Potato Casserole Recipes

Potato Casserole Recipes

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hold the universal appeal of a warm, hearty potato casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable, potato casseroles have long been the stars of potlucks, holiday spreads, and weeknight dinners. Whether you're craving a classic Southern-style dish, a cheesy crowd-pleaser, or a lightened-up version for everyday enjoyment, there’s a potato casserole recipe to fit the occasion. Below, we’ll explore three of the most satisfying and delicious potato casserole recipes: a Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, a Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, and a Creamy Scalloped Potato and Chicken Bake.

1. Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (aka Funeral Potatoes)

Cheesy hash brown casserole is a staple at family gatherings across America, earning nicknames like “funeral potatoes” due to its frequent appearance at post-service meals in the South and Midwest. Despite its somber nickname, the dish is bursting with life—cheesy, golden, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

1 (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (for topping)

2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

In a large bowl, mix together the hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, soup, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out.

Toss crushed cornflakes or cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.

Why It Works:

This recipe is beloved for its combination of creamy interior and crunchy topping. The melted cheddar blends beautifully with the rich soup base, while the hash browns provide just the right amount of texture. It’s rich and indulgent, perfect for holidays or potluck events.

2. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Love baked potatoes? Imagine all your favorite toppings packed into one dish and baked to bubbling perfection. Loaded baked potato casserole brings together bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions with tender potatoes for a crowd-pleasing side—or even a main dish.

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

4 tbsp butter

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup chopped green onions

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish.

Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Mash lightly, then stir in sour cream, milk or cream, butter, half of the cheese, half of the bacon, and a handful of green onions. Season with salt and pepper.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bacon.

Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Top with remaining green onions before serving.

Variations and Tips:

Add cooked chicken or ground beef for a heartier version.

Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter twist.

Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a spicy variation.

Why It Works:

This casserole captures everything people love about a loaded baked potato, but makes it easier to serve a group. It's also a great way to use up leftover potatoes or bacon. Creamy and rich with layers of flavor, it’s comfort food at its best.

3. Creamy Scalloped Potato and Chicken Casserole

Scalloped potatoes are a classic on their own, but this recipe takes it up a notch by adding tender pieces of chicken, turning a side dish into a complete and satisfying meal. With a creamy white sauce and a golden baked top, this casserole feels upscale enough for Sunday dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients:

3 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, thinly sliced

2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp flour

2 cups milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a deep baking dish.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes, then gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.

Stir in Parmesan, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened slightly.

Layer half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the chicken and half the sauce. Repeat the layers and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère on top.

If desired, add a light layer of breadcrumbs.

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Why It Works:

The creamy white sauce binds everything together beautifully, while the chicken makes the dish hearty and protein-packed. The thinly sliced potatoes absorb the sauce as they cook, making every bite rich and flavorful. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal and reheats well for leftovers.

Making It Your Own

Each of these potato casseroles is a canvas for customization:

Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or broccoli can be stirred in for added nutrition.

Try new cheeses: Swap cheddar for fontina, Gouda, or goat cheese to change the flavor profile.

Use different potatoes: Yukon Golds add buttery richness, while red potatoes offer a waxy texture that holds its shape well.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour in the roux or cornstarch slurry, and check all canned soup ingredients for gluten content.

Potato casseroles are deeply satisfying, flexible, and perfect for feeding a crowd. From the nostalgic crunch of cheesy hash browns to the irresistible toppings of a loaded baked potato dish, or the elegant comfort of scalloped potatoes with chicken, these recipes deliver on flavor and texture.

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DIY Bouquets, Decor and More 

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/