Description
Million Dollar Potato Casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with creamy, cheesy goodness that makes family gatherings memorable. Hearty potato layers melted with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon create a side dish guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups (1.4kg) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 package (8 oz / 226g) cream cheese
- 1.5 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240g) sour cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (90g) crushed buttery crackers
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sour cream until completely smooth and integrated.
- Add 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently incorporate 6 cups thawed frozen hash brown potatoes into the creamy mixture, ensuring every potato strand is evenly coated.
- Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Crush 1½ cups buttery crackers and combine with 4 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs are thoroughly moistened.
- Distribute the buttery cracker mixture across the potato casserole’s surface, creating a complete and even topping.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes hot and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
- Optional: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions over the top before serving for a fresh, colorful garnish.
Notes
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture without lumps.
- Thaw frozen hash browns completely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- For a crispy topping, crush crackers into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted butter before sprinkling.
- Customize the dish by adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or chopped green peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg