If comfort food could take the form of a casserole, this Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe would absolutely be it. Imagine tender hash browns tangled in a luscious blend of cheddar, creamy soup, and tangy sour cream, all finished with a buttery, golden topping. This dish comes together so efficiently but always wins raves at potlucks, family dinners, or cozy Sunday brunches. Warm, inviting, and wonderfully moreish, it’s the sort of recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for when you need something reliably crowd-pleasing or just a genuine treat for yourself.

Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of familiar ingredients to pull together the Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe, proving that simple can also mean supremely delicious. Each component adds its own layer of flavor, texture, or color, making this casserole as memorable as it is easy.

Hash browns: Choose diced or shredded (30-ounce bag), thawed; they give the casserole its signature texture and soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Sour cream: Adds rich, tangy creaminess to bind everything together (16-ounce container).
Cream of chicken soup: One 10.5-ounce can provides savory depth and that classic cozy casserole flavor—substitute with celery or mushroom for a twist.
Melted butter: Adds indulgence and helps brown the topping; you’ll use it twice, so divide as listed in the recipe.
Green onions: Offer a fresh zing (one bunch, sliced), or swap in 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for subtle flavor.
Kosher salt: Just 1 teaspoon rounds out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that keeps things interesting (1/2 teaspoon).
Shredded cheddar cheese: At least 1 1/2 cups melts into gooey ribbons, while extra on top is always welcome.
Crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers/panko): For that dreamy, crunchy golden crust; use 1-2 cups depending on how crunchy you like it.
Melted butter (for topping): Another 1/4 cup to drizzle over the crumbs—this makes them perfectly crisp and golden.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot and ready to welcome your casserole. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous swipe with butter (or nonstick spray) to ensure an easy release after baking. Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed—excess water could make the dish soggy, so give them a quick pat dry if needed. These little prep steps make a big difference!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, green onions (or onion powder), salt, black pepper, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until every bit of potato is coated with that creamy, cheesy mixture. This is where you want to be thorough—no dry patches!

Step 3: Spread It Out

Transfer your beautiful mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly from corner to corner. If you’re a true cheese lover, sprinkle a little (or a lot) of extra shredded cheddar on top for bonus gooeyness.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

Now, for the grand finale: evenly scatter the crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or panko crumbs over the surface. Drizzle the second portion of melted butter all over the top. This step is magic—it gives the Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe its iconic golden, crispy topping that everyone fights over at the table.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s bubbling and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. If you’re using cubed hash browns instead of shredded, lean toward the longer bake time to make sure everything is tender and hot.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes after coming out of the oven. This allows it to set just enough for easy scooping. Serve while piping hot, and savor those first creamy, cheesy bites!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can make this dish sing! Scatter some extra sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor, or sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a touch of herby green. If you’re feeling a little extra, a sprinkle of paprika or even some crisp bacon bits turns your Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a star on its own, but loves company! Pair it with baked ham or roast chicken for a holiday feast, or serve it alongside a simple green salad for an irresistible weeknight dinner. Even brunch is fair game—just add eggs and fresh fruit for a comfort food extravaganza.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or parties, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also serve it family-style straight from the dish, with a big spoon for everyone to help themselves. Another fun twist? Layer the potatoes in a cast iron skillet for a gorgeous rustic look and an even crispier edge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe keeps beautifully! Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—meaning you can look forward to a fantastic lunch the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the whole casserole, assemble it up to the point of adding the topping. Cover tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, labeling with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the crumb topping and butter, then bake as usual. Individual portions also freeze well—just wrap them tightly and pop in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat the Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe, simply warm leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes. For best results, remove any plastic or foil, and if the top seems a little less crispy, you can broil it for a couple of minutes to revive that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the crunchy topping) a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and melted butter, then pop it in the oven. This is a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holidays or gatherings.

What are the best cheeses to use?

Cheddar is classic for the Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe, but you can mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness, or pepper jack for a kick. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, but both will work in a pinch.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can! Just peel and dice or shred your potatoes, then soak them in cold water and pat very dry before using. This prevents excess moisture and ensures that signature casserole texture you crave.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes—simply use gluten-free cream of chicken (or another suitable soup) and swap the topping for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. Double check your hash browns, as some brands add flour coatings.

Why did my casserole turn out watery?

This usually means the hash browns weren’t thoroughly thawed and drained before mixing. Always ensure there’s no excess moisture in your potatoes, as this helps your Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe bake up perfectly rich and creamy every time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe has a way of making any meal feel just a little more special. With its crowd-pleasing flavors and make-ahead ease, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or just to make Tuesday dinner shine, I hope you fall in love with every creamy, crispy bite. Don’t wait—give it a try soon!

Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cheesy Potatoes recipe is a comforting and indulgent side dish that is perfect for any gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy crust, these potatoes are sure to be a hit!

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure your potatoes are mostly thawed and drain any excess water.
Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together 30 ounce hash brown potatoes, 16 ounce sour cream, 1 can cream of chicken, 1 bunch green onions (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese until combined. Spread into the baking dish. Top with extra cheese, if desired.
Top:
Bake: Spread 1-2 cups crushed cornflakes over the top. Drizzle with 1/4 cup butter. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling hot. If using cubed potatoes instead of shredded hash browns, bake 40 minutes.
Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy while warm!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American