Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup Chicken Broth; ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder; ⅛ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ⅛ teaspoon Poultry Seasoning; 1 pinch Parsley; 1 pinch Paprika; Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper; ½ cup Milk; ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 package (30 ounces) Frozen Hash Browns (Thawed); 1 cup Sour Cream; 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 3 cups Corn Flakes (Crushed); ¼ cup Butter (Melted); 1 Minced Fresh Parsley (For garnish, optional)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made Cheesy Potato Casserole. I remember the first time I tried it; it was at a family gathering during a cold winter’s evening. The aroma wafting through the air made my mouth water, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. As family and friends gathered around the table, we shared stories and laughter, and that casserole stole the show. Its creamy texture combined with the crunchy topping of cornflakes made it a dish everyone craved. Casseroles like this one are not just meals; they’re memories, warmth, and love all baked into one dish. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner on a chilly night, the Cheesy Potato Casserole is a staple that’s bound to please.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
90 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
10g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15g g

Tools Used:
Saucepan, Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What We Adore About This Cheesy Potato Casserole

Comfort Food at Its Finest

There’s no denying that the Cheesy Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest. It wraps you in warmth with every creamy bite, making it the perfect dish for gatherings or quiet family dinners. Nothing beats that feeling of digging into a bowl of cheesy goodness, especially when the weather outside is chilly.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This casserole isn’t just limited to family nights; it’s also a fantastic companion for potlucks and festive occasions. People always ask for the recipe, and it never fails to impress. Its versatility makes it suitable for Thanksgiving, winter holidays, or even a simple Sunday dinner.

Easy to Prepare

With minimal effort, you can whip up a delicious Cheesy Potato Casserole. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is straightforward. You can easily assemble it ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for when you have guests over.

Kid-Friendly

If you have picky eaters at home, this casserole is a lifesaver. Kids love cheese, and who can resist crispy cornflakes on top? You can sneak in some veggies without them even noticing, making it a great way to ensure they’re getting balanced meals.

Leftover Magic

One of the best parts about this dish is how well leftovers store. The flavors meld even more after a day in the fridge, making for a tasty next-day meal. You can reheat it easily, and it still retains that delightful cheesy texture.

Adaptable Recipe

What I love most is how adaptable the Cheesy Potato Casserole is. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add veggies, or even incorporate some protein if you like. The possibilities are endless, and that creativity can be a fun cooking adventure!

Everything You Need for Cheesy Potato Casserole

Great casseroles start with quality ingredients. For this Cheesy Potato Casserole, each component plays a vital role in creating a creamy, delicious dish that everyone will love. The combination of creamy and crunchy elements is what makes this casserole unforgettable, and I can’t wait to share the key players with you.

¾ cup chicken broth: This adds depth of flavor and moisture to the casserole. It’s the base for the creamy sauce that binds everything together.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle hint of onion that enhances the overall taste without overpowering the dish.
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder: Just a touch of garlic to give the casserole a pleasant aroma and flavor.
⅛ teaspoon poultry seasoning: A blend of spices that complements the potatoes and adds a savory note.
Pinch parsley: Freshness is key, and parsley adds just that little burst of color and flavor.
Pinch paprika: A sprinkle of paprika adds a gentle warmth and a beautiful color to the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
½ cup milk: This makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating that luscious texture.
1 (30 ounce) package frozen hash browns, thawed: The star of the dish, these provide the base for the casserole.
1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance out the flavors.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The hero of the dish, cheese makes it ooey-gooey and utterly irresistible.
3 cups cornflakes, crushed: Provides a delightful crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
¼ cup butter: Adds richness and helps the cornflakes crisp up in the oven.
Minced fresh parsley for garnish, optional: A fresh touch to sprinkle on top before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Casserole

Making a Cheesy Potato Casserole is an enjoyable experience! This step-by-step guide will help you create a comforting meal that can easily be shared with family and friends. Let’s dive right in!

Start by preparing your sauce. In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, combine ¾ cup chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon poultry seasoning, pinch parsley, pinch paprika, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk and ¼ cup all-purpose flour until smooth. Once your broth mixture is simmering, pour this milk and flour mixture into the saucepan while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture bubbles and thickens, which should take about one minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While it’s heating, prepare a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish by coating it with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, the thawed 1 (30-ounce) package frozen hash browns, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir this mixture until everything is evenly combined.
Pour the thickened sauce from the first step into the bowl with the hash brown mixture, and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Now, it’s time to add the topping. In a large bowl, melt ¼ cup butter in the microwave. Add 3 cups crushed cornflakes to the melted butter and stir until the cornflakes are well-coated.
Spread the cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously crunchy topping!
Bake the casserole uncovered for 1 hour. After an hour, remove it from the oven. The casserole should be bubbly and golden brown.
After that, return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. At this point, you’ll want to check it for desired crispiness. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Potato Casserole

Serving the Cheesy Potato Casserole is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious dish:

As a Side Dish: This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple salad. Its cheesy flavor complements a variety of main dishes.
Holiday Feast: Add the casserole to your holiday table during Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a crowd-pleaser and adds warmth to the festive atmosphere.
Casual Dinner: Serve it as a hearty side at a family dinner or potluck. Everyone will appreciate the comforting flavors and the crispy topping.
Leftovers: Reheat any leftovers in the oven or microwave. The flavors only get better the next day, making for a great lunch!
Seasonal Pairings: Accompany the casserole with seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad are great options.
Garnish: Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top as a finishing touch for color and added flavor!

FAQ

Absolutely! You can assemble the Cheesy Potato Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and follow the baking instructions as usual. This makes it a fantastic option for holiday meals or family gatherings since you can save time on the day of the event.

The Cheesy Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. I recommend serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a fresh garden salad for a lighter touch. It’s a hearty option for potlucks and family gatherings, so feel free to let it shine as the star of the table!

Yes, you can freeze the Cheesy Potato Casserole before baking. Just assemble it completely, cover it well, and store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it according to the instructions. It’s a great make-ahead meal option!

To store leftovers of your Cheesy Potato Casserole, allow it to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as delicious as the first time!

Conclusion

The Cheesy Potato Casserole stands out as a beloved dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Its creamy, cheesy texture combined with a crunchy topping makes it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or cozy family dinner. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine.