Description

This Rich & Creamy Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Featuring tender hash browns mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar, all topped with a buttery cracker crust, this casserole bakes to golden perfection delivering a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy experience in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

6 cups (1.4kg) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 package (8 oz / 226g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (240g) sour cream
1½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping

1½ cups (90g) crushed buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz)
4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted

Garnish (Optional)

2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Create the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and homogenous, creating the base for the casserole.
Add Flavorings and Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the cream cheese mixture. Mix well to evenly distribute all seasonings and cheese.
Incorporate Potatoes: Gently fold the thawed diced hash browns into the creamy mixture until the potatoes are fully coated with the cheese and seasoning blend, ensuring even flavor throughout.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the potato and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
Prepare and Add Topping: Combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the surface of the casserole to add a crunchy, golden crust.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the top as a fresh and colorful garnish, if desired.

Notes

Thaw the frozen hash browns fully and drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor, but mild cheddar can also be substituted.
Buttery crackers like Ritz add the best flavor and texture for the topping; alternatives can be used but may alter the taste.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake it just before serving.