This Creamy Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a warm, cheesy delight! With layers of fluffy potatoes, rich cream, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that makes everyone smile right away.
I can’t help but love this casserole! It’s perfect for gatherings and gets gobbled up in no time. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? Just grab a fork and dig in! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen hash browns are super convenient! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own using fresh potatoes. Just peel, shred, and briefly soak them in water to remove excess starch.
Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy, sour cream is key here. If you need a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. It adds a similar creaminess with a protein boost.
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a vegetarian twist, you can use cream of mushroom soup. It still offers that creamy texture without the chicken flavor, or make your cream sauce from scratch!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a pepper jack for a bit of spice are all great alternatives.
Cornflakes or Crispy Fried Onions: Instead of cornflakes, try panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping. If you love that onion flavor, crispy fried onions are fantastic for extra savoriness.
How Can You Ensure Your Casserole is Creamy and Delicious?
Getting that creamy texture right is key to this dish! Start by mixing the sour cream and cream of chicken soup thoroughly. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to avoid any clumps. Here are some tips:
- Use a large mixing bowl and a spatula to fold everything gently. This keeps the mixture fluffy.
- Let your hash browns thaw completely before mixing, as this helps keep the casserole creamy.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a creamy finish on every bite.
How to Make Creamy Million Dollar Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. You’ll end up with a creamy, cheesy potato dish that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Casserole Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed hash brown potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, finely chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Take a moment to mix everything together until it’s evenly blended and creamy.
3. Spread the Mixture:
Carefully transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so that it cooks consistently throughout.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or crispy fried onions) with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will add lots of flavor and crunch! Sprinkle this mixture over the top of your casserole, making sure it’s well-covered.
5. Cheese, Please!
Finish off by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cornflake topping. This will create a wonderfully gooey cheese layer on top!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the casserole in the oven and let it bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and for the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Grab a spoon, dig in, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Potato Casserole!
FAQs about Creamy Million Dollar Potato Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, peel and shred them, then soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry before using them in the recipe.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance! Just assemble the ingredients, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it straight from the fridge—just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking! Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as directed. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before baking.
