Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter; 4 green onions, chopped; 1 cup sour cream; 10 oz can cream of chicken soup; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 6 cups frozen shredded potatoes (about 26-28 oz bag); 1/2 cup butter, melted; 3 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

There's something incredibly comforting about a hot, melty dish that brings everyone to the table. This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is one of my go-to classics when I want to impress without the fuss. Imagine layers of creamy goodness, crispy topping, and that irresistible cheddar cheese pull—it's a crowd-pleaser every time!

A close-up view of a white dish filled with a layered casserole, showing a thick bottom layer of creamy pale mixture with shredded pieces, topped with a crunchy, golden-brown layer of cornflakes. A black spoon is scooping out a portion from the side, lifting both the creamy and crispy layers. The background surface is white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this cheesy potato casserole at family dinners, potlucks, and even busy weeknights when I want something warming fast. It’s not only delicious but also so forgiving—perfect for both beginners and anyone short on time.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge.
Cheesy Goodness: The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the potatoes, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Crunchy Topping: Those buttery, crushed corn flakes create an addictive golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy inside.
Versatility: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for later, this casserole handles it all with ease.

The image shows a close-up of a cheesy dish with two visible layers. The bottom layer is a creamy, off-white textured mixture with melted cheese, slightly gooey and smooth. The top layer is a thick, golden brown crust made of crunchy corn flakes, breaking into small clusters. A black spatula is lifting a portion of the dish, showing the contrast between the creamy inside and the crunchy outside. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe plays a key role in creating those layers of texture and flavor. Here’s why they come together so well, plus some tips to get the best results at grocery time.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, a small white bowl of smooth white sour cream, a small white bowl of creamy light beige cream of chicken soup, a neat pile of finely shredded bright orange sharp cheddar cheese, a mound of fresh shredded white potatoes with bits of light yellow, a small white bowl filled with lightly crushed golden corn flakes, and a group of four fresh green onions with white bulbs and vibrant green stalks, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Butter: The base for sautéing green onions and for coating the topping, adding richness and helping corn flakes crisp up perfectly.
Green onions: They bring a gentle onion flavor and freshness without overpowering the creamy potatoes.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and a silky texture that keeps the casserole moist and luscious.
Cream of chicken soup: Acts like a velvety glue that binds everything together and adds subtle savory depth.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show—its sharpness balances the mild potatoes and makes the dish ooey-gooey.
Frozen shredded potatoes: Super convenient and consistent—just thaw or use frozen straight from the bag to save prep time.
Corn flakes: Not just for breakfast! They give this casserole that amazing crunchy topping which everyone asks about.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your preferences. I encourage you to play around with it and make it truly yours.

Variation: I once added cooked bacon bits for an extra smoky crunch that my family loved—feel free to toss in any cooked meats or veggies you like.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom, and you’re good to go without sacrificing any yummy flavors.
Seasonal twist: During fall, I add a pinch of smoked paprika and some chopped roasted red peppers to give it a cozy vibe that’s perfect for holiday dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the green onions just right

Start by melting ¼ cup of butter in a pan over medium heat, then add your chopped green onions. I like to gently sauté them for about 3 minutes until they soften and their flavor mellows out. This step really sets the flavor base for the whole dish, so don’t rush it—softening the onions releases their sweetness perfectly.

Step 2: Mix sour cream, soup, and cheese to creamy perfection

Next, stir in the sour cream and cream of chicken soup straight into the pan. Keep stirring until the mixture bubbles and everything is combined smoothly. Then toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and gently stir until it melts completely—the aroma at this point is honestly addictive!

Step 3: Incorporate the shredded potatoes

Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the frozen shredded potatoes. I like to make sure every strand of potato gets coated so you don’t end up with dry patches. This is such a satisfying step—you can almost feel the casserole coming to life.

Step 4: Layer it in and get ready for that crunch

Spread the potato mixture in a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Then, in a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes with ½ cup melted butter until they’re fully coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the potatoes. That crunchy topping is the difference between "good" and "wow" in this casserole.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is hot and bubbly and the topping is beautifully golden. Pro tip: If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil to avoid burning while the inside finishes cooking.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, and a few little tricks have really helped me nail it every time. Here’s what I’d share with you to save time and achieve maximum flavor.

Don’t thaw potatoes too much: I usually use the frozen shredded potatoes straight from the bag; thawing completely can make the casserole watery.
Saute the onions slowly: Taking your time here deepens the flavor and keeps that green onion taste mellow instead of sharp.
Toss corn flakes with melted butter right before baking: This ensures your topping crisps up nicely rather than going soggy.
Use sharp cheddar: I switched from mild cheddar early on and never went back—the sharpness really makes the whole dish pop.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Potato Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped chives or additional green onions on top right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a mild bite that brightens up the richness of the dish. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side just takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This cheesy potato casserole pairs beautifully with simple baked chicken, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad to balance out the creaminess. On holidays, I love bringing it alongside glazed ham or roasted turkey—it’s always the first side to disappear off the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with a sprinkle of bacon bits and a cherry tomato half—they look cute and make guests feel special. Another time, I layered it with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for a decadent twist that wowed everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools down, I cover it tightly with foil or a lid and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and reheating it in the oven restores that golden crust nicely.

Freezing

I often freeze the casserole before adding the crunchy corn flake topping. When I’m ready to bake, I just add the topping straight from frozen and increase the baking time by about 15 minutes, checking that the center is hot and bubbly.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, then removing the foil last few minutes to crisp the topping again. You can also use a microwave but the crust won’t stay as crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen in the Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! If you shred fresh potatoes, just reduce the baking time to around 30 minutes because they cook faster than frozen. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from fresh potatoes to avoid a watery casserole.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian version?

You can swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or make a quick homemade béchamel sauce seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion powder for a vegetarian-friendly option that still keeps the casserole creamy.

How do I keep the corn flake topping crispy after baking?

Make sure you toss the corn flakes with melted butter just before adding them on top, and avoid covering the casserole too tightly right after baking. Let it rest uncovered for a few minutes to help the topping stay crunchy.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole without the corn flake topping and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient and delicious meal prep option!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe has been a family favorite and my little secret weapon for easy entertaining. I love how it comes together with simple ingredients, yet feels like a real celebration on the plate. Give it a try—you'll find it’s one of those dishes that always brings people back for seconds and warms hearts along with appetites.