Grandma’s Creamy Cheesy Potato Casserole: A Hearty Family Favorite 🥔🧀
Step back in time with this Grandma’s Creamy Cheesy Potato Casserole—a warm, comforting dish that brings the nostalgic flavors of a classic family recipe to your table. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a luscious blend of sour cream, creamy soup, and melted cheese, then topped with a crispy cornflake or cracker crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender potatoes with rich, savory goodness. Passed down through generations, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a standout because it’s:
- Rich and Comforting: A creamy, cheesy filling paired with a crunchy topping satisfies every craving.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Ideal for prepping in advance, saving you time on busy days.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main with added protein.
With its golden, bubbly top and tender potato layers, this dish is a testament to the timeless appeal of home-cooked comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 5 large russet potatoes (about 2½–3 lbs), peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch thick rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for bold flavor, or a cheddar-mozzarella blend for creaminess)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a nutty, savory kick)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cornflakes, lightly crushed (or 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery crunch)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Yield: 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350–400 kcal per serving
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and a golden finish.
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds (about ⅛-inch thick) using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer for consistency. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Pro Tip: Soaking the potatoes in water also removes excess starch, ensuring a creamier texture.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the finely diced onion until evenly distributed.
- Drain the Potatoes: Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the casserole bake evenly.
Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, sauté the diced onion in 1 tablespoon of butter before adding it to the mixture.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Begin Layering: Arrange a single layer of potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping to cover the surface. Spoon a portion of the sour cream mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly with a spatula to coat.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the potatoes and sauce, using about one-third of each per layer, until all the potatoes and mixture are used. Finish with a layer of the sour cream mixture on top to keep the potatoes moist during baking.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer for a gooey, melty finish. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the cheddar for an extra layer of savory depth.
Pro Tip: Press the potatoes down gently with a spatula to compact the layers and ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Topping
- Crush the Topping: Place the cornflakes or Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands until they form coarse crumbs. Transfer to a small bowl and mix with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Apply the Crunch: Sprinkle the buttered cornflake or cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a golden, crispy crust as it bakes.
Pro Tip: For a nuttier topping, mix in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or almonds with the crumbs.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure the potatoes cook through. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender when tested through the center.
- Uncover and Crisp: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last few minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes on a wire rack. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Pro Tip: For a bubbly, cheesy top, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning).
Step 6: Serve and Savor
- Portion and Plate: Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop generous portions onto plates. The creamy potatoes and crunchy topping pair beautifully with the melted cheese.
- Serving Ideas: Serve as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. Pair with a glass of white wine or iced tea for a balanced experience.
- Make It a Main: Turn this into a standalone dish by adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham between the layers for extra protein.
Serving Suggestion: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor, elevating the presentation for special occasions.
Tips for Success
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, which absorbs the creamy sauce. Yukon Golds can be used for a waxier, slightly firmer bite.
- Soup Swap: For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom or celery soup. For a dairy-free option, substitute with a plant-based cream soup and vegan cheese.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with Gruyère for a nutty flavor or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake when ready, adding 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Why This Recipe Shines
Grandma’s Creamy Cheesy Potato Casserole is a heartwarming tribute to family traditions, blending the simplicity of home cooking with irresistible flavors. The tender potato layers soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce, while the crunchy cornflake or cracker topping adds a delightful contrast. This dish is versatile enough for everyday meals yet special enough for holiday feasts, making it a cherished recipe that connects generations. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Variations to Try
- Loaded Potato Casserole: Add cooked bacon crumbles, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top for a baked potato vibe.
- Herb-Infused Twist: Mix 1 teaspoon of dried dill or rosemary into the sauce for an aromatic lift.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
- Vegetable Boost: Layer in thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the topping and ensure the soup is gluten-free.
Explore More Comforting Sides
If this casserole warms your heart, check out these other cozy recipes on our site:
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
- Southern-Style Green Bean Casserole
