Potluck Recipes: Good Enough to be Famous!
Potluck Perfect Side Dishes.
A crowd-pleasing cheesy potato casserole that's easy to make and guaranteed to disappear at any potluck.
I remember my aunt bringing a version of this to every single family gathering. It sat on the potluck table, this humble baking dish, and it was always the first thing to be completely scraped clean. I asked her for the recipe years ago, and she just laughed and said, 'Oh, it's just a little of this and a little of that.' So, I spent a whole afternoon in my kitchen trying to recreate that feeling. A little more cream cheese here, a different spice there... and honestly? I think I finally captured that magic. It tastes like coming home.
Why This Casserole is a Potluck Star
- •Incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients.
- •Can be fully assembled ahead of time, which is a lifesaver.
- •It's pure, comforting, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
- •Travels well and reheats beautifully without losing its charm.
- •Honestly, it's always the first dish to disappear from the table.
Wow, just wow. I made this for our church potluck last Sunday, and three different people asked me for the recipe before I even sat down. It was so easy to put together, and it tasted like I’d been working on it all day. This is officially my new go-to.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: This is the secret to how easy this is! Make sure they're thawed. It helps everything cook evenly. You don't even need to press out any moisture. Just open the bag and go.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the classic binder. For a vegetarian version, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works just as beautifully. It creates that super creamy, savory base that makes the dish.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Don't skimp here! A good quality sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. I always grate my own from a block; it melts so much better and feels more authentic than the pre-shredded kind.
- Corn Flakes Topping: This topping is everything. The buttery, crunchy texture against the creamy potatoes is just perfect. If you don't have corn flakes, crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs are a nice substitute.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, grab a really big bowl. Bigger than you think you need.
- Combine the soup, sour cream, melted butter, cheese, onions, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it's all one creamy, dreamy mixture.
- Gently fold in the thawed hash browns. You want to coat them, not mash them. Be gentle.
- Once everything is nicely mixed, spread it all into your greased baking dish. Pat it down so it's an even layer.
- In a separate small bowl, pour the melted butter over the crushed corn flakes.
- Use your hands or a fork to toss them until every little piece is coated in butter. This is key for that golden, crispy top.
- Sprinkle the buttery flakes all over the top of the casserole.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and bake until it's bubbly around the edges and beautifully browned on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it's a game-changer. You can assemble the entire casserole, but leave off the topping. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, add the buttery topping and pop it in the oven. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
→Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
You can, but it's more work. You'd need to peel, boil, and shred about 2 pounds of Russet potatoes. Honestly, the frozen hash browns are what make this recipe so wonderfully simple.
→What are some good additions to this casserole?
Oh, so many things! Cooked and crumbled turkey ham, sautéed mushrooms, or a little bit of jalapeño for a kick are all wonderful. It's a very forgiving recipe.
→My topping didn't get very crispy. What did I do wrong?
It probably just needed a bit more time or heat. Make sure your corn flakes are well-coated in butter. If the casserole is bubbly but the top isn't brown enough, you can switch the oven to broil for just a minute or two at the end. But watch it like a hawk—it can burn in seconds!
Potluck Recipes: Good Enough to be Famous!
Become famous at church with these potluck recipes. This incredibly easy and delicious cheesy potato casserole is pure comfort, guaranteed to impress everyone with your cooking skills.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 011 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 021 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 0316 oz sour cream
- 041/2 cup chopped onion
- 052 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 061/2 cup melted butter
- 071 teaspoon salt
- 081/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 012 cups crushed corn flakes cereal
- 021/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently until it's well combined. Try not to break up the potatoes too much.
Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Just smooth it out with a spatula.
In a smaller bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Toss them until the flakes are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery corn flake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit. Then, enjoy the compliments!
Notes & Tips
- 1Make sure your baking dish is at least 2 inches deep, as the casserole will bubble up as it bakes.
- 2If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/2 teaspoon.
Tools You'll Need
- •Thaw your hash browns completely for even cooking. I just leave them in the fridge overnight.
- •Grating your own cheese from a block makes a huge difference in how creamy the casserole is.
- •Don't be afraid to season well. The potatoes and sour cream need that salt and pepper to really shine.
- •Letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking is so important. It helps the casserole set so it's not runny when you serve it.