If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that brings comfort to the table, this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with creamy textures, sharp cheddar goodness, and a delightfully crispy topping, it transforms simple shredded potatoes into a sumptuous meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for warmth and satisfaction, this casserole marries ease and taste in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tangy sour cream enhancing creaminess, to the cornflakes adding that unbeatable crunchy finish. This combination is simple yet essential to making the dish stand out on your dinner table.
- 32 ounces shredded potatoes: Use thawed frozen potatoes or freshly shredded for best texture.
- 10 ½ ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds cheesy richness, but cream of mushroom soup makes a great alternative.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a bold, melty flavor that everyone loves.
- â…” cup sour cream: Brings creaminess and a slight tang that balances the flavors.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Enriches the casserole, enhancing moistness and depth.
- ¼ cup milk: Helps create the perfect creamy consistency without making it runny.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory notes to lift the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 cup cornflakes: The secret to a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping): Coats the cornflakes, helping them crisp up to perfection in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a steady, even heat for baking your casserole so it cooks through without drying out or burning.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the shredded potatoes, condensed cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup), shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure the flavors meld and the potatoes are evenly coated with all those delicious creamy ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
Place the cornflakes into a small bowl, gently breaking them into smaller pieces without pulverizing. Toss the cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until every flake is glistening. This step is key to achieving that irresistible crisp and golden finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly sprinkle the buttered cornflakes over the potato mixture in your casserole dish. The crunchy topping will add stunning texture contrasts once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble up with cheesy deliciousness and the cornflake topping turns a mouthwatering golden brown. Let it cool just a bit before serving for the best results.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions or chopped chives add a vibrant, fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the richness of the casserole. A light sprinkle of paprika can also elevate its appearance and introduce a subtle smoky note.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus, which provide a crisp, healthy counterbalance. For meat lovers, roasted chicken or a juicy steak make wonderful companions for this hearty casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for easy portioning and an elegant touch. Alternatively, layer it with cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms in the middle to surprise guests with extra layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe, simply cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and ready for another satisfying meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it, then wrap tightly with foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if needed.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until bubbly. You can also microwave smaller servings, but oven reheating maintains the crispy topping best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of shredded frozen ones?
Absolutely! Freshly shredded potatoes work beautifully. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture after shredding to avoid a soggy casserole.
Is there a substitute for the condensed cheddar soup?
If you prefer, cream of mushroom soup is a fantastic alternative, offering a milder flavor that still blends well with the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese soup or the cream of mushroom option and cheese that fits your dietary needs.
How can I make the topping more flavorful?
Try mixing in some grated Parmesan or smoked paprika with the cornflakes before baking to deepen the flavor and enhance the crunch.
What if I want to add more vegetables?
Feel free to stir in cooked peas, diced bell peppers, or even sautéed spinach to the potato mixture for added color, nutrients, and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those classic dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a comforting family meal, its creamy, cheesy goodness paired with that irresistible crunchy crust never disappoints. Dive in, make it your own, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main, it brings classic flavors and a delightful texture to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 ounces shredded potatoes (defrosted if frozen)
- 10 ½ ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- â…” cup sour cream
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 cup cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the shredded potatoes, condensed cheddar cheese soup (or cream of mushroom soup), shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, gently break up the cornflakes and mix them with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the cornflakes are well coated for a crispy topping.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the butter-coated cornflakes over the potato mixture in the casserole dish, covering the surface completely.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the condensed soup and cornflakes are gluten-free.
- Using cream of mushroom soup instead of cheddar cheese soup will alter the flavor but keep the texture creamy.
- Do not cover the casserole while baking to maintain the crispiness of the topping.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before serving to set.
- You can add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra flavor if desired.
