Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

If comfort food had a crown, these Cheesy Potatoes would wear it proudly. This ultra-creamy, cheesy, buttery casserole is the kind of homestyle dish that makes everyone go back for seconds (and thirds). Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a holiday spread, this is one recipe guaranteed to have everyone asking for the secret. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make – perfect for even the busiest weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy to Make: Tossing everything into one dish and letting the oven do the heavy lifting? Yes, please!
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Rich, cheesy, buttery goodness with a savory crunch on top – it’s hard to beat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This versatile dish is just as welcome at a Sunday family dinner as it is on a holiday buffet table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready – it doesn’t get more convenient than this.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here has a role, and no, we’re not skimping on the creaminess or flavor, my friend.

• Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes: The shortcut star of the show! Partial thawing makes mixing easy. Prefer shredded hash browns? Go for it!
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper, the better for bold, tangy, cheesy goodness.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret behind that luscious, creamy base. Substitute cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist.
• Onions: They add a touch of savory sweetness and texture. For softer onions, sauté them briefly first.
• Unsalted Butter: Rich and buttery, it ties everything together.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These pantry heroes enhance the flavor without any fuss.
• Salt: Because all that cheesy, creamy goodness needs a little seasoning lift.
• For the topping:
  • Ritz Crackers: Buttery, crispy, golden perfection to crown the dish. Or swap with potato chips, french-fried onions, or even panko for a different crunch.
  • Unsalted Butter: More butter? Absolutely. It turns the topping into a golden, crispy masterpiece.

Variations

Want to shake things up with this cheesy classic? Let’s get creative!

• Veggie Boost: Mix in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Protein Upgrades: Stir in crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
• Cheese Switch-Up: Swap cheddar with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a new flavor twist.

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes

This recipe is so simple, you could almost do it with your eyes closed! Almost.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the diced hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Give it a good mix so every potato is coated in cheesy, creamy goodness. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared dish.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Your kitchen is going to smell AMAZING. Trust me.

Step 4: Make the Topping

While the potatoes bake, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a medium bowl. This buttery, crunchy topping is about to work some serious magic.

Step 5: Add the Topping

After 45 minutes of baking, pull out the potatoes. Sprinkle that glorious cracker topping evenly over the surface. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the finished dish cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and watch as it melts hearts (and disappears in minutes).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thaw the Potatoes Slightly: This makes mixing easier without clumps. No need to fully defrost.
• Saute the Onions: If raw onion’s bite isn’t your thing, lightly sauté them in a tablespoon of oil before mixing them in.
• Don’t Skip the Topping: That buttery Ritz cracker crunch is what takes this dish over the top.
• Taste Before Baking: Give your mixture a tiny taste to check the seasoning – adjust salt as needed!

How to Serve

These Cheesy Potatoes are pure comfort food, so pair them with loved ones and a great meal.

• As a Main Dish: Add a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete (and super cozy!) vegetarian dinner.
• With Protein: Serve alongside some baked chicken, grilled steak, or a honey-glazed ham for a winning combo.
• Brunch Perfection: Pair with scrambled eggs, sausage links, or even a simple fruit salad for an indulgent brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Just cover tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For smaller portions, a microwave works fine, though the topping might lose some crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (minus the topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and extend the baking time by about 10 minutes.

2. Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

3. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
You can substitute with crushed cornflakes, potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or french-fried onions – all delicious options!

4. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Sure thing! Just dice and microwave them for a few minutes to soften before mixing.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Potatoes are everything comfort food should be – creamy, cheesy, crisp-topped, and utterly irresistible. They come together with barely any effort and disappear even faster. Make them for your family, your friends, or just for yourself. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be coming back to this recipe time and time again. So go ahead, grab that casserole dish and let’s get cheesy!

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