Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp butter; 1 cup yellow onion, diced; 20 oz frozen shredded potatoes (hash browns); 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheese, divided; 2 tsp garlic salt; 1 cup chicken broth

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A cheesy, comforting one-dish casserole that combines creamy potatoes, savory onions, and melted cheese—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy layers with tender potatoes and savory mushroom soup.
Easy and crowd-pleasing: Simple prep and bake method that’s ideal for busy cooks.
Family favorite: Hearty and indulgent, it pairs wonderfully with meats or salads.
Builds flavor: Slightly caramelized onions add a delicious depth to every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 Tbsp butter
1 cup yellow onion, diced (½″ pieces)
20 oz frozen shredded potatoes (hash browns)
1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese (divided)
2 tsp garlic salt
1 cup chicken broth

Directions

Preheat
Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease a 9″ × 13″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
Caramelize onions
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook, stirring, until lightly caramelized—about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Combine ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1½ cups of cheese, cooked onions, garlic salt, and chicken broth. Stir until evenly combined.
Assemble casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Serve
Remove from the oven, let sit for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Yields: 8–10 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Stir in cooked, chopped bacon or diced ham for a meatier dish.
Mix in veggies: Add peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for color and nutrition.
Cheese combos: Combine cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for flavor variation.
Herb enhancement: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top before baking for freshness.
Crunchy top: Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350 °F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, preserving creamy texture.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat following the oven instructions.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes—peel, shred, and briefly parboil fresh potatoes before cooling and using in the recipe.

2. Can I swap mushroom soup for another cream soup?

Absolutely—cream of chicken or celery soup work well as substitutes.

3. Is Greek yogurt an option instead of sour cream?

Yes—use plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and lighter version with similar texture.

4. Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes—prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake as directed when ready.

5. How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

Thaw and drain thawed potatoes well, and avoid overpouring the broth to reduce excess moisture.

6. What if I don’t have garlic salt?

Use 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp salt as a simple replacement.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—double ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. Bake time may increase slightly.

9. How do I get a crispier top?

Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking—watch it closely to avoid burning.

10. Can I use low-fat cheese and soup?

Yes—use reduced-fat cheese and soup, but bake until bubbly to ensure good texture.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Casserole delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with minimal effort—ideal for casual dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings. With easy make-ahead potential and customizable add-ins, it’s a reliable and delicious crowd-pleaser any time.