Easy & Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food! This easy and cheesy potato casserole recipe brings a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious dish right to your table. It features tender potatoes bathed in a savory, cheesy sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you need a simple weeknight side, a crowd-pleasing holiday dish, or a perfect potluck contribution, this potato casserole comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It is truly a beginner-friendly recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Potato Casserole

You will find so many reasons to adore this creamy potato casserole. It is a fantastic dish that fits seamlessly into any meal plan.

• Irresistibly Cheesy and Creamy: Each bite delivers a delightful blend of tender potatoes and a rich, velvety cheese sauce.
• Simple Ingredients, Minimal Fuss: You likely have most items in your pantry already, making preparation a breeze.
• Versatile for Any Meal: Serve it as a hearty side dish or even a main course, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Great for Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance, then simply bake when ready, saving you valuable time.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: This classic comfort food appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting potato casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 ½ tablespoons butter (melted)
• ½ cup cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup green onion (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (divided and shredded)

Notes & Substitutions

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal here, as their starchy texture creates a wonderfully creamy potato casserole. Understanding the characteristics of different potato varieties and their ideal culinary applications is key to selecting the best type for your desired dish. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly more buttery flavor and firmer texture.

• Cheese: Sharp Cheddar offers fantastic flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mild Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a vegan cheddar alternative for dietary needs.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: If mushroom isn’t your favorite, swap it for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. For a from-scratch option, create a simple béchamel sauce.

• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is an excellent, tangier substitute that adds a similar richness. You can also use plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free version.

• Green Onion: Chives work wonderfully for a milder onion flavor. Finely diced yellow onion can be used too, but sauté it first for the best taste.

• Seasoning: Elevate your dish with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of nutmeg for extra depth.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy potato casserole.

• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
• Large saucepan
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating this delightful potato casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and cheesy result every time.

Step 1: Preheat Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking before you place the casserole inside.

Step 2: Prepare Potatoes. Place your peeled and diced russet potatoes into a large saucepan. Cover them with cold water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 12-14 minutes. Ensure they are tender but not mushy. Drain the cooked potatoes very well and set them aside.

Step 3: Make Creamy Sauce. In a separate saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and the chopped green onion to the bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese (½ cup) into the creamy mixture until it melts slightly and integrates. This forms the delicious base for your potato casserole.

Step 4: Combine. Add the thoroughly drained, cooked potatoes to the large mixing bowl with the creamy cheese sauce. Gently toss the potatoes in the mixture until every piece is fully coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes; you want them to remain in distinct, tender pieces.

Step 5: Assemble. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the entire potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potato casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and beautifully golden brown.

Step 7: Serve. Carefully remove the hot potato casserole from the oven. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure your cheesy potato casserole turns out perfectly with these helpful tips.

• Potato Prep: Culinary experts explain that starting potatoes in cold water is an essential technique for achieving even cooking and a desirable texture. Always start your diced potatoes in cold water and bring them to a boil. This allows them to cook evenly, preventing the outsides from becoming mushy while the centers remain hard.

• Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, briefly sauté your green onions or a clove of minced garlic in the melted butter before adding the other sauce ingredients.

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This makes serving easier and cleanup a breeze for your delicious potato bake.

• Achieve Golden Top: If your cheese isn’t as golden as you’d like after baking, pop the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning.

• Avoid Watery Casserole: Properly drain the boiled potatoes. Excess water will make your finished potato casserole thin and less creamy, so shake the colander well.

• Creaminess Control: If your sauce seems too thick, thin it slightly with a splash of milk or vegetable broth. For a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a teaspoon of flour before heating.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile potato casserole is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy potato bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, it complements roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or even a protein-rich dish like Stuffed Bell Peppers or Cauliflower Steaks. It truly shines as a side dish for holiday spreads, family dinners, or potlucks.

Storage Instructions

• Cooling: Allow any leftover potato casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
• Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions or the entire cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave until warm, or in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, covered, until heated through.

Variations

• Add-ins: Boost texture with crispy fried onions, panko breadcrumbs, or cooked vegetarian “bacon” bits sprinkled on top before baking. You can also mix in cooked diced ham, chicken, or crumbled sausage for a more substantial dish.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce mixture.
• Different Cheeses: Explore new flavors by using a different cheese blend. Gruyere offers a nutty depth, Parmesan adds a sharp bite, or a smoky Gouda creates a unique profile in your potato bake.
• Make it Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based butter, a can of dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, and a plant-based sour cream or plain vegan yogurt. Finish with your favorite shredded vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious potato casserole:

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

Got questions about this cheesy potato casserole? We have answers!

• What kind of potatoes are best for potato casserole? Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content creates a creamy, fluffy texture when cooked. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great choice for their buttery flavor.
• Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes? Yes, you can! Thaw the hash browns completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before mixing them with the sauce for your creamy potato bake.
• How do I prevent my potato casserole from being watery? The key is to drain your boiled potatoes extremely well before mixing them with the sauce. Excess water from the potatoes will thin out your creamy sauce.
• Can I prepare potato casserole the day before? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
• Is potato casserole served hot or cold? This comforting dish is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the potatoes are tender.

Conclusion

This easy and cheesy potato casserole is a true culinary winner, delivering incredible flavor and comfort with minimal fuss. Its creamy texture and rich, savory taste make it an instant favorite for any meal, from busy weeknights to festive gatherings. You will love how simple it is to prepare, yet how impressive it tastes. We encourage you to try this delightful potato casserole recipe and share your experience. Leave a comment and rating below to let us know how much you enjoyed it!