If you re looking for an easy, comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this casserole turns out creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top with that delightful Ritz cracker crunch. It’s become my go-to recipe for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy family dinner because it effortlessly satisfies a crowd.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together to create such a decadent dish. You ll find that it s not just the flavors but the textures that make it so special – the smooth, cheesy interior paired with that buttery, crisp topping. Trust me, once you try this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe, it ll be on repeat in your kitchen too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Perfect for busy weeks or big family meals with minimal prep time.
- Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: The mix of cheeses and sour cream creates the richest, smooth texture you’ll crave.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it s a holiday feast or potluck, this casserole s a guaranteed hit that almost always disappears fast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze it, and still enjoy that fresh-baked taste later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe are simple staples that work beautifully to create a creamy, flavorful dish. Look for good-quality cheddar cheese and Ritz crackers-they truly make the difference in texture and taste.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: Using frozen saves you time and keeps the potatoes tender.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: I use unsalted to control the sodium, but you can try gluten-free options if needed.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture that blends perfectly.
- Cottage cheese: It s the secret for an extra creamy consistency without being heavy.
- Sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and helps everything stay moist and smooth.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: These spices add a gentle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor and melty goodness.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed crackers create that irresistible crispy topping that everyone raves about.
- Butter: Melted butter mixed with the crackers helps form the golden crust.
Variations
I love how versatile this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe is – you can easily adjust ingredients to suit your family s tastes or dietary needs. Personally, I like to tweak it depending on what I have on hand or which flavor profile I want to emphasize.
- Add-ins: I ve tried mixing in cooked bacon or chives for extra savory notes, and my family goes crazy for those little flavor boosts.
- Dairy swaps: For a lighter version, you can swap cottage cheese for ricotta or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, gooier melt.
- Gluten-free option: Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds to keep that crisp topping without the gluten.
How to Make Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF-that way, it s ready to go once you assemble everything. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; this helps prevent sticking and keeps cleanup easy. If you like, you can also line the dish with parchment for extra insurance against sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns (no need to thaw!), cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. I recommend using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together gently until well combined. The cream cheese should be completely softened to avoid lumps in the casserole.
Step 3: Assemble and Add the Crunchy Topping
Pour the cheesy potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the potatoes. This step is what really elevates the dish-the topping melts into a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You re aiming for bubbly edges and a golden-brown cracker topping. I ve learned not to cover it while baking because the topping needs that direct heat to crisp up properly. If you notice the top browning too fast, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
- Use Unsalted Soup: I use unsalted cream of chicken soup to manage salt levels and customize seasoning myself.
- Don t Thaw the Potatoes: Mixing and baking with frozen shredded hash browns helps maintain texture and moisture.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Soften the cream cheese fully at room temperature to avoid lumps and get smooth blending.
- Watch the Topping: If your cracker topping is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil to avoid burning.
How to Serve Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. You could also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on warm casserole servings for those who want even more cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, and I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed fresh vegetables to balance the richness. During holiday dinners, it s a perfect side to all the classic mains and sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve presented this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra crackers and a tiny drizzle of melted butter for that personal touch. It s fun and feels a bit fancy without extra work-your guests will definitely notice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, I cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day servings even better.
Freezing
I ve had great success freezing this casserole either baked or unbaked. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When I m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Reheating slowly helps maintain that creamy texture without drying out or burning the cracker topping.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns in this recipe?
You can, but it will require some extra prep like shredding and possibly parboiling or drying the potatoes to avoid excess moisture. Frozen hash browns are convenient and provide consistent texture, which is why I prefer them for this casserole.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup alternative, preferably a low-sodium, creamy variety, and you ve got a delicious vegetarian-friendly version.
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How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes, and make sure to use labeled gluten-free cream of chicken soup. These simple swaps maintain the crispy topping and rich flavor without gluten.
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Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it the next day?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it ll start out cold.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe has truly earned a special place in my kitchen and heart. It s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table, effortlessly. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does – it s a comforting, reliable winner that turns everyday moments into celebrations. Trust me, once you make it, you ll be sharing it with friends and family again and again!
Print
Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish featuring shredded hash browns baked with a luscious mixture of cream cheeses, sour cream, and cheddar, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals, this casserole offers a rich and satisfying flavor with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 1 (32-oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Potato Filling: In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns, unsalted cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the potato casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- Use Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup to control the sodium content in the dish.
- Gluten-free Cream of Chicken Soup can be substituted for a gluten-free version.
- This casserole can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
- If baking from refrigerated, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- If baking from frozen, make sure to thaw completely before baking as directed.
- For a homemade alternative, try making your own cream of chicken soup using the provided recipe link.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/10th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
