Potato casserole is a dish that wraps you in a warm, creamy embrace, with layers of fluffy potatoes mingling with cheesy goodness. Imagine digging into this comforting delight, where each bite bursts with flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you craving for more. perfect party side dish The Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that turns ordinary dinners into extraordinary feasts.
As I recall the last family gathering, everyone gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating this casserole. The aroma wafting through the air was so inviting that it could make even the most dedicated salad lovers weak at the knees. Trust me, once you serve this dish at any occasion, you’ll be crowned the culinary hero of the evening!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a dream come true for busy cooks seeking comfort food
- With minimal prep and maximum flavor impact, it’s perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike
- The creamy texture combined with cheesy layers makes every bite irresistible
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins or toppings!
Sharing this casserole recipe always brings back fond memories of friends’ reactions — gasps of delight followed by second helpings and recipe requests were just too good to miss.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious stuffed peppers.
- Russet Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes for an ultra-creamy texture; about 3-4 medium should do. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Irish Colcannon recipe.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and a velvety smoothness to the casserole.
- Sour Cream: Choose full-fat sour cream for added creaminess; it’s essential for that luxurious mouthfeel.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
- Butter: Melted butter enhances flavors and helps achieve that golden-brown top layer; don’t skimp on this!
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color; they’re key for garnish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates all flavors; season generously but taste as you go!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For that delightful crispy topping; they add texture and visual appeal to your casserole.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup later.
Cook Those Potatoes!: Peel and cube your russet potatoes into even pieces. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15 minutes should do. They should smell heavenly as they cook!
Create That Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth—this is where the magic happens!
Add Potatoes and Mix Well!: Gently fold the cooked potatoes into your creamy mixture until fully coated. You want every potato piece luxuriously enveloped in cheesy goodness.
Layer It Up!: Transfer half of your potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer before adding the remaining potato mixture on top.
Add Toppings and Bake!: Finish by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs and the rest of your cheddar cheese on top. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling—your kitchen will smell amazing!
As you pull out this Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole from the oven, prepare yourself for applause! It’s cheesy, crunchy on top, and oh-so-comforting—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering! comforting soup pairing.
You Must Know
- This Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors that’ll make you want to dive in headfirst
- It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers all week long
- You’ll love how simple it is to prepare!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by preheating your oven while you prep the potatoes. Then, layer ingredients efficiently to enhance flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheeses or add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. You can also mix in vegetables like broccoli for extra nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamy consistency, use half-and-half instead of milk
- Make sure to season each layer generously for maximum flavor
- Also, let it sit before serving; it will firm up beautifully!
I remember the first time I made this casserole for a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds and thirds! The compliments flowed like gravy, and I couldn’t help but feel like a kitchen superstar.
FAQ
Can I make Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and bake before serving.
What potatoes are best for this casserole?
For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work wonderfully for this recipe.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soups and check cheese labels before purchasing.
Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Easy Million Dollar Potato Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering. This comforting casserole features layers of fluffy russet potatoes enveloped in a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Make it for your next family dinner and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium Russet Potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full-fat)
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp)
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
- 3 Green Onions, chopped
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth.
- Gently fold cooked potatoes into the creamy mixture until fully coated.
- Layer half of the potato mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top. Add the remaining potato mixture followed by the rest of the cheese.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
