamy and delicious.
How do I make it more flavorful?
Add garlic powder, onion powder, diced green onions, smoked paprika, or even a splash of hot sauce. Blending different cheeses also adds depth.
Is this the same as funeral potatoes?
Yes, “funeral potatoes” is a nickname used primarily in the Midwest. The recipes are usually the same—creamy, cheesy, comforting, and made to serve a crowd.
More Crowd-Pleasing Casserole Side Dishes
If you loved this Cheesy Potato Casserole, don’t miss these other comforting, crowd-pleasing sides that pair perfectly with any meal:
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CrockPot Caramelized Onions – Rich, slow-cooked flavor that elevates burgers, steaks, and casseroles.
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Cornbread Salad Recipe – A layered Southern favorite with cornbread, veggies, and creamy dressing.
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French Potato Salad – A lighter take on potatoes, tossed with herbs, Dijon, and vinaigrette.
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Crock Pot Creamed Corn – Sweet and creamy, this slow-cooked side is perfect for holidays.
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Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe – All the flavors of loaded potatoes in a cozy casserole form.
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Creamy Cole Slaw Recipe – A crunchy, tangy classic that balances heavier dishes beautifully.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 30 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon onion powder optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns until fully coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Cover loosely with foil (optional) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance.
- Freeze before baking for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before cooking.
- Swap cream of chicken for mushroom or celery for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts – A Dish to Keep in Your Back Pocket
Cheesy potato casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a comfort food classic that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this dish never disappoints.
It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table. Keep this one in your recipe box—you’ll reach for it often.