Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Cheesy Potato Casserole, a dish so comforting and universally loved that it often takes center stage at family gatherings, holiday feasts, and even humble weeknight dinners. This isn’t just any potato side; it’s a masterpiece of gooey, melted cheese, perfectly tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce baked until golden brown and bubbling with flavor. Whether you call them “funeral potatoes” or simply the best potato bake you’ve ever had, this recipe promises to be a staple in your culinary repertoire.
The Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole Experience
This potato and cheese casserole isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Known to many as “funeral potatoes,” a moniker reflecting their frequent appearance at potlucks and sympathetic meals, these cheesy potatoes offer unparalleled warmth and satisfaction. Crafted from readily available frozen hash browns, a generous blend of shredded cheese, and a creamy sour cream base, this dish bakes into a savory sensation that’s both effortless to prepare and deeply satisfying to eat.
The beauty of this cheesy potato casserole lies in its simplicity. With minimal preparation, a few key ingredients, and a single baking dish, you can create a side dish that consistently garners rave reviews. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can combine to form something truly extraordinary, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Potato Casserole Video Tutorial
Why This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a Must-Make
What sets this particular cheesy potato casserole recipe apart? It’s a combination of thoughtfully selected ingredients and simple techniques that yield maximum flavor. We focus on enhancing the natural taste of the potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden-brown, crispy cheese topping. The ease of using frozen hash browns makes it accessible for cooks of all levels, while a crucial step like caramelizing onions elevates the entire dish from good to gourmet.
The balance of savory, tangy, and deeply cheesy notes creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s designed to be the perfect accompaniment to almost any main course, yet it’s hearty enough to steal the spotlight on its own. This casserole isn’t just about feeding a crowd; it’s about creating a memorable meal that feels both special and incredibly comforting.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Cheesy Potato Casserole
Creating an exceptional cheesy potato casserole starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Butter: Essential for sautéing our diced onions, butter adds a foundational richness and helps achieve that beautiful, soft, and slightly sweet caramelized texture. For best results, use unsalted butter to control the overall sodium content of your dish.
- Onion: Whether you choose white or yellow onions, the process of caramelizing them before adding them to the mixture is a game-changer. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, adding a subtle complexity that onion powder simply cannot replicate. Don’t skip this step – it truly makes all the difference! In a pinch, a couple of teaspoons of onion powder can be used, but fresh caramelized onion is highly recommended.
- Shredded Potatoes: The convenience of frozen hash browns (the shredded variety) from your grocery store’s freezer section is unmatched. They are prepped and ready, saving you valuable time. If you prefer using fresh potatoes, you certainly can! Shred them finely using a box grater or food processor, then gently squeeze out excess moisture before incorporating them into the recipe. Be aware that fresh potatoes might require an additional 15 minutes of baking time to become perfectly tender.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is our not-so-secret ingredient, providing a concentrated burst of umami and a creamy texture that binds all the flavors together. It’s a classic choice for a reason! If mushroom isn’t your preference, cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery soup can be substituted. For a homemade touch, a simple béchamel sauce seasoned with mushrooms can also work.
- Sour Cream: Contributing a delightful tang and an irresistible creaminess, sour cream is crucial for the casserole’s signature texture. Both full-fat and low-fat varieties work equally well, so choose based on your dietary preferences. For a slightly healthier alternative with a similar tang, plain Greek yogurt can be used.
- Shredded Cheese: The heart of any cheesy casserole! While a classic blend of shredded cheddar cheese is always a winner, feel free to experiment. Sharp cheddar offers a bold flavor, while Monterey Jack provides extra meltiness. Consider a blend like Colby Jack, Pepper Jack for a hint of spice, or even a sophisticated Gruyere for a richer taste. Layering different cheeses can add complexity and visual appeal.
- Chicken Broth: This adds essential moisture, helping the potatoes cook evenly and integrating the flavors of the creamy sauce. Any brand or type of chicken broth will do. For a vegetarian version, simply swap it out for vegetable broth.
- Garlic Salt: A convenient blend that provides both savory garlic flavor and necessary seasoning. If you don’t have garlic salt, use equal parts garlic powder and fine sea salt. For a bolder garlic punch, add a clove or two of minced fresh garlic along with the onions.
Crafting Your Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole: A Simple Guide
Follow these easy steps to bring this magnificent cheesy potato casserole to life:
- Prepare Your Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn a beautiful light caramel color, about 5-7 minutes. This caramelization is key for deep flavor. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
- Create the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1½ cups of the shredded cheese, the sautéed onions, garlic salt, and chicken broth. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the potatoes starchy.
- Assemble with Care: Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This layer will create that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit (175°C) oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully bubbly, the potatoes are tender, and the top is a glorious golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can briefly switch to the broiler for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese and sauce to set. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for a Flawless Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Make Ahead Magic: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24-48 hours in advance. Simply follow all the mixing steps, spread the mixture into your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the casserole dish to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in a hot oven to prevent thermal shock, especially with glass dishes.
- Freezer-Friendly Option: Double your batch and freeze one for later! Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the dish first with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake it from frozen – just add an extra 30-45 minutes to the baking time, keeping it covered with foil for the first half to ensure even cooking, then uncover to brown the top. Disposable aluminum foil containers are perfect for freezing and gifting!
- Crispy Topping Secrets: For an extra crunchy topping, consider sprinkling 1 cup of crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or even crispy fried onions over the top along with the cheese before baking. A light drizzle of melted butter over these additions will help them crisp up beautifully.
- Potato Variety: While frozen shredded hash browns are convenient, don’t limit yourself! You can also use diced or thinly sliced whole potatoes. If using fresh potatoes, boil them until just tender before mixing them into the casserole to ensure they cook through evenly in the oven.
- Cheese Play: Cheddar is a classic, but don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese varieties to find your favorite flavor profile. Aged white cheddar offers a sharper bite, while Monterey Jack provides excellent melt. A blend of mozzarella and provolone can create an incredibly stretchy, gooey texture. My personal favorite is a spicy fiesta shredded cheese blend for an extra kick!
- Lighten it Up: If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, swap out full-fat sour cream for its lite counterpart or even plain Greek yogurt. You can also opt for reduced-fat shredded cheese.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your potato mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of black pepper, a touch of dried thyme, or a sprinkle of paprika can add extra layers of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Potato Casserole
Absolutely! Making this casserole in a slow cooker is a brilliant idea, especially during holidays when your oven is in high demand. Simply spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, add the mixed ingredients, sprinkle with the reserved shredded cheese, then cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the sauce bubbly around the edges when done. Slow cooking results in an incredibly creamy texture.
For small portions, reheating in the microwave works well. Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. For larger portions or the entire dish, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a warm oven (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) until thoroughly heated, usually 20-30 minutes for a half dish, or longer for a full one. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating can help restore moisture.
Yes, you can! The main ingredient to check is the cream of mushroom soup, as many canned varieties contain wheat flour. Look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup alternatives, or consider making a simple homemade gluten-free cream sauce (like a béchamel using gluten-free flour) to use as the base. All other ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.
Beyond the generous layer of cheese, you can achieve an even crispier topping by adding a cup of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter over the cheese before baking. Another trick is to bake the casserole covered for the initial 20 minutes to cook the potatoes, then uncover for the remaining time to allow the cheese and any topping to brown and crisp up.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Any leftover cheesy potato casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap but keep it covered with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown and heated through.
- Reheating: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warm. For a larger portion, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a preheated oven (300-325°F or 150-160°C) until heated through.
What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Casserole
This versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and other side dishes, making it suitable for any meal, from casual weeknights to grand holiday feasts.
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Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
This easy potato casserole is a hit for the holidays and dinners with your family and friends. It’s so easy to make and everyone loves it!
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10 mins
30 mins
40 mins
10 people
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced into 1/2″ pieces
- 20 ounces frozen shredded potatoes
- 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese , (divided)
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
- Spray the inside of a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion lightly caramelizes—about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1½ cups shredded cheese, cooked onions, garlic salt, and chicken broth. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the potato mixture into your prepared 9″ x 13″ baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese evenly over the top.
- Put in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and enjoy!
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Notes
Storing leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Place the desired amount of potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute, stir and heat again until warm. Or, place in a preheated oven until warm.
Nutrition Information
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 13g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
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Trans Fat: 0.1g
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Cholesterol: 42mg
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Sodium: 828mg
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Potassium: 259mg
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Fiber: 0.4g
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Sugar: 2g
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Vitamin A: 400IU
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Vitamin C: 1mg
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Calcium: 166mg
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Iron: 0.2mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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American
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This cheesy potato casserole, affectionately known as funeral potatoes in many circles, truly defines comfort food. It’s an incredibly easy potato casserole made with tender shredded potatoes, a rich, savory cream sauce, and a generous amount of cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Packed with incredible flavor, it stands out as one of the best potato side dishes you can make for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Its creamy texture and irresistible cheesy crust make it a consistent crowd-pleaser that embodies warmth and homemade goodness.