Name: Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter; 4 green onions, chopped; 1 cup sour cream; 10 oz can cream of chicken soup; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 6 cups frozen shredded potatoes (approximately one 26oz-28oz bag); 1/2 cup butter, melted; 3 cups corn flakes, lightly crushed

There’s something so comforting about a golden, bubbling dish filled with creamy potatoes and melted cheese. This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a warm, crowd-pleasing side that’s just as perfect for holidays as it is for a cozy weeknight dinner. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes.

A close-up of a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow with a soft, cheesy texture, and the top layer is covered with golden brown crushed cornflakes, creating a crunchy and uneven surface. A black spoon scoops up a portion, showing the contrast between the crunchy top and the smooth, cheesy layer underneath. The dish is in a white rectangular baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the kind of dish you want to share — creamy, cheesy, and topped with that irresistibly crispy cornflake crust. I’ve made it countless times and it always brings smiles around the table. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving and easy to customize.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, which makes jumping into this recipe a breeze.
Comfort Food at its Best: Rich textures and cheesy goodness make it a winner for any occasion.
Crunchy Topping: The cornflake crust adds that perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes, which is something I always look forward to.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time or even freeze it, which is a total lifesaver for busy days.

A close-up of a layered cheesy casserole being scooped with a black spoon, showing a thick creamy cheese layer in the middle that is soft and gooey, topped with a crunchy golden cereal or cracker crumb layer that covers the surface in a dense uneven layer, with bits breaking off as it is lifted; the casserole is in a white dish with a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. The sharp cheddar melts perfectly into the creamy sour cream and soup base, while the cornflake topping delivers crunch without being too heavy. Here’s a quick look at what you need and why it’s great to use:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter cubes, a bunch of fresh green onions with crisp green tops and white bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl of thick creamy sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream of chicken soup, a neat pile of bright orange shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a mound of natural frozen shredded potatoes with frost lightly dusting the strands, a small white ceramic bowl of golden melted butter, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with lightly crushed golden corn flakes, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the green onions while also binding the crispy topping together.
Green Onions: They bring a subtle, fresh onion flavor that lifts the dish without overpowering it.
Sour Cream: Gives tanginess and creaminess, making the casserole luxuriously smooth.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a flavorful binder that keeps everything moist and savory.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that classic cheesy tang that I can’t resist, melting beautifully throughout.
Frozen Shredded Potatoes: A convenience factor — no peeling or shredding needed, plus they cook evenly in the casserole.
Corn Flakes: Give the topping its golden, crispy crunch without the need for breadcrumbs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This cheesy potato casserole is wonderfully versatile, and I love playing around with it depending on what’s in my fridge or what I’m craving. You can keep it classic or add a few twists to match your mood.

Variation: I sometimes add cooked bacon bits for extra smoky flavor. It’s a game changer, especially if you love a meaty twist.
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap sour cream and cheese for plant-based alternatives to suit dietary needs.
Fresh Potatoes: If you go for fresh shredded potatoes instead of frozen, just reduce the baking time a bit — it cooks up a little faster and tastes fantastic.
Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and Build Your Base

Start by melting ¼ cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped green onions. Cook them gently for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant — this little step really wakes up the flavor. Next, stir in the sour cream and canned cream of chicken soup. Keep stirring until it’s all combined and starts bubbling slightly. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until it melts into a creamy, luscious sauce.

Step 2: Toss and Layer the Potatoes

Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the frozen shredded potatoes. I like to make sure each potato shred is thoroughly coated in the cheesy sauce — it’s what makes every bite flavorful. Pour this mix into a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and smooth it out evenly.

Step 3: The Crunchy Cornflake Topping

In a separate bowl, combine crushed corn flakes with the ½ cup of melted butter. Stir well to coat the flakes. Then sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the top of your potato layer. This topping is honestly my favorite part — it bakes up golden and crispy, adding that perfect texture contrast.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You want it bubbly, hot in the center, and that topping to be beautifully golden brown. Remove it carefully and let it sit a few minutes before serving — it helps everything set and makes it easier to dish out.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe shine and avoid common pitfalls. Here’s what I recommend to get perfect results every time:

Use Sharp Cheddar: Milder cheeses won’t give you that rich, tangy flavor. Trust me, sharp cheddar is worth the extra bite!
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Cooking the green onions first brings depth to the flavor—you won't get the same brightness if you just mix them in raw.
Cornflake Crunch: Lightly crushing the corn flakes and coating them in melted butter before topping keeps them crispy and golden—not soggy.
Give it a Rest: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking makes serving cleaner and helps the dish hold its shape.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

cheesy potato casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions—adds a pop of color and a little fresh bite to balance all that richness. For a little heat, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few drizzle drops of hot sauce can be fun too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with just about anything, but I especially enjoy it alongside roasted chicken, grilled sausages, or even a fresh green salad to cut through the creaminess. It also works great as a side for holiday dinners, especially when you want a classic comfort food vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancier touch — guests love having their own cheesy, crispy portion. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top mid-bake for an ultra-gooey crown, or layer in cooked ham or veggies for a more substantial entrée-style dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always pop leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating works best in the oven to keep the topping crispy, but the microwave is fine when you’re in a hurry—just expect the crunch to soften a bit.

Freezing

I often freeze this casserole before adding the cornflake topping. When ready to bake, I add the topping, then bake until it’s heated through and bubbly—this makes for an easy, make-ahead meal for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20 minutes. Then, I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to refresh that crispy topping. This way, everything tastes freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Using freshly shredded potatoes is a great option. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess, and reduce baking time to about 30 minutes since fresh potatoes cook faster.

What if I want to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can make it vegetarian by substituting the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian or mushroom-based cream soup. Also, make sure your cheese and sour cream are vegetarian-friendly. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious!

How do I keep the cornflake topping crunchy?

The key is to lightly crush the corn flakes and coat them evenly with melted butter before spreading on top. Also, don’t add the topping too early—right before baking is best to keep that crispy texture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it without the cornflake topping. When ready to bake, just add the crunchy topping and bake as usual. This makes it perfect for meal prep or holiday cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — creamy, cheesy, and with that wonderful crispy top. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to enjoy some classic comfort food, I hope this recipe brings joy and becomes a staple in your home like it has in mine. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!