Cheesy Potato Casserole

Let me tell you, Cheesy Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that instantly becomes the star of any meal. You know the kind—creamy, cheesy, golden perfection that makes everyone at the table say, “Wow, this is good!” Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy dinner, or a potluck, this dish will never disappoint. Each bite is like a warm hug, with layers of tender potatoes, melty cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning to make it utterly irresistible. Trust me, this is comfort food at its best, and it’s the perfect dish to bring people together.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Potato Casserole

There’s so much to love about this casserole, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a family favorite. Here’s why it should be your new go-to dish:

Versatile

This casserole is the perfect side dish for almost any occasion. Serve it for family dinners, holiday spreads, or potlucks, and watch it disappear in a flash. It’s so good, it could easily be a main course if you ask me!

Budget-Friendly

Using simple, everyday ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and sour cream, this casserole is incredibly affordable. It’s proof that you don’t need to splurge to make something decadent.

Quick and Easy

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have this cheesy, comforting casserole baking away in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy without requiring a ton of effort.

Crowd-Pleasing

Cheese, potatoes, and crispy topping—need I say more? This casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can bet that everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Comforting

Every bite is rich, creamy, and so satisfying. The combination of textures from the soft potatoes to the crispy, golden crust on top makes this dish pure comfort food.

Ingredients in Cheesy Potato Casserole

Here’s the magic behind this cheesy masterpiece:

Potatoes

The heart of this casserole! Russet potatoes work best because they become fluffy and soft when baked, creating the perfect base.

Cheddar Cheese

A generous amount of shredded cheddar gives the casserole that creamy, melty goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for an extra layer of flavor.

Sour Cream

Sour cream brings a tangy creaminess to balance the richness of the cheese and potatoes, making the casserole irresistibly smooth.

Cream of Chicken Soup

This classic pantry staple provides extra creaminess and a savory flavor that makes the casserole even more delicious.

Butter

Butter adds richness and helps create that lovely golden-brown top as the casserole bakes. Plus, it enhances all those amazing flavors!

Garlic Powder

Just a little garlic powder goes a long way in adding depth of flavor to this dish.

Onion Powder

A pinch of onion powder gives the casserole that savory, aromatic edge that takes the flavor up a notch.

Salt & Pepper

Seasoning is everything! Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors in this dish, ensuring each bite is full of savory goodness.

Cornflakes (Optional)

For the topping, crushed cornflakes add a crunchy, golden layer that’s totally optional, but highly recommended for an extra bit of texture.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on this cheesy goodness!

Preheat Your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and turns out perfectly golden and bubbly.

Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and cube your potatoes into small bite-sized pieces. You can also choose to leave the skin on if you like a bit of texture. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set them aside.

Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly mixed.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the potato mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly to make sure it bakes uniformly.

Add the Topping

If you’re using cornflakes, sprinkle a generous layer of crushed cornflakes on top of the casserole. This will give it that irresistible crunchy topping. Drizzle a little melted butter over the cornflakes for an extra golden finish.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden on top. The cornflakes should be crisp and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Let It Cool (Slightly!)

Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to firm up a little, making it easier to cut and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrate: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 180mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 500mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole

Here are some great ways to serve this delicious casserole:

With Roasted Meats

This casserole is perfect alongside roasted meats like ham, turkey, or chicken. Its creamy, cheesy flavor complements the savory notes of the meat.

As a Holiday Side

It’s a crowd-pleaser at holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and stuffing, making it the ultimate holiday comfort food.

With a Fresh Salad

If you want to balance out the richness of the casserole, pair it with a crisp, light salad. A tangy vinaigrette will offer a refreshing contrast to the cheesy potatoes.

As a Main Dish

You can totally serve this casserole as a standalone dish. It’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a meal, especially if you add a few extra veggies or even bacon for a savory twist!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Use Fresh Potatoes

For the best texture and flavor, use fresh russet potatoes. Pre-packaged frozen potatoes may not have the same creamy consistency.

Adjust the Cheese

While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A mix of sharp cheddar and gouda or even cream cheese can give the casserole a deliciously unique twist.

Make It Ahead

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Simply assemble everything and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a meal ready to go in no time.

Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it melts well.

Q2: Can I make this casserole without sour cream?

A2: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and tang.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?

A3: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Prepare it as usual, then cover and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q4: How do I know when the casserole is done?

A4: When the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown, it’s ready! You can also insert a fork into the center to make sure it’s heated through.

Q5: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A5: Sure! Just omit the cream of chicken soup and use a vegetarian-friendly version, or make your own. You can also add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Q6: Can I use different toppings instead of cornflakes?

A6: Yes, you can use breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or even crushed crackers for a different crunch. Get creative!

Q7: Can I use frozen potatoes?

A7: Fresh potatoes work best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen hashbrowns. Just make sure to thaw them before using.

Q8: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A8: Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your cornflakes or breadcrumbs are gluten-free.

Q9: How should I store leftovers?

A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

A10: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. You may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Casserole is an absolute winner in the comfort food department. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, with a crispy, golden topping that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a special dinner, or just because you’re craving something hearty, this casserole will become a go-to favorite. So go ahead, bake up this cheesy masterpiece and enjoy every creamy, melty bite!

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