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Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling dish of Cheesy Potatoes straight from the oven. This Midwest classic transforms simple hash browns into pure gold with layers of melted cheese and a rich, creamy sauce that brings families together around the dinner table.
My Cheesy Potato Casserole
I have to tell you about this recipe that’s been in my mom’s handwritten recipe book for as long as I can remember. Every single holiday – and I mean EVERY one – this cheesy potato casserole shows up on our table, and honestly? It wouldn’t feel like a real celebration without it.
I’m talking about that golden, bubbly dish that makes the whole house smell like comfort and love. You know the one – some folks call it funeral potatoes, others say party potatoes, but in our family, it’s just “Mom’s potatoes,” and that’s all we need to say for everyone to know exactly what we’re talking about.
Go to the recipe: Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes
The best part? This recipe is so foolproof that even if you’re not much of a cook (no judgment here!), you’re going to nail it. Trust me on this one.
Crowd pleaser: Always a hit at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
Make ahead friendly: Easy to prep and bake later.
Comfort food: Creamy potatoes + melty cheese = instant favorite.
Go to the recipe: Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients for Cheesy Potatoes
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you will need for cheesy potatoes. You can also click here to go right to the full recipe.
- Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes – the base of the casserole; using frozen makes it quick, easy, and perfectly textured without peeling potatoes yourself.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – creates the creamy, savory sauce that ties everything together (can swap for mushroom or celery for variety).
- Sour Cream – adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese and soup.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – the star flavor; sharp cheddar gives that gooey, melty cheesiness everyone loves!
- Butter – makes the topping rich and golden brown while adding flavor throughout the dish.
- Cornflakes – bring crunch and texture contrast to the creamy potatoes, plus they make the casserole look irresistible on the table.
Variations
For the meat-lovers: Throw in some leftover ham or crumbled bacon – especially good for Easter brunch! I did that here with my Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole.
Spice it up: My brother-in-law adds diced jalapeños because he puts hot sauce on everything. It’s actually pretty good!
Veggie boost: Sometimes I’ll mix in some frozen broccoli or peas. The kids don’t even notice (shh!).
Different cheeses: I’ve tried it with a mix of cheddar and monterey jack, or even some cream cheese mixed in for extra richness.
Go to the recipe: Easy Cheesy Potatoes
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes
Go straight to the full recipe: Easy Cheesy Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together hash browns, soup, sour cream, cheese, and melted butter in bowl.
- Add potato mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Add cornflakes to a bowl and mix in 1 stick of melted butter.
- Add the cornflakes mixture evenly to the top of the potatoes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Make Ahead + Storage
Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
Go to the recipe: Easy Cheesy Potatoes
More Easy Potato Recipe
I have tons of delicious potato recipes that you can try! Here are a few of my favorites:
