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

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, bubbling dish loaded with melty cheese and tender potatoes. This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe hits all those cozy notes, delivering a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy that always manages to please a crowd. Trust me, it’s a classic you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation.

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 countless times for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays. Not only is it incredibly forgiving, but it’s also one of those dishes that everyone raves about — mostly because it tastes like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and frozen shredded potatoes, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Extra Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, sharp cheddar, and cream of chicken soup creates a rich, velvety base.
Perfect Crunchy Topping: The corn flakes coated in melted butter add that satisfying crisp contrast on top.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to a simple salad, making your meal feel special yet easy.

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

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend fresh green onions for a bright oniony punch and good-quality sharp cheddar for that perfect cheese melt.

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: Adds richness and helps with sautéing the onions gently without burning them.
Green Onions: Provides a mild onion flavor that’s fresher and lighter than regular onions.
Sour Cream: Brings creaminess and a little tang, brightening the casserole’s flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a savory binder, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a robust, melty cheesiness that’s key to comfort food heaven.
Frozen Shredded Potatoes: Convenient and consistent, though fresh potatoes work well too if shredded finely.
Corn Flakes: For that golden, buttery, crunchy topping — a game changer in texture.

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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 always encourage you to tailor this casserole to your taste buds. Whether you like adding a little extra spice or swapping up the cheese, it’s a flexible recipe that welcomes creativity — and yes, I've experimented plenty!

Variation: I sometimes throw in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for added smoky flair — it’s a crowd-pleasing twist!
Vegetarian Option: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken to keep it veggie-friendly without losing creaminess.
Herbs & Spices: A pinch of paprika or garlic powder deepens the flavor, and fresh parsley on top adds a fresh finish.
Fresh Potatoes: If you have time, shredded fresh potatoes can make it lighter and fresher — just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Green Onions for Flavor

Start by melting ¼ cup of butter in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped green onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This step builds the casserole’s base with subtle onion sweetness that really shines through.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients

Once the onions are soft, stir in the sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Keep stirring until the mixture is bubbly and smooth — this ensures the casserole won’t be lumpy and will have that luscious texture.

Step 3: Melt in the Cheese

Next, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir gently until it melts throughout the creamy mixture. The cheese adds richness and depth while thickening the sauce just right.

Step 4: Fold in the Potatoes

Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the frozen shredded potatoes until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the potatoes are spread out nicely when you transfer the mixture to your casserole dish — no clumps here!

Step 5: Prep the Crunchy Topping

Mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter until every flake is coated — this is the secret to that golden, crispy topping everyone loves. Spread this evenly across the top of the potato mixture in the casserole dish.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Pop the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly center and a beautifully browned topping. If you see the edges bubbling and the crumbs golden, you’re golden too!

Top Tip

Having made this casserole probably a dozen times, I’ve learned a few simple tips that make a big difference in your results. These little insights help the layers of cheese and potato really shine without a soggy mess or a dry topping.

Use Full Fat Sour Cream: It really boosts creaminess and richness — low fat versions don’t quite give the same silky texture.
Don’t Skip Sautéing Onions: This step softens their bite and deepens flavor, so the casserole doesn’t end up tasting flat.
Crush Corn Flakes Fine: Smaller crumbs brown more evenly and create the perfect crispy top without giant clumps.
Watch Your Bake Time: If your oven runs hot, check at 35 minutes to avoid burning the topping, but ensure the center is piping hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

cheesy potato casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or additional sliced green onions right after baking — it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that contrasts nicely with the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is such a crowd-pleaser that I love pairing it with simple roasted chicken, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. It’s also fabulous alongside ham or turkey during holidays.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with extra crushed corn flakes and baked until bubbly — it looks elegant and lets everyone enjoy their own portion of cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy potato casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently to keep it creamy.

Freezing

I freeze this casserole quite often — just prepare everything up to the potato layer, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight, add the corn flake topping, and bake. It’s a lifesaver when you want a ready-to-go comfort dish.

Reheating

Reheating works best in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Remove the foil at the end to refresh the crunchy topping. Microwave works too in a pinch, but the topping won’t stay crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen in this cheesy potato casserole recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh shredded potatoes work wonderfully and make the casserole taste lighter and fresher. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding them, and reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Is there a good substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version or want a different flavor, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce. Both options maintain the creamy texture while changing up the taste profile slightly.

Can I make the cheesy potato casserole recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This casserole is great for making ahead. Prepare it completely up to the potato layer, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, prepare and freeze before adding the corn flake topping, then bake from thawed with the topping added fresh.

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

To keep the topping crispy, avoid covering the casserole tightly with foil for the entire bake. Bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the topping to brown and crisp. If reheating leftovers, add fresh crushed corn flakes or briefly broil at the end to refresh the crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe has become a little tradition for me, the kind of dish you turn to when you want something effortlessly delicious and a bit nostalgic. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those recipes that feels like you’re sharing something warm and satisfying with everyone at the table. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and watch it disappear faster than you expect!