This Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a cheesy, creamy delight that everyone will love! It’s packed with flavors from potatoes, cream cheese, and a crunchy topping.
It’s perfect for gatherings, and I can’t help but sneak some straight out of the dish—who can resist? Just mix, bake, and enjoy this dish that feels a bit fancy yet is super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen hash browns make this recipe super easy. If you have fresh potatoes, you can peel and shred them, but the flavor might differ slightly. You can also try using sweet potatoes for a different twist!
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could substitute with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. I find that Greek yogurt gives a nice tangy flavor!
Sour Cream: This gives a rich taste to the casserole. You can swap it for plain yogurt as a healthier option, or even cottage cheese for a unique texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds to the creamy base. If you’re vegetarian or prefer not to use it, cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce would be great alternatives.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want something milder, go for Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese instead!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Casserole?
Preparing this casserole is straightforward, but a few steps can make a difference:
- Ensure your hash browns are thawed completely so all ingredients combine well.
- Mix the ingredients in a large bowl until you see a uniform color and consistency. You want every bite to be flavorful!
- Spread the potato mixture evenly in the baking dish. This helps everything cook evenly.
- For the cracker topping, make sure you mix well so every bit of cracker is coated in butter. This ensures a rich, golden crunch on top.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking. It makes serving easier and allows the cheese to set a little bit. Enjoy!
Million Dollar Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 (32 oz) bags frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup if preferred)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 45-50 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at a little over an hour for a comforting, cheesy meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little bit of butter to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Mix the Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, melted butter, chopped onion, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
3. Transfer and Spread the Potato Mixture:
Once mixed, pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula, making sure it covers the bottom of the dish completely.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir well until all the crackers are nicely coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Evenly sprinkle the buttery crushed crackers over the potato mixture in the baking dish. Then, add the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the crackers for a cheesy, golden finish!
6. Bake and Finish:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes. It’s done when it’s bubbly and the top is a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it toward the end so it doesn’t over-bake.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and crunchy Million Dollar Potato Casserole with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Million Dollar Potato Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just peel and shred them. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and you’ll need to cook them a bit longer since they aren’t pre-cooked like frozen hash browns.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just be sure to add an extra few minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add additional veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition, or mix in some cooked bacon or ham for an added flavor twist. Just ensure the added ingredients are pre-cooked or thawed as needed.
