The Best Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Try

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a million bucks, look no further than the million dollar potato casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly rich, this indulgent dish is the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Ready to discover why it’s worth every bite? Keep reading—you won’t want to miss this!

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 32 ounces
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Give your 9×13 inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or a swipe of butter to prevent sticking. This step sets the stage for an easy release after baking.
2. Step 2: In your large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and cream of chicken soup. Use a whisk if needed to break down the cream cheese fully for a velvety base.
3. Step 3: Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The sharp cheddar adds nice bite here, but feel free to experiment with smoked gouda or Monterey jack if that’s your preference.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the frozen hash brown potatoes. No need to thaw first. I find keeping them frozen helps retain texture without getting mushy while baking.
5. Step 5: Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top for even baking.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly across the top. This buttery crust adds such great crunch and contrast to the creamy potatoes underneath.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This first bake allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. This gives your topping that golden crunchy finish. Look for bubbling edges and a toasted crumb topping.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes once out of the oven. Then sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness. Now it’s ready to serve and enjoy.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent, the Million Dollar Potato Casserole lives up to its name with every rich and comforting bite. Imagine a bubbling golden casserole coming straight out of the oven, the top delightfully crisp and caramelized while the inside melts with a velvety blend of cheeses, sour cream, butter, and tender shredded potatoes. This dish wraps you in warmth like your favorite sweater on a cold morning, turning even the simplest dinner into something special.

This casserole is a love letter to all things cozy and satisfying. Each forkful delivers creamy richness from cream cheese and sour cream, balanced with a savory touch of onion and garlic, and finished with a crunchy layer of buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Whether you serve it at a holiday feast, a family potluck, or a weeknight dinner, it brings the kind of table presence that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that is as easy to make as it is luxurious to eat. It takes pantry staples and transforms them into a comforting masterpiece that feeds a crowd. The simple mix, pour, and bake process means it works beautifully for everything from make-ahead meal planning to last-minute family gatherings.

Not only is this dish full of flavor, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can add protein like ham or bacon for a heartier variation, or toss in chopped veggies for a colorful twist. It is also a perfect side dish for everything from baked chicken to grilled steak, making it a flexible and reliable addition to your recipe repertoire.

Serving and Storage Tips

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

This casserole also freezes beautifully. Prepare it in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You can also assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to pop in the oven.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Side Dish, American, casserole, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, crowd-pleaser, holidays, potluck

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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