Can I make these cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can—just peel and dice your potatoes finely and parboil them for a few minutes first. The convenience of frozen hash browns, though, makes weeknights a breeze.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

No problem! Substitute with crushed saltines, cornflakes, potato chips, or French fried onions. Each will bring its own unique crunch and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery, and you’ve got a fully vegetarian (but just as delicious) cheesy potato bake.

Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Name: Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb. frozen diced hash brown potatoes, partially thawed; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 16 oz. sour cream; 1 can (10 oz.) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup diced onions; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 sleeves Ritz crackers; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown casserole emerging from your oven, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of comfort. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Potatoes recipe—a downright delicious, delightfully creamy dish that’s as easy as it gets. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and some simple prep, you can treat yourself to a side (or main!) that never fails to bring big smiles to the table. Whether you have last-minute guests or need a quick fix for a busy weeknight, these cheesy potatoes are always a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: Toss everything in a bowl, spread it in a baking dish, add a buttery, crunchy topping, and bake. That’s it. Minimal hands-on time, maximum reward.
Pure Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, with a buttery, addictive cracker topping—every bite is rich, gooey, and crispy in all the right ways.
Restaurant-Style Sides—at Home: Recreate your favorite steakhouse or family gathering vibe, with zero fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: Potlucks, holidays, Sunday dinner, or just a random Tuesday—this is the dish everyone wants another scoop of.
Customizable: Make it your own with endless mix-ins and different toppings, no fancy skills needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes: The ultimate shortcut—no peeling or chopping required. Let them thaw a bit for easier mixing.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor. Pre-shredded works, but grating fresh brings that gooey melt.
Sour Cream: Delivers rich creaminess and a subtle tang. Don’t skip it—it’s the secret to luxurious potatoes!
Cream of Chicken Soup: Canned, for extra savory depth and that smooth, luscious texture. Cream of mushroom works in a pinch for a different flavor profile.
Diced Onions: Adds a hit of sweet-savory flavor. Use fresh or, if you like them mellow, sauté in a splash of oil before mixing in.
Unsalted Butter (Melted): Both in the mix and on top, it gives pure richness and helps everything bind together.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory, comforting flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Salt: Essential—it brings all those flavors to life.
Ritz Crackers: Crushed for the topping, they deliver unmatched buttery crunch.
Topping Butter (Melted): Because crispy crackers need a rich partner on top!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to add your own twist? Here are a few ways to shake things up:

Protein Boost: Stir in diced cooked ham, crumbled bacon, or rotisserie chicken.
Veggie Twist: Mix in chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or even thawed spinach for extra flavor and color.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chopped green chiles for heat.
Alternative Toppings: Use cornflakes, kettle chips, saltines, or French fried onions for a different crunch.
Swap the Soup: Try cream of mushroom or even cheddar cheese soup for a subtle upgrade.

Don’t be afraid to play around. Recipes are meant to be fun!

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray—cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the partially thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Give everything a thorough stir. You want every bit of potato to be coated in that creamy, cheesy mixture.

Tip: If you prefer softer onions, sauté them in a pan with a tablespoon of oil for about 5 minutes before mixing in.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The edges should be bubbly and starting to turn golden.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping

Meanwhile, crush the Ritz crackers (the more rustic, the better—no need to pulverize). Mix them with melted butter in a medium bowl until every crumb glistens.

Step 5: Top and Finish Baking

After the first bake, carefully sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the potatoes. Pop the casserole back into the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the topping is crispy, golden, and inviting.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. Grab a spoon and get ready for some serious comfort.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Partial Thaw = Even Cooking: Don’t use the potatoes fully frozen. A quick thaw (20-30 minutes on the counter) does the trick.
Sauté Onions for Milder Bite: If raw onion is too strong for your taste, a quick sauté makes it sweet and mellow.
Don’t Overmix: Just stir until combined—overmixing can break down the potatoes too much.
Freshly Grated Cheese: For gooier, creamier melts, grate your own cheese.
Watch Your Oven: Every oven’s a little different. Check at the 45-minute mark—look for bubbly edges and a hot center.

How to Serve

This casserole is endlessly versatile when it comes to serving:

Classic Side: Pairs perfectly with roast meats, BBQ, or even just with a green salad.
Brunch Special: Serve with scrambled eggs, sausage, or a crispy fried egg on top for a hearty start to your day.
Potluck Star: Bring to family gatherings, picnics, or holidays—it never fails to disappear fast.
Main Event: Top with cooked bacon, diced ham, or extra veggies, and call it dinner!

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions if you want a splash of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors even deepen and improve after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

Cheesy potatoes freeze beautifully. Cut into individual portions or cover the whole pan tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until hot and the topping is crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, though the topping may soften a bit.

If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesy potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can—just peel and dice your potatoes finely and parboil them for a few minutes first. The convenience of frozen hash browns, though, makes weeknights a breeze.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

No problem! Substitute with crushed saltines, cornflakes, potato chips, or French fried onions. Each will bring its own unique crunch and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery, and you’ve got a fully vegetarian (but just as delicious) cheesy potato bake.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy potatoes are proof that the simplest ingredients can create something truly magical. This casserole brings all the creamy, cheesy, crispy comfort you could hope for, with practically zero stress. Whether you’re pressed for time or just want to serve up a sure-fire crowd-pleaser, this recipe is your new go-to. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for all the requests for seconds—and the recipe!