Cheesy potato casserole is a warm, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. Made with tender potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a creamy soup base, this casserole is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays because it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
The golden, cheesy topping adds the perfect crunch, making every bite delicious. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own, this casserole brings cozy, homemade goodness to your table. Best of all, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines simple, comforting ingredients into one easy dish. The potatoes provide a soft and hearty base, while the sour cream and cream of chicken soup make the casserole rich and creamy. Shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly throughout, giving each bite a deliciously cheesy flavor. The buttery topping creates a crisp, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
Another reason this recipe is so good is its flexibility. You can customize it by adding crispy bacon, green onions, or even swapping the potatoes for hash browns for a faster version. It also reheats well, making it great for leftovers. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, cheesy potato casserole is an easy, satisfying, and foolproof dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Potatoes – The base of the dish, soft and creamy when baked.
Substitutes: Frozen hash browns for a quicker version.
Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully, giving a rich and cheesy flavor.
Substitutes: Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tangy flavor.
Substitutes: Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Makes the casserole extra creamy and flavorful.
Substitutes: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a vegetarian version.
Butter – Helps create a rich and golden topping.
Substitutes: Margarine or olive oil for a different texture.
Tips
- Use pre-cooked or frozen potatoes to save time.
- Mix cheese into the potatoes and sprinkle extra on top for more flavor.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up.
- Add crispy bacon or green onions for extra texture.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the top.
How to Serve
Cheesy potato casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven, with its creamy, cheesy layers melting together. This dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for any meal. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes and is a favorite for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted turkey.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
- Top with chopped green onions or crispy fried onions for extra flavor.
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Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced or shredded potatoes fresh or frozen
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix potatoes, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
• Mix cheese into the potatoes and sprinkle extra on top for more flavor.
• Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up.
• Add crispy bacon or green onions for extra texture.
• Cover with foil while baking to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the top.
It's easy to make and pure comfort food!