Easy Cheesy Potatoes are a warm and comforting dish perfect for any meal. With creamy cheese and tender potatoes, it’s a side dish that everyone will love!
You can never go wrong with cheesy goodness, right? It always makes me smile! 😄 I like to serve these with burgers or grilled chicken, and they disappear every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Hash Browns: These are the heart of the dish. If you don’t have frozen hash browns, you can shred fresh potatoes or use tater tots for a fun twist!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use cream cheese for a richer texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides a lovely base and flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, go for cream of mushroom or a homemade cream sauce instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is perfect for bold flavor. If you want it milder, try using medium cheddar, or you could experiment with mozzarella for a different taste.
Diced Onions: They add flavor and crunch. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or substitute with green onions for a milder taste.
How Do You Ensure Your Easy Cheesy Potatoes Are Creamy and Cheesy?
To get that perfect creamy and cheesy texture, there’s a key mix and bake technique you should follow. First, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed, as excess moisture can affect creaminess. Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly for even cheese distribution.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except the reserved cheese.
- Fold in the cheese gently, to keep some of that lovely texture.
- When baking, it’s essential to let it cool for a few minutes afterward. This allows the dish to firm up a bit, making servings neater.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45-55 minutes for baking. So, set aside a total of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy these cheesy potatoes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot for your cheesy potatoes.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted butter. If you’re using onions, add them in too! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, give it a good mix until everything is well blended and comes together nicely.
3. Add the Cheese:
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture. Save the remaining ½ cup for later—this will go on top! Mix it in carefully so you don’t break up the hash browns too much.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer your potato mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy goodness!
5. Top with Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture. This will create a delicious, golden crust as it bakes!
6. Bake:
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a bubbly, golden brown topping that’s just irresistible!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This is a great time to sprinkle on those chopped green onions for a lovely touch before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Easy Cheesy Potatoes! Perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! You can use fresh potatoes by peeling and dicing them into small cubes. You’ll need to precook them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re just tender before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help ensure they cook through in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you can use a mix of cream cheese and milk to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
How to Store Leftover Cheesy Potatoes?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave portions as needed.
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking, then bake according to the original instructions. This makes it a perfect dish for parties or gatherings!
