Cheesy Potato Casserole

Featured in Perfect Pairings for Any Meal.

This cheesy potato casserole is pure comfort food. Start with a classic cheese sauce - melt butter, stir in flour to make a paste, then slowly whisk in warm milk until it's smooth. Add plenty of shredded cheese and stir until it's all melted and creamy. Mix this sauce with thawed hash browns - make sure they're really well drained or they'll make the sauce watery. Spread it all in a baking dish and pop it in the oven until it's bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. The perfect side dish for just about any meal.
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:28:12 GMT
A creamy, baked pasta dish topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A creamy, baked pasta dish topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with parsley. | cookingkeys.com

I first made this potato casserole when my sister in law gave me a bag of hash browns she couldn't use. Started playing around in the kitchen threw in some cheese and wow what a hit! My husband ate half the pan that night and now the kids beg for potato cheese night at least once a week.

Better Than Grandmas

Skip the canned stuff this sauce is so much better made from scratch. Plus it reheats like a dream perfect for busy nights. My neighbor tasted it at our last cookout and called the next day for the recipe said it reminded her of her moms cooking but even creamier.

Whats In It

|

  • From Your Store:
    • Big bag frozen hash browns let em thaw out
    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
    • Stick of butter
    • 1 onion chopped up small
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1/4 cup flour
    • 2 cups chicken stock veggie works too
    • Salt and pepper
    • Chili powder or paprika if you want

Lets Get Cooking

|

Start The Sauce
Melt your butter toss in those onions till they go clear. Add garlic smells amazing right?
Make It Thick
Stir in flour cook it a minute then pour in your stock keep stirring till it gets thick. Turn off the heat dump in most of the cheese some salt and pepper.
Mix It Up
Grab your biggest bowl mix the potatoes with all that cheesy sauce till every bits covered. Dump it in a baking dish.
In The Oven
Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top pop it in at 375 for about 50 minutes till its all golden and bubbly. Let it cool a bit before diving in.

Make It Your Way

Sometimes I add a little spice to the sauce gives it a nice kick. My mom loves putting crushed cornflakes on top makes it extra crunchy. Both ways are fantastic.

A creamy potato casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese, with a wooden spoon resting on the edge. Pin it
A creamy potato casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese, with a wooden spoon resting on the edge. | cookingkeys.com

Secret Tips

Those frozen hash browns work way better than fresh ones just make sure they're thawed and dried off. Nobody likes watery casserole. If you wanna use fresh potatoes go for it just squeeze out all the water after grating.

What Goes With It

We love this with grilled chicken or a big salad. Brought it to Thanksgiving last year and my cousin asked me to bring two pans this year. Its that good!

Saving For Later

Pop leftovers in the fridge they're good for about 4 days. Heat em up in the oven around 350 for 20 minutes gets crispy again. You can freeze it too just wrap it up good it'll last a few months.

Fun Add Ins

Sometimes I throw in some bacon makes my boys extra happy. Green onions on top look pretty and taste fresh. Try different cheeses too my friend used Gouda once it was amazing.

Pure Comfort Food

Nothing beats a big scoop of this casserole on your plate. Its my go to when someone needs cheering up or when we just want something warm and cozy. The smell while its baking brings everyone to the kitchen every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why thaw hash browns?
No need - they'll cook perfectly from frozen. Makes prep much easier.
→ Sauce too thick?
Add stock slowly while whisking. Should be like gravy before adding cheese.
→ Getting crispy top?
Broil at end if your dish can handle it. High heat works too.
→ Best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar gives best flavor. Can mix cheeses but avoid pre-shredded.
→ Make ahead?
Assemble day before, add 10-15 minutes bake time if starting cold.

Conclusion

A delightful and easy-to-prepare side dish featuring hash browns baked in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Hash browns baked in homemade cheese sauce until golden and crispy on top. A comforting, cheesy side dish that's crispy on the outside and creamy inside.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup butter, plus more for pan.
02 1 yellow onion.
03 3 garlic cloves.
04 1/4 cup flour.
05 3 cups stock.
06 2 cups cheddar cheese.
07 Salt and pepper.
08 30 oz frozen hash browns.
09 Optional: serrano peppers, oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F. Butter 9x13 dish.

Step 02

Cook onions in butter, add garlic. Stir in flour until tan. Whisk in stock until thick, add cheese.

Step 03

Mix sauce with frozen hash browns, spread in dish.

Step 04

Cook 45 minutes, then broil 5 minutes for crispy top.

Step 05

Fry serrano slices in oil until brown. Drain and salt.

Notes

  1. Keeps 5 days in fridge.
  2. Can use frozen potatoes.
  3. Watch carefully when broiling.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Medium pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 424
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 10 g