Can I prepare Cheesy Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the potato mixture and refrigerate it (covered) up to a day ahead. Wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking, so it stays perfectly crispy.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but it’s more time-consuming. Peel and dice them small, or shred them. Blanch in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using in the recipe.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?

No worries—any buttery cracker will do. Or improvise with cornflakes, crushed potato chips, saltines, or even panko bread crumbs for different flavors and textures. Try whatever you have; you might discover a new favorite!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free crackers or a mixture of gluten-free panko and butter for the topping. Double-check all package labels just to be sure.

Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Name: Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb. frozen diced hash brown potatoes, partially thawed; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 16 oz. sour cream; 1 can (10 oz.) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup diced onions; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of Cheesy Potatoes pulled fresh from the oven. Creamy on the inside and perfectly crisp and golden on top, this is the kind of dish that people remember—and request again and again! With almost no prep and a handful of simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe is truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying side that everyone will love. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or feeding a crowd at your next gathering, these potatoes hit the spot every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: You’ll spend just minutes mixing up the ingredients, then let the oven do the rest. No peeling, no fussing, just straightforward comfort food.
Incredible Texture: Creamy, cheesy potatoes under a crunchy, buttery cracker topping—every bite is the perfect contrast of smooth and crispy.
Pure Comfort: This is the ultimate cozy side dish for chilly nights, Sunday dinners, or just because you’re craving something extra comforting.
So Versatile: These potatoes taste fantastic alongside just about anything, making them a go-to partner for any meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: There’s never a scoop left at potlucks, holidays, or family suppers—trust me, people always ask for the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these everyday items and you’re halfway to cheesy potato bliss:

Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes: The ultimate time saver—partially thawed for easy mixing and perfect texture. Shredded hash browns will also work if that’s what you have!
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For meltiness and that classic tangy bite—personally, sharp cheddar brings the most flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a little tang that balances the richness.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes everything extra lush and helps bind the potatoes together. Feel free to use cream of mushroom or celery if keeping vegetarian.
Diced Onions: Brings a subtle bite and depth. If you want them extra soft, give them a quick sauté before mixing in.
Unsalted Butter: For buttery richness throughout the whole casserole.
Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Boosts savoriness—skip neither, they work together to round out flavor.
Salt: Because potatoes always need a generous pinch of salt.
Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers make the ultimate crispy topping.
More Butter (for topping): Melted and mixed with the crackers for that irresistible crunch.

Tip: This is a forgiving recipe—switch up the cheese, onions, or topping based on what’s in your pantry.

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.

Variations

Why stick to one version when you can make it your own?

Different Cheeses: Try jack, mozzarella, or a blend if cheddar isn’t your favorite.
Other Toppings: Swap Ritz for crushed cornflakes, panko, potato chips, or even French fried onions for a fun crunch.
Add Protein: Stir in diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or cooked chicken to turn this side dish into a hearty main.
Vegetarian Version: Use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken.
Spicy: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne if you like some heat.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for color and nutrition.

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes

It’s honestly as simple as it gets—here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. That’s pretty much the hardest part.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and every bit is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Spread and Bake

Spread the potato mixture evenly into your prepared dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

While the potatoes are baking, crush the Ritz crackers (I like to do this in a zip-top bag) and mix with the melted butter until the crumbs are nicely coated.

Step 5: Top and Finish Baking

Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the baked potatoes. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes—or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Let it cool just a few minutes (if you can wait!), then scoop up and savor every creamy, cheesy, crispy bite.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Partially thawed potatoes mix more easily and bake evenly; if they’re rock-hard, leave them on the counter for 15–20 minutes first.
Sharp cheddar provides the best cheesy flavor—mild or pre-shredded cheese will work, but freshly shredded melts better.
Sauté your onions: briefly if you want them sweet and tender rather than sharp.
Crush crackers coarsely: for a topping with more crunch, or finely for a delicate crust—your choice.
Let the casserole rest: for a few minutes after baking, so it’s easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve

Cheesy Potatoes can steal the show, but they truly shine as a side dish with a little something extra. Pair them with your favorite protein—roast chicken, grilled steak, or juicy pork chops. I particularly love them alongside ham for a classic holiday vibe. If you’re going all in for comfort food, serve with a crisp salad or steaming green beans to balance the richness.

For potlucks and brunches, Cheesy Potatoes fit right in next to eggs, sausages, and fruit salads—trust me, everyone will come back for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully and are just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

Absolutely freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking—just hold off on adding the crushed cracker topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Reheating

For crispest results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through. A microwave does the job, too, if you’re short on time—just note the topping won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Can I prepare Cheesy Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the potato mixture and refrigerate it (covered) up to a day ahead. Wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking, so it stays perfectly crispy.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but it’s more time-consuming. Peel and dice them small, or shred them. Blanch in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using in the recipe.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?

No worries—any buttery cracker will do. Or improvise with cornflakes, crushed potato chips, saltines, or even panko bread crumbs for different flavors and textures. Try whatever you have; you might discover a new favorite!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free crackers or a mixture of gluten-free panko and butter for the topping. Double-check all package labels just to be sure.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Potatoes are proof that a few humble ingredients can transform into something truly unforgettable. They’re creamy, comforting, and full of flavor with just enough crunchy topping to keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, always-delicious dish that earns rave reviews—give this recipe a try. You just might find yourself making it again and again!