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 (approximately 26-28 oz bag); 1/2 cup butter, melted; 3 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

There’s just something so comforting about a warm, gooey, and crispy-on-top potato dish that brings smiles to the table every time. This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of dish — creamy shredded potatoes baked to perfection with a crunchy cornflake topping. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a staple in your meal rotation too.

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

This casserole hits that perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, cheesy and savory — it’s like the ultimate cozy side dish or even a main for casual dinners. I make it for every holiday, but honestly, it’s easy and so satisfying enough for a weeknight dinner.

Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand already, making this dish stress-free to whip up.
Perfect Texture Combo: The creamy potato base paired with a crispy buttery cornflake topping is pure magic.
Kid-Friendly Comfort: It’s cheesy and nostalgic, which makes even picky eaters come around at the dinner table.
Flexible Recipe: Easy to customize with add-ins or swap ingredients based on what you have.

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

The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a creamy, flavorful binding that coats the shredded potatoes beautifully. The cornflake topping, mixed with melted butter, creates that irresistible crunch on top after baking.

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: Used twice here—once to sauté the green onions to bring out their sweetness, and melted again for the topping’s crispiness.
Green Onions: They add just the right mild onion flavor and a bit of freshness that lifts the dish.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to balance the richness of cheese and soup.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A classic binder and flavor enhancer; feel free to swap for cream of mushroom if preferred.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese brings bold, tangy flavor and melts perfectly into the casserole.
Frozen Shredded Potatoes: A huge time-saver and consistently good texture—they hold up well in the bake.
Corn Flakes: Crushed and tossed in butter, they give that signature crispy topping every cheesy potato casserole needs.

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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

I love that this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is a fantastic base for all kinds of tweaks. Sometimes I toss in cooked bacon or a handful of diced bell peppers to jazz it up. You can absolutely make it vegetarian or even add some spicy elements for a twist.

Variation: Adding cooked bacon or ham elevates it into a heartier side or even a main dish.
Vegetarian Friendly: Swap cream of chicken soup for mushroom soup or use a homemade sauce to keep things meat-free.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne stirred into the mixture can add a subtle heat that surprises and delights.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Green Onions

Start by melting ¼ cup butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped green onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step really wakes up their flavor and adds a lovely aromatic base to the casserole.

Step 2: Stir in the Creamy Base

Add the sour cream and cream of chicken soup to the pan with the onions, stirring it all together until the mixture is bubbly and combined. Then toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings to every forkful.

Step 3: Mix in the Shredded Potatoes

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in your frozen shredded potatoes. I like to use a full large bag—around 26 to 28 ounces—for plenty of hearty servings. Make sure each shredded potato strand is coated with the cheesy mixture for the best flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish & Topping

Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish lightly, then spread your potato mixture evenly inside. Next, mix together the lightly crushed corn flakes and the half cup of melted butter until everything is evenly coated, then sprinkle this buttery topping over the casserole base.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Bake your casserole at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is hot and bubbly, and the cornflake topping is golden and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly—that’s when it’s absolutely perfect.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe absolutely foolproof and foolproof:

Use Frozen Shredded Potatoes: They save you time and prevent your casserole from becoming watery, which can happen with freshly grated potatoes if not properly drained.
Don’t Skip Sautéing the Onions: This simple step adds layers of flavor you might miss if you just mixed everything raw.
Evenly Coat the Potatoes: Make sure every shred is well-coated so no dry spots sneak in during baking.
Let It Rest After Baking: Patience here prevents the cheese from sliding off your plate with every forkful.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

cheesy potato casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra chopped green onion or fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side is always a hit, too, especially if someone wants even more creaminess.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with just about any protein: roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even baked salmon. For a vegetarian meal, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans brighten up the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve served this casserole right in cute individual ramekins topped with tiny sprigs of thyme or rosemary. It makes it feel extra special without any fuss. You can also layer diced ham or bacon between potato layers for a showstopper presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often meld together even better overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, I prepare the casserole up through step 3, then cover tightly and freeze before adding the cornflake topping. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake until bubbly. This keeps the crunchy topping extra fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil at first to prevent the topping from burning, then uncovered to crisp it up again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven’s better for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes! You can absolutely use freshly shredded potatoes, but be sure to rinse and drain them well to remove excess starch and moisture. Also, expect the baking time to be closer to 30 minutes instead of 40-45 minutes.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

While this recipe relies on dairy for creaminess and flavor, you can substitute dairy-free sour cream, cheese alternatives, and dairy-free butter. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will change somewhat, but it’s still delicious.

What’s the best way to store leftover casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the point before adding the cornflake topping and refrigerate it overnight. Add the topping and bake when ready. This makes it perfect for busy days or holiday meals.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s easy enough to make on a regular night but special enough to serve alongside your favorite holiday feast. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does—we always look forward to that perfect crunchy top and gooey cheesy center. Give it a go and watch how it becomes one of your classic go-to dishes!