Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole

You know that one dish that shows up at every holiday, potluck, and Sunday dinner? Yep, we’re talking about Cheesy Potato Casserole—the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright impossible to resist. Whether you call it funeral potatoes, hash brown casserole, or just plain delicious, this dish brings all the cozy, melty goodness to the table.

It has a buttery and golden surface, a creamy and cheesy center, and crispy edges at the side. (If you are not drooling yet, just wait a minute.) Best of all is how easy it is to prepare, requiring no special ingredients or complex techniques, just simple bones of potato and cheese.

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And because I know you’re already thinking about dessert (because, same), let’s just go ahead and pair this with the Eclair Cake Recipe—a no-bake dream that layers graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and a rich chocolate topping. It’s easy, quick, and the perfect way to round out your meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Alright, let’s get into it. Grab your potatoes and cheese—it’s casserole time!

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Why This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a Must-Make

There are a million reasons to love this dish, but let’s hit the highlights:

  • Super Simple Ingredients – Everything in this casserole is easy to find (and you probably have most of it already).
  • Crazy Delicious – Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crunch? Say no more.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Holidays, barbecues, weeknight dinners—this dish fits in anywhere.
  • Great for Making Ahead – You can prep it early, freeze it, or bake it fresh. Total lifesaver.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just tried-and-true ingredients that come together in the best way.

  • Frozen hash browns (thawed) – Saves you the hassle of peeling and chopping potatoes.
  • Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is the way to go. You want that bold, melty goodness.
  • Sour cream – Makes it extra creamy.
  • Cream of chicken soup – The secret to that rich, comforting texture.
  • Butter – Because, well… butter makes everything better.
  • Onion – Adds a little extra flavor kick.
  • Salt & pepper – Gotta season it up right!
  • Cornflakes or crushed Ritz crackers – For that crispy, buttery topping.

(See? Told you it was easy.)

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How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a golden, bubbly masterpiece in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Butter or spray a 9×13 inches baking dish.
  • Thaw your frozen hash browns if you haven’t already. (Trust me, don’t skip this step—frozen potatoes = weird texture.)

Step 2: Mix It All Together

  • In a large mixing bowl, Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, diced onion, salt and pepper, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and thawed hash browns.
  • Stir it up until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

  • Spread that glorious potato mixture evenly into your greased baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

  • Crush your cornflakes or Ritz crackers (a ziplock bag and a rolling pin work great for this).
  • Mix them with a little melted butter.
  • Sprinkle the mixture evenly over your casserole.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

  • Put it in the oven and bake it for 45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles at the edges.
  • Let it sit for a few minutes before serving (I know, the wait is painful).
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5 Benefits of Making Cheesy Potato Casserole

Super Easy to Make – Combining easy accessible dainties with little or no preparations makes this recipe effortless! Simply stir, bake, and savour it! No need to worry about complex recipes because none exists.

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday feast, potluck, or weeknight dinner, this dish fits right in. It’s always a crowd favorite!

Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable, everyday ingredients, this casserole is a delicious way to feed a group without breaking the bank. Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep it the night before, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Great for busy days!

Customizable to Your Taste – Want to add bacon, extra cheese, or a little spice? Go for it! This recipe is easy to tweak to match your cravings.

Let’s be real—cheesy, creamy potatoes with a crunchy topping? It doesn’t get better than that!

Recipe Tips & Variations for the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole

Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole:

  • Thaw the Hash Browns – If you use frozen hashbrowns directly from the freezer, the casserole may become watery. To prevent this, defrost them and remove any excess moisture.
  • Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has added anti-caking agents that can affect the melt. Grating your own cheese makes a world of difference.
  • Don’t Skip the Crunchy Topping – Whether you go with cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or even crushed potato chips, that golden, buttery crunch takes this dish to another level.
  • Let It Rest After Baking – Giving it 5-10 minutes before serving helps it set up and makes scooping much easier.
  • Make It in Advance – Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven!

Fun Variations to Try:

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  • Add Protein – Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to turn it into a full meal.
  • Spice It Up – For a little zing, stir in diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce.
  • Switch Up the Cheese – Try a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even smoked gouda for extra flavor.
  • Make It Extra Creamy – Replace half the sour cream with cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
  • Garlic Butter Topping – Mix some garlic powder into the melted butter for extra flavor before adding the topping.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the topping for crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes.
  • Loaded Potato Version – Toss in chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, and a little ranch seasoning for a “loaded baked potato” vibe.

Honestly, you can’t mess this up—however you make it, it’s going to be ridiculously good!

What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Casserole

This dish is already a star, but it plays well with others. Try it with:

  • Air fryer chicken nuggets – Crispy, juicy, and so easy.
  • Brussel sprouts – Roasted with bacon? Yes, please.
  • Sourdough dinner rolls – Soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up extra cheese sauce.

And for dessert? Eclair Cake Recipe. No baking, no fuss—just creamy, chocolatey goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I Freeze Cheesy Potato Casserole?

A: Of course! You can mix the ingredients together a day ahead of time and set it in the fridge. If you are pulling it straight from the fridge, simply add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I Replace Frozen Hash Browns With Fresh Potatoes?

A: Absolutely! All you need to do is grate some russet potatoes, and then squeeze out the excess moisture using a kitchen towel before mixing them in.

Q: What’s the Best Cheese to Use?

A: Sharp cheddar is the go-to, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan can work.

Q: How Do I Make It Gluten-Free?

A: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free crackers or cornflakes for the topping.

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Reader Feedback

Sara M.“Made this for a family dinner, and WOW—everyone went back for seconds! The crispy topping was perfect, and the cheese was so melty. Definitely adding this to my regular rotation!”

Jus R.“I tweaked it a little by adding bacon and green onions—absolutely amazing. Super easy to make, and the leftovers were just as good the next day!”

Emily T.“This was a hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! So creamy and cheesy, and the crunchy topping added the perfect texture. Even my picky eaters loved it!”

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Your Comments Help Us! Have you tried Cheesy Potato Casserole ? Let us know and leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you, and your feedback helps everyone who reads them. Follow us on InstagramPinterestand Facebook for more cheesy, comforting, and downright delicious recipes

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There you have it—Cheesy Potato Casserole in all its golden, melty glory. It’s easy, comforting, and just plain delicious. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a little cheesy happiness in your life.

And don’t forget dessert—Eclair Cake Recipe is the way to go. Light, creamy, and just as easy as this casserole.

Alright, time to get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.

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