Cheesy Potato Casserole

Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 10 - 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1/2 c. salted butter, divided, plus more for greasing the pan; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 16 oz. sour cream; 2 (10.5-oz.) cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (30-oz.) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed; 1 c. breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp. chopped parsley

It's exactly what every holiday feast needs.

Updated: Oct 19, 2023

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the pioneer woman's cheesy potato casserole recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

10 - 12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Everyone loves a good potato recipe, especially when it's rich, creamy, and topped with buttery crisp breadcrumbs. It’s a comfort food side dish that works for just about any occasion—from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter to summer cookouts. Traditionally, a cheesy potato casserole (also called funeral potatoes or hash brown casserole) is served at family gatherings after a funeral, so it's no wonder the dish is meant to be comforting. The recipe is kept simple by using frozen shredded hash browns for easy prep, and we added lots of cheddar, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup to make a thick cheesy sauce. Buttered breadcrumbs give the casserole some texture on top, but you can substitute them for panko breadcrumbs or even corn flakes for more crunch.

Can you make cheesy potato casserole ahead of time?

You sure can. That's what makes it so great for holiday cooking! You can prep this casserole up to 2 days in advance and store it, covered and unbaked, in the fridge. Just be sure to wait to mix up and add the topping until just before you bake it so it stays crisp.

What goes good with cheesy potato casserole?

The best thing about cheesy potato casserole (well, besides how it tastes), is just how versatile it is. You can serve this make-ahead hash brown casserole for Christmas brunch with sausage balls, red and green fruit salad, and cranberry mimosas. Or, you can save it for Christmas lunch to enjoy alongside a gorgeous glazed ham and all the traditional holiday sides. Of course, you don't have to wait for the holidays to enjoy it. Cheesy potato casserole is one of the best potato side dishes to make for family dinner all year long!

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Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter, divided, plus more for greasing the pan
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
16 oz. sour cream
2 (10.5-oz.) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 (30-oz.) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 375°. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter, then add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the garlic. Cook until the onion is slightly softened, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
2. Step 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, soup, cheese, potatoes, and the onion mixture. Transfer to a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, place the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Cover and microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until melted. Mix in the breadcrumbs and parsley.
4. Step 4Top the casserole with the breadcrumb mixture and return to the oven, uncovered, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly all over, 25 to 30 minutes more.

Tip: Pull your potatoes out of the freezer about 1 hour before you want to put this casserole together. The thin shredded potatoes won’t take too long to thaw.

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