I absolutely love this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe because it takes humble ingredients like hash browns and turns them into something creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Whether you re serving a crowd or looking for a cozy side dish for weeknight dinner, this casserole always hits the spot with its rich texture and buttery, crunchy topping.
When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite – everyone asks for seconds, and I love how incredibly easy it is to prepare. If you re after a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug, you ll find that this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy Delight: The blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream creates a luscious texture you won t stop savoring.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using pantry staples like hash browns and cream of chicken soup makes this easy to throw together.
- Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: I ve served this at potlucks and family dinners, and it always disappears in a flash.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: That buttery cracker topping gives a crunchy finish on top of a soft, irresistible base.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe lies in combining creamy cheeses with tender hash browns and finishing it with a buttery, crispy cracker topping. These ingredients work so well together because they balance richness, texture, and that little pop of fresh flavor from the green onions and parsley.
- Frozen diced hash brown potatoes: Thawed and ready to absorb all the creamy goodness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to add richness and help bind everything.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the casserole moist and creamy.
- Ricotta cheese: This gives the casserole a silky smooth texture without overpowering the flavors.
- Cream of chicken soup: A classic secret weapon for easy, flavorful casseroles.
- Kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the whole dish.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Sharpness and gooey meltiness in every bite.
- Green onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the casserole.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to coat the crackers for that crispy topping.
- Round buttery crackers (like Ritz): Crushed to create the iconic golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled on top.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Just a touch to finish and enhance flavors.
Variations
I love how versatile this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe is. Over time, I ve experimented with a few tweaks to fit dietary needs or just mix up the flavors, and you ll probably find ways to make it your own too.
- Meat addition: Adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham makes it a heartier main dish; my family goes crazy for the smoky boost.
- Dairy swaps: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version-I swore by this option when cutting calories but didn t want to lose creaminess.
- Cheese variations: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a bit of a flavor twist; I discovered this trick when I wanted a little kick on game day.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the cream of chicken soup and substitute with a creamy mushroom or vegetable soup for a delicious meatless version.
How to Make Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Creamy Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray-this prevents sticking and helps the cracker topping crisp up beautifully. In a large bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken soup, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until silky smooth. This creamy mixture is key to the luscious texture that makes the casserole irresistible.
Step 2: Fold in Potatoes, Cheese & Green Onions
Gently fold in the thawed hash browns, shredded Cheddar cheese, and most of the green onions-reserve about 2 tablespoons of green onions to garnish later. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything well combined but still fluffy. This stage sets up the rich, cheesy core of the casserole that makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
Step 3: Assemble and Add the Cracker Topping
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with coarsely crushed buttery round crackers and stir to fully coat. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the top. This topping will bake to a buttery, crunchy crust that s absolutely addictive.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until it s bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping turns beautifully golden brown. I love watching it bubble-it s like a signal that comfort food is on its way. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set slightly and make scooping easier.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Million Dollar Potato Casserole by sprinkling the reserved green onions, freshly chopped parsley, and a crack or two of black pepper over the top. These fresh garnishes add a lift of color and flavor that balances the richness beautifully. Then dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
- Softening Cream Cheese: Always make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: I learned that partially frozen potatoes can release extra moisture and make the casserole watery, so take the time to thaw them fully and pat dry if needed.
- Crush Crackers Coarsely: The texture difference is essential-fine crumbs create a soggy topping, but coarse bits become delightfully crisp.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes post-bake helps it firm up and makes serving much cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with fresh green onions and chopped parsley for a bit of color and a light onion punch. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of paprika just before serving for a hint of smoky warmth that complements the cheesy casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or roasted veggies to balance the richness. For a hearty meal, I usually serve it alongside baked chicken thighs or grilled sausages-our go-to comfort combo that always pleases guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve baked individual portions in ramekins, letting each guest get their own crispy cracker top. Another fun idea I tried was layering in cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for extra oomph and an impressive look that feels a bit fancy but is super easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole maintains its creamy texture well, but the topping can lose some crispness, which is totally fine-it still tastes amazing reheated.
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well! I let it cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps crisp the topping back up, which I always love to see.
FAQs
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Can I make the Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor. The rest of the recipe remains the same and is just as delicious.
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can, but I find frozen hash browns super convenient and consistent. If you do use fresh potatoes, peel, cube, parboil until just tender, drain well, and cool before using to avoid watery casserole.
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What if I don t have ricotta cheese on hand?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta with an equal amount of extra cream cheese or cottage cheese that s been blended smooth. The texture may vary slightly, but the casserole will still be creamy and tasty.
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How do I get the cracker topping extra crispy?
The key is making sure the crackers are coarsely crushed and well coated with melted butter. Baking uncovered allows the topping to brown perfectly. Also, letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving enhances texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep in my back pocket for any occasion that calls for comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. I love how straightforward it is to make, yet the results feel special and indulgent. If you re looking to impress your family, friends, or even just treat yourself, give this recipe a try-you might just find your new favorite casserole to cherish for years to come.
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Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50-55 mins
- Total Time: 65-70 mins
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring hash brown potatoes, sour cream, ricotta, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect as a comforting side for any meal, this easy-to-make casserole delivers rich flavors and a delightful texture contrast with its golden cracker crust and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 (32-oz.) pkg. frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
Cheese and Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8 oz.)
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve about 2 tablespoons for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 32 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), coarsely crushed
Other
- Cooking spray (to grease baking dish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9- x 13-inch or 3 quart baking dish using cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole-milk ricotta cheese, cream of chicken soup, kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Add hash browns and cheese: Fold the thawed diced hash brown potatoes into the creamy mixture. Add the shredded Cheddar cheese and most of the sliced green onions, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the onions for garnish, and mix gently to combine.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly into a flat layer for uniform baking.
- Make cracker topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and the coarsely crushed buttery round crackers. Stir until the crackers are fully coated with butter.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle the butter-coated cracker mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish, forming a crunchy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the reserved green onions, chopped fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the frozen hash browns fully for best texture and even cooking.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if preferred or for a vegetarian option.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers and verify that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10th of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
