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

Description

Delicious, creamy, and cheesy potatoes made with hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Potato Mixture

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
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt

Topping

2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside to prepare for baking.
Combine Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the partially thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Add to Baking Dish
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform baking.
Bake Base Layer
Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until it is heated through and starting to bubble at the edges.
Prepare Topping
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until the crackers are evenly coated.
Add Topping and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the potatoes. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
Serve
Allow the cheesy potatoes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute shredded hash browns for diced if preferred.
For softer onions, sauté them in a pan with a tablespoon of oil for about 5 minutes before adding to the mixture.
Experiment with alternative toppings such as cornflakes, saltines, potato chips, or French fried onions for different textures and flavors.
Best served fresh, but reheating in the oven or toaster oven helps maintain the topping’s crispness. Microwave is an option for convenience.
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 385
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 62mg