Easy cheesy potato casserole recipe with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy topping for holidays or dinners.
Cheesy potato casserole is one of those classic recipes that always disappears fast at family gatherings. Whether you know them as funeral potatoes, cheesy potato bake, or simply easy cheesy potatoes, this creamy and comforting potato recipe is the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, and potlucks.
This easy cheesy potato casserole recipe uses simple ingredients like sour cream, cheddar cheese, condensed soup, and frozen hash browns to create the ultimate cheesy goodness in every bite. The creamy sauce, paired with a crunchy topping of potato chips, corn flakes, or Ritz crackers, gives this brown casserole the perfect balance of textures.
Serve this favorite potato side dish alongside Thanksgiving turkey, ham, chicken, or even as part of a hearty main dish spread. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, freezer-friendly, and always a family favorite, even for picky eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Casserole
This versatile cheesy potato casserole is packed with rich flavor and creamy texture. The combination of sour cream, cheese sauce, and canned soup creates an irresistible casserole dish that everyone loves.
Here are a few reasons this potato recipe is always a hit:
- Reheats beautifully for leftovers
- Uses simple ingredients you may already have
- Great for family gatherings and holidays
- Easy to customize with substitutions and variations
- Perfect make-ahead side dish recipe option
- Delicious crispy topping with corn flakes, potato chips, or Ritz crackers
- Works with frozen hash browns, diced hash browns, or diced potatoes
Tips for the Best Cheesy Potato Casserole
For the best cheesy potato casserole every time, keep these helpful tips in mind.
Thaw Frozen Hash Browns
For even cooking time, thaw the frozen hash browns before mixing them into the casserole.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts better and creates a creamier cheese sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t Overmix
Gently stir the potato mixture to keep the potatoes from becoming mushy.
Use the Right Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes create a buttery texture while russet potatoes make the casserole extra fluffy.
Let It Rest
Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before serving helps the creamy sauce thicken.
Variations
There are so many ways to customize this cheesy potato casserole recipe.
Add Protein
Turn this side dish into a main dish by adding diced ham, shredded chicken, or cooked bacon.
Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Use Different Cheese
Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack in place of cheddar cheese.
Try Different Toppings
Cornflakes are traditional for funeral potatoes, but potato chips and Ritz crackers add delicious crunch too.
Make It Homemade
Skip canned soup and make a homemade creamy sauce instead.
Substitutions
This cheesy potatoes recipe is flexible and easy to adapt.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery
- Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt
- Use diced potatoes instead of frozen hash browns
- Substitute onion powder with fresh onions
- Use gluten-free crackers or cereal if needed
The only change you may need to make when using fresh potatoes is adjusting the cook time slightly.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
This favorite side dish pairs perfectly with so many meals.
Serve cheesy potato casserole alongside:
- Thanksgiving turkey
- Baked ham
- Fried chicken
- Meatloaf
- Pork chops
- Grilled steak
It’s also delicious with roasted vegetables, green beans, salads, or dinner rolls.
For family gatherings and holidays, serve individual servings directly from the casserole dish buffet-style.
Cheesy Potato Casserole FAQ
Funeral potatoes are a classic cheesy potato casserole traditionally served at family gatherings, potlucks, and after-service meals. They usually include hash browns, sour cream, cheese, condensed soup, and a crispy topping.
Yes. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work well. Dice the potatoes into small pieces and partially cook them before assembling the casserole.
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Add the topping right before baking and bake uncovered for the crispiest results.
Cheesy Potato Casserole Step by Step
Ingredients
- 8 oz frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F
Mix sour cream, soup, milk, seasonings, and green onions in a large bowl
Stir in the hash browns
Spread into a greased casserole dish
Top the casserole with cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle with the panko bread crumbs.
Drizzle with the melted butter.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown
Rest 5 minutes before serving
Cheesy Potato Casserole Leftovers
Storage: Store leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. To reheat a larger portion, place the casserole back into a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Adding a little milk can help loosen the creamy sauce if it thickens too much in the refrigerator.
Freezing: This cheesy potato casserole freezes very well. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole without the topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers in airtight containers for easy weeknight dinners later.
Recipe
Originally Published On: July 27, 2026
Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Mix sour cream, soup, milk, seasonings, and green onions in a large bowl
- Stir in hash browns and cheddar cheese
- Spread into a greased casserole dish
- Top the casserole with cheddar cheese
- Sprinkle with the panko bread crumbs
- Drizzle with the melted butter
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown
- Rest 5 minutes before serving
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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I do love my potatoes. Yum! Easy casseroles are my jam. We must make this soon.
This is comfort food at its finest! I made this last night to go with fried chicken and broccoli. Om nom nom.
This cheesy potato casserole looks like pure comfort food. I love how simple the recipe is while still delivering rich, creamy flavor. It would be the perfect side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. I love potatoes.
This looks like the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy potatoes are always a family favorite, and this recipe looks absolutely delicious.
This casserole is so delicious, and the crispy topping? Oh my! I made it for dinner and it was a huge hit!
I love easy recipes that not only taste good but also look good. This is a lovely dish to enjoy at a family gathering or two. Yummy!
This looks so good! I can already picture it served alongside some ham. I think this cheesy potato casserole would make the perfect side dish. Thanks for sharing the recipe! I actually have all the ingredients at home, so I think this is my sign to make it for dinner tonight.