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

There’s something magically comforting about the cheesy, golden crust atop soft, tender potatoes. This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is a classic side dish that never fails to bring smiles at the dinner table. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping that keeps folks coming back for seconds.

A close-up of a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow with a soft, cheesy texture, and the top layer is covered with golden brown crushed cornflakes, creating a crunchy and uneven surface. A black spoon scoops up a portion, showing the contrast between the crunchy top and the smooth, cheesy layer underneath. The dish is in a white rectangular baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface. 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

Honestly, this isn’t just any cheesy potato casserole—it’s the one I’ve come back to time and again for potlucks, family dinners, and when I want an easy but impressive side dish. The balance of flavors and textures always gets rave reviews from everyone around.

Loaded with Flavor: The green onions and sharp cheddar cheese add a punch that elevates simple potatoes into something memorable.
Crispy Topping: The buttery corn flakes on top give the perfect crunch that contrasts the creamy inside wonderfully.
Easy to Make: Using frozen shredded potatoes keeps prep quick without losing that homemade taste.
Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs with ease.

A close-up of a layered cheesy casserole being scooped with a black spoon, showing a thick creamy cheese layer in the middle that is soft and gooey, topped with a crunchy golden cereal or cracker crumb layer that covers the surface in a dense uneven layer, with bits breaking off as it is lifted; the casserole is in a white dish with a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is all about ingredients that bring creamy richness and comforting textures together. Frozen shredded potatoes keep it simple and reliable, while the sour cream and cream of chicken soup create a luscious sauce that holds it all together perfectly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter cubes, a bunch of fresh green onions with crisp green tops and white bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of thick creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream of chicken soup, a neat pile of bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a mound of natural frozen shredded potatoes with frost lightly dusting the strands, a small white ceramic bowl of golden melted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with lightly crushed golden corn flakes, all arranged symmetrically 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 soften the green onions; don’t skimp on it—it’s key for flavor.
Green Onions: These add a mild, fresh onion flavor that brightens the casserole without overpowering it.
Sour Cream: Gives creaminess and a slight tang—makes the dish feel indulgent yet balanced.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a thick, savory binder and adds that classic casserole flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Packs a flavorful cheesy punch and melts beautifully to coat the potatoes.
Frozen Shredded Potatoes: The foundation of the dish — easy to use and consistently soft when baked.
Melted Butter: Used with the corn flakes to create that crispy, golden topping we all crave.
Corn Flakes: The secret to the crunchy topping—lightly crushed for perfect 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 love making this casserole as is because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but I don’t stop there — sometimes I like to tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or what everyone is in the mood for. You should feel free to do the same!

Variation: Adding cooked bacon or diced ham ups the savory factor and makes it an even heartier side (or a main for some!). I tried this once for a holiday brunch and it was a huge hit.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free version that’s just as flavorful.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a subtle heat that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or a mix with mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that’ll keep everyone guessing.

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

Step 1: Sauté Your Green Onions

I start by melting ¼ cup of butter in a skillet. Then, add the chopped green onions and let them cook gently for about 3 minutes. You want them softened and fragrant without browning. This simple step really layers in fresh flavor that shines through every bite.

Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Base

Next, I stir in the sour cream and cream of chicken soup right into the skillet, combining everything until it’s well blended and bubbling softly. Then comes my favorite part — folding in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese off the heat, letting its warmth melt it perfectly into the sauce.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Transfer to Baking Dish

Now, remove the skillet from heat and toss in the frozen shredded potatoes. Make sure every bit is coated in the cheesy sauce. Pour this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and smooth it out to an even layer—this helps it bake evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

For that signature crunch, crush about 3 cups of corn flakes lightly by hand, then toss them with ½ cup of melted butter until every flake is coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the potatoes. This buttery crust is the best texture contrast in the whole dish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Pop the casserole into an oven preheated to 350°F. Bake it for 40 to 45 minutes, or until you see the center bubbling and the corn flake topping is beautifully golden crispy. Letting it rest a few minutes before serving helps everything set up nicely.

Top Tip

From personal experience, a few small tweaks make this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe turn out beautifully every single time. I learned the hard way that little details can make a big difference!

Don’t Overcook the Onions: Softening but not browning green onions keeps their bright note alive in the dish.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Mild cheeses don’t give the same depth—sharp cheddar melts beautifully and has the right zing.
Coat Your Potatoes Well: Stir until every shredded potato is covered to avoid dry spots in the casserole.
Press the Topping Down Lightly: This helps the corn flakes stick and get that perfect crunch, not just fall off.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Potato Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions on top for color and an extra pop of fresh flavor. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side just makes the whole experience creamy and dreamy.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, meatloaf, or even a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For big gatherings, I often serve it alongside steamed veggies or glazed carrots to brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dish in individual ramekins adds a touch of elegance, especially for holiday dinners. I also like layering with caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits on top for special occasions—instant crowd-pleasers that look gorgeous on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole reheats well, especially if you bring it to room temp before popping it back in the oven.

Freezing

One trick I swear by is freezing the casserole before adding the corn flakes topping. When I’m ready to bake it, I add the topping and adjust the baking time slightly longer to make sure it’s thoroughly heated through. It saves time on busy weeks!

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning while ensuring the inside stays moist. If you want to refresh the topping’s crunch, I remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Freshly shredded potatoes work great and actually reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes since they don’t have as much moisture as frozen ones.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Make sure to thaw and drain your frozen shredded potatoes before mixing them in. Also, don't skip coating the potatoes well with the creamy mixture, which helps absorb moisture during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the corn flakes topping for gluten-free cereal or crushed gluten-free crackers, and double-check that your soup is gluten-free. The dish remains just as delicious.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s effortless yet so full of flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dish that makes any gathering feel a little cozier and every day a bit more comforting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over—just like I do!