Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen hash browns, thawed; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes; 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Cheesy Potato Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a buttery, golden cornflake topping, this is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table. Whether you know it as hash brown casserole, “funeral potatoes,” or simply the go-to potluck classic, it’s hard to beat the warm, gooey satisfaction of potatoes and cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself wanting Cheesy Potato Casserole for every holiday, family dinner, and cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Potato Casserole is in how just a few humble ingredients transform into something crave-worthy. Each element in this recipe has a clear purpose, working together to create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy.

Frozen hash browns: These save time and guarantee soft, tender potatoes that soak up all the flavors—just make sure you thaw them first!
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The secret to a rich, deeply cheesy casserole that stretches with every scoop.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: Gives body and savory depth to the sauce, pulling everything together in creamy harmony.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy note and helps achieve that perfect luscious texture.
Unsalted butter: No casserole is complete without butter—it’s key to rich flavor and golden edges.
Finely chopped onion: Provides just enough sweetness and bite to balance out all the creaminess.
Garlic powder: A little touch for that extra layer of savory goodness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures every bite is seasoned just right.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Crushed cornflakes: This topping brings addictive crunch and an old-school charm you’ll love.
Melted butter (for topping): Helps the cornflakes crisp up into that legendary golden lid.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a minute to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this makes sure your Cheesy Potato Casserole releases easily, and gives you those tempting crispy corners everyone fights over.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted unsalted butter, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is beautifully coated and smell those rich, comforting aromas—this is where Cheesy Potato Casserole magic begins!

Step 3: Spread into the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t rush this part—a smooth, level surface is the key to a casserole that bakes up uniformly, so every serving is sheer perfection.

Step 4: Add the Cornflake Topping

In a small bowl, combine your crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss well to coat every flake, then sprinkle the topping all over the potato mixture. This creates that iconic, shatteringly crisp topping Cheesy Potato Casserole is famous for.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crunchy top and bubbling edges—your kitchen will smell heavenly! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets up just right (and doesn’t burn eager tongues).

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley over your Cheesy Potato Casserole really brightens it up, both visually and flavor-wise. If you want a little extra richness, a quick grating of sharp cheddar over the top right before serving melts beautifully with the heat of the casserole. Don’t be shy with a crack of black pepper, either!

Side Dishes

This is a satisfying side that pairs well with so many main courses. Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole alongside holiday ham, roast chicken, grilled sausages, or your favorite BBQ. I also love it with a crisp salad or some steamed green beans to balance out all that cheesy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping portions into individual ramekins for fancier gatherings—everyone gets their own mini Cheesy Potato Casserole! You can even bake it in muffin tins for an easy buffet or brunch. For a fun twist, mix in diced ham or crispy bacon to turn it into a one-pan meal that’ll disappear in minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Potato Casserole is a treat and stores beautifully. Simply let your leftovers cool, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making for quick, comforting meals all week long.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready. You can also freeze already baked portions—just wrap individual squares for grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions in a 350°F oven (covered loosely with foil) until warmed through, about 20 minutes for a full dish or 5–10 minutes for smaller servings. For a quick solution, the microwave works fine—just keep in mind, the topping may lose some of its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Peel and grate about 4 cups of potatoes, then soak them in water for a few minutes and squeeze out excess moisture. Using fresh adds a tiny bit more work, but you’ll still get that delicious Cheesy Potato Casserole flavor and texture.

Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?

Yes! Swap in cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken, and you’ll have a vegetarian Cheesy Potato Casserole that’s just as comforting. You might also want to add a pinch more salt or extra veggies for flavor.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained—excess moisture is usually the culprit behind a soggy casserole. Be careful not to overdo the soup and sour cream, and always bake uncovered to let the top crisp up.

Can this Cheesy Potato Casserole be made ahead?

It’s one of the best make-ahead dishes! Assemble everything up to adding the topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, add the cornflakes and bake as usual. Perfect for holidays or busy days.

What protein can I add to turn it into a full meal?

Diced ham, cooked bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken all work wonderfully in Cheesy Potato Casserole. Just stir it in with the other ingredients before baking, and you’ve got a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Potato Casserole is pure comfort on a plate, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a family favorite across the country. I hope you give it a go—bring it to your next gathering or treat yourself for dinner, and don’t be surprised when everyone starts begging for the recipe!

Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Potato Casserole, also known as Funeral Potatoes or Hash Brown Casserole, is a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. With a crispy cornflake topping and a rich, cheesy filling, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 bag (32 ounces) frozen hash browns, thawed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: 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, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Layer and Top: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Toss cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.