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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Cheesy Potato Casserole

    Published: Dec 19, 2021 · Modified: Jan 31, 2023 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments
    baked cheesy potato casserole with crispy breadcrumbs

    Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! My family loves this side dish made with hashbrowns and tons of cheese in a creamy sauce. Potato casserole is a perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal or as a brunch dish.

    Look no further if you're looking for a classic potato side dish recipe. This recipe hits the spot every time.

    serving easy cheesy potato casserole

    You may have heard of funeral potatoes before, a popular dish seen in the midwest at church potlucks. Funeral potatoes are also the hashbrowns casserole that you'll see at Cracker Barrel restaurants.

    This recipe is a lot like that but we aren't using any canned condensed soup. I promise you'll fall in love with this easy, cheesy side.

    What You'll Need

    Use fresh potatoes or frozen hashbrowns to make this potato casserole. Add plenty of cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese. This version of cheesy potatoes is made without soup — just loads of cheesy deliciousness with a crispy, crunchy buttery-baked topping.

    NOTE: Photo does not contain crispy topping. Use wither Panko or Corn Flakes.
    • Potatoes. This potato casserole recipe can be made with frozen hashbrowns (thawed of course) OR with fresh shredded potatoes. I used spiralized potatoes when I had leftovers after my Spiralizer Post.
    • Onions. One white or yellow onion.
    • Garlic. Fresh garlic cloves.
    • Shredded cheese. Your choice of cheese is flexible for this recipe. You'll want about 3 cups of shredded cheddar, colby jack, gruyere, and parmesan.
    • Cream cheese gives this cheesy casserole an extra smoothness.
    • Sour cream adds flavor and creaminess to this potato casserole recipe.
    • Unsalted butter.
    • Spices. Salt and pepper is used to add flavor. If you want to add some spice add a little paprika and/or cayenne pepper.
    • Crispy topping. Here you have the option to use, bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes. Crushed potato chips are another fantastic option.

    How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole

    how to make cheesy potato casserole
    1. Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).

    2. Get the potatoes ready. If you're using frozen hashbrowns, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight and then drain any excess liquid in a colander. Either shred or spiralize 2 to 3 large russet potatoes for fresh potatoes.

    NOTE: I used spiralized potatoes here because I had been shooting my Spiralizer Post.

    spiralized russet poatoes

    3. Finely dice the onion and finely dice or press 2 to 3 garlic cloves. Saute the onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until the onions are translucent.

    finely dice the onions and the garlic for the hashbrown casserole
    saute the onions and the garlic in butter

    4. In a large bowl mix together the potatoes, onions, garlic, 2 cups of shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and spices.

    add the onions and garlic
    add the shredded cheese
    add the sour cream
    add the cream cheese
    add the salt and pepper
    add the cayenne (optional)

    5. Mix everything together until it is well combined.

    mix together the poatoes with the cheese and seasoning

    6. Butter a baking dish and add the potato mixture to the baking dish. Cover with the remaining shredded cheese, the bread crumbs, and then a drizzle of melted butter.

    butter a baking dish
    add the potatoes
    top with cheese
    top with breadcrumbs or corn flakes
    add a drizzle of melted butter

    7. Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.

    potato casserole baked with a crispy topping

    8. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

    baked cheesy potato casserole with crispy breadcrumbs

    Tips For The Best Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

    Do you thaw hashbrowns for casserole?

    I that the hashbrowns in the fridge if I am using frozen hashbrowns in this recipe. For the best texture in this potato casserole, it is best to thaw the potatoes and then drain out any excess liquid that might be in the potatoes after thawing.

    Can you cook frozen hashbrowns?

    You can cook frozen hashbrowns. Keep in mind that the recipe will take a little longer to cook and that it may be more watery.

    cheesy hashbrown casserole with bread crumb topping in a white baking dish

    What To Serve With Hashbrown Casserole

    • Rack Of Lamb Recipe
    • Meatloaf Recipe
    • Smoked Pulled Pork
    • Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Fall Veggies
    • Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe
    • Pork Shish Kabobs (with Bacon Rub)

    Hungry For More Side Dish Recipes?

    What's dinner without a few side dishes? Whether you're planning a holiday dinner or just a casual weeknight dinner here are some of our favorite sides.

    Easy Roasted Potatoes or and Orzo Salad are a perfect pairing for weeknight grilling.

    During the holidays you want all the comfort food like hearty Sausage Stuffing or Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Dumpling Noodles are always a home run or try your hand at Green Bean Casserole made from scratch.

    • Sausage Stuffing Recipe
    • Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipe
    • Oven Roasted Potato Recipe
    • Orzo Salad Recipe {With Summer Veggies}
    • Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
    • The Best Homemade Dumpling Noodle Recipe

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    cheesy hashbrown casserole with a plate on the side
    Favorite Saved!

    Cheesy Potato Casserole

    Laura Reigel
    This Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! My family loves this potato side dish made with hashbrowns and tons of cheese in a creamy sauce. Potato casserole is perfect to serve with any holiday meal or as a brunch dish.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Resting Time 10 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 50 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 292 kcal

    Equipment

    • spiralizer

    Ingredients
      

    Cheesy Potato Casserole

    • 2 to 3 large russet potatoes or 1 bag of frozen hashbrons
    • 1 medium onion approximately ¾ of a cup
    • 2 to 3 cloves garlic
    • 3 cups shredded cheese divided
    • 4 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter

    Crispy Topping

    • ¾ cup bread crumbs or cornflakes or potato chips
    • 3 tablespoons melted butter
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃).
    • Finely dice the onion and finely dice or press 2 to 3 garlic cloves. Saute the onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until the onions are translucent.
    • In a large bowl mix together the potatoes, onions, garlic, 2 cups of shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and spices. Mix everything until it is well combined.
    • Butter a baking dish and add the potato mixture to the baking dish. Cover the remaining shredded cheese, the bread crumbs, and then a drizzle of melted butter.
    • Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. [note 1]
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    Ingredients Notes
    • Potatoes. Fresh or frozen hashbrown potatoes can be used for this recipe. Russets are the best. 
    • Onions. One white or yellow onion.
    • Garlic. Fresh garlic cloves.
    • Shredded cheese. You'll want about 3 cups of shredded cheddar, Colby jack, gruyere, and parmesan. You can mix and match the cheese. 
    • Spices. Salt and pepper are used to add flavor. If you want to add some spice add a little paprika and/or cayenne pepper. I have even used smoked paprika when I serve this with bbq chicken.
    • Crispy topping. Use, bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes, or crushed potato chips.
    Expert Tips
    1. It's best to cook this casserole slow and low. Baking the potatoes and cheese at a low temperature allows the potatoes to cook thoroughly and allows the cheese to melt evenly and gently during cooking. This gives you the best texture. You'll know that the casserole is done when the potatoes feel tender. Insert a knife or skewer to test for doneness. 

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 493mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 198mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Comfort Food, potatoes, side dish
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      December 19, 2021 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my husbands favorite holiday recipes. It's so easy to make and it's super cheesy!!!

      Reply

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