Description
This Million Dollar Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy potatoes, rich cheese, and a crispy buttery topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed) or 5 medium russet potatoes (peeled & shredded)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Crunchy Topping Options:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup bacon bits (optional)
- ½ cup French-fried onions (optional)
Garnishes (Optional):
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using fresh potatoes, peel and shred them, then soak in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the shredded potatoes or hash browns to the sauce and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Stir in bacon bits or French-fried onions, if using.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If a crispier top is desired, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions.
Notes
- For a lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- For added protein: Stir in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or ham.
- For extra crunch: Add an extra layer of shredded cheese before the topping.
- For a spicier kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Fat: 22-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Protein: 8-12g
- Cholesterol: 50-75mg