What is a Cheesy Potato Casserole? What’s your favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? If mac and cheese and potatoes had a baby, this would be it. And trust me, you’re going to want seconds (and maybe thirds)! How do I make cheesy potato casserole?
What is a Cheesy Potato Casserole?
What is a cheesy Potato Casserole? What is comfort food? It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. What’s the kind of dish your grandma probably made, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The origins are a bit murky, but I think every family has their own version, and this is definitely mine!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this Cheesy Potato Casserole? What’s a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and potato-y goodness? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? And the ingredients are super budget-friendly, which is always a win in my book. We’re talking potatoes, cheese, cream of something soup (shh, don’t tell anyone!) and maybe a few seasonings. What I love about this is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish with just about anything – ham, chicken, beef, you name it. It’s also perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings because it’s always a hit. It disappears in minutes at my house, and I’m pretty sure it will at yours too! If you like comfort food classics like mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes, this is definitely for you. But trust me, this is even better. What is the perfect combination of those two dishes, with a little extra cheesy goodness thrown in for good measure. Plus, it’s an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
How do I make cheesy potato casserole?
Quick Overview
What is a Cheesy Potato Casserole recipe? How do you mix together potatoes, cheese, cream of something soup, and a few other ingredients, then bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown? What is the beauty of this recipe?
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed (I usually use the kind without onions and peppers, but you do you) * 1 (10.6). Can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom, or even cheddar cheese soup, depending on your preference)? (I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness) * 1 cup Sour Cream (full-fat is best for flavor, but low-fat works too) * 1/2 cup melted butter (I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness) * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of both) What is the difference between cheddar and Monterey Jack?
For the Topping (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
* 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers, or potato chips – get creative! ) * 2 tablespoons melted butter.
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I grease a 9×13 baking dish? How do you prevent a casserole from sticking?
Step 2: Mix the Goods
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and onion (if using). Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix, just make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
If you’re skipping the topping, you can just pop it in the oven as is. If you’re like me and love crunch, keep reading!
How do I make a topping?
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or whatever you’re using for the topping) with the melted butter. Mix it together until the cornflakes are evenly coated.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the Topping
Sprinkle cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the potato casserole. This will add a nice crispy texture and a little extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
What is the best way to remove a casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give the cheese a chance to set up a bit.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of my favorite recipes for Cheesy Potato Casserole?For Holiday Dinners:What is the best side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter?For weeknight meals:What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken, pork chops, or steak?For Potlucks: Bring this to your next potluck and watch it disappear! It’s always a crowd-pleaser and everyone will ask for the recipe.
As a Vegetarian Option:My family tradition is to serve this with glazed ham every Easter. What is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and everyone always looks forward to it. I’ve also served it with grilled salmon, and it was surprisingly delicious! What a perfect complement to flaky fish. The creamy, cheesy potatoes were a perfect complement.
How do I make a creamy potato casserole?
How do I make a Cheesy Potato Casserole?Thaw the Potatoes:If you don’t thaw potatoes, the casserole will be watery. I usually thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, but you can also thaw them in the microwave if you’re short on time.Don’t Overmix:Can overmixing make the casserole tough?How do you get creative with cheese?I usually use cheddar cheese, but you can use any kind of cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack would be delicious.Experiment with the Topping: Experiment with the ToppingWhat are some good alternatives to cornflake topping?Adjust the Seasoning:What is the best way to season a potato before baking?Is it safe to bake it until golden brown?The casserole is done when it’s heated through and the topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. One lesson I learned the hard way is to not skip the thawing step. The first time I made this, I didn’t thaw the potatoes completely, and the casserole was a watery mess. Is it worth the extra time to thaw them properly?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftovers (which is rare at my house), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap.Room Temperature:Honestly, I wouldn’t leave this out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Dairy + warm temperature isn’t a great combo.Refrigerator Storage: How do you To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
How do you prepare a freezerCan you freeze a casserole for up to 3 months? I’ve found that the texture can change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to eat it fresh if possible.What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, I recommend waiting to add the topping until it’s thawed. This will prevent the topping from getting soggy.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is my favorite Cheesy Potato Casserole recipe? What’s not to love about a casserole? What is your favorite recipe and why?
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups sour cream
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
