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Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food

A close-up slice of creamy potato casserole topped with melted cheese and crunchy cornflakes.

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You need this creamy, cheesy potato casserole for your next gathering. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food side dish, packed with sharp cheddar and a rich, bubbly texture. It is perfect for potlucks or holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) for topping
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, heavy cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, melted butter, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined. If you are using bacon, stir it in now.
  3. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with a small amount of melted butter, if needed, to create a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the potato mixture.
  5. Bake for 40 minutes.
  6. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the reserved extra cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
  7. Let the potato casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter.
  • You can assemble this entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the initial covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • This dish makes an excellent make-ahead casserole for busy holiday schedules.

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