Are you ready to transform an ordinary side dish into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds? This Cheesy Potato Casserole is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines the comforting warmth of perfectly baked potatoes with the irresistible allure of melted cheddar cheese. Whether you're planning a family dinner, holiday feast, or just craving a decadent side dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that promises to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thaw the frozen hash browns at room temperature for about 10 minutes. If they seem too frozen, you can briefly microwave them for 1-2 minutes to soften.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter to the hash browns. Mix thoroughly using a large spatula or wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Fold in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring an even distribution.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, consider adding a layer of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Allow hash browns to thaw slightly for more even mixing and better texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending.
- Don't overmix the ingredients to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- For a more indulgent version, add crispy bacon bits or diced ham to the mixture.
- Check the casserole at 35 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
