Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe – Creamy Baked Potatoes with Cheddar & Sour Cream
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with melted cheese and tender potatoes. Whether you use hash browns or diced potatoes, this dish bakes into a golden, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Made with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery topping, it’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a hearty main—either way, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
- Optional: cooked bacon bits, sliced scallions, diced jalapeños
Instructions
- Mix the Base In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer in Dish Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Topping Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the top. Drizzle with a little melted butter for extra crispness.
- Bake Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set and enhance texture.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor
- Thaw frozen hash browns completely to ensure even baking
- Customize with bacon, green onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor
- Make it vegetarian with cream of mushroom soup and veggie broth
- For a gluten-free version, use GF soup and topping alternatives
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat in the oven to maintain a crispy topping