This Easy Potato Casserole makes a great side dish for a holiday feast or works as a delicious and hearty way to use up holiday leftovers.
Are you in the mood for something comforting, creamy, and downright delicious? Say hello to my Easy Potato Casserole.
It’s a blend of tender russet potatoes, creamy sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon that’s oven-baked to golden-brown perfection.
Trust me, this casserole is the perfect side dish (or main dish, we don’t judge!) for family dinners, holiday meals, and even funeral luncheons.
This Easy Potato Casserole is not just another potato dish; it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year.
Next time you need a dish that screams “homey goodness,” you know what to whip up. Plus, feel free to print out the full printable recipe card so you’ll have it handy for the next dinner party or holiday meal.
I’m so thrilled to be able to share this family-favorite recipe with you! If you give it a try, please let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear how much you loved this cheesy, creamy, oh-so-delicious potato casserole!
Common Questions About Easy Potato Casserole
Can I Use Hash Browns Instead of Russet Potatoes?
You bet! While I love the texture of real potatoes, hash browns work great too. Just make sure they’re thawed to room temperature first.
Keep in mind that this will change the texture of the dish. Feel free to experiment with what you like, though!
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
Cream cheese or even Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream if you’re in a pinch. I personally love to use plain Greek yogurt for this. The flavor and texture are super similar to sour cream.
Can I Add More Protein to Make It a Main Dish?
Absolutely! Fold in some ground beef or leftover ham before baking, and you’ve got yourself a hearty main dish. Or you could just add more bacon! I mean, everything is better with more bacon, right?
Storage
These potatoes are one of my favorites for leftovers! Take them out and heat them up a day or two later. They’ll be just as good as the day you made them, if not better!
Refrigerator
Cover your unbaked or baked casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well for 3-4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the unbaked casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Tips
There is a reason these are often made for funerals and the like. They’re really easy and they pack a great flavor. Plus, they’ll fill you up! They tick all the boxes, haha.
- Wait till your potatoes have cooled a bit before you scoop them out. Don’t burn your fingers!.
- For a creamier version with even more flavor, try adding a splash of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup.
- Use nonstick cooking spray on your casserole dish for easier serving and cleanup.
- Feel free to adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste.
Ingredients
Nothing fancy is needed here. Chances are, you’ll have all these ingredients on hand in your kitchen. They come together to make a mouth-watering, hearty dish that the whole family will love.
- Russet Potatoes
- Salted Butter
- Sour Cream
- Milk
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Bacon Strips
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Green Onions
How to Make Easy Potato Casserole
This is really simple, guys. I love creating dishes like this. Make sure to get the kids in on the prep and baking. It’s a great one for helping them to practice their cooking skills!
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the cooked potatoes in half and scoop out the insides, placing the flesh in a large bowl.
- With a pastry blender, cut the butter into the potatoes until evenly blended.
- Stir the sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper into the potatoes.
- Fold in the bacon, reserving about ¼ cup for the topping. Also, fold in 1 cup of the cheese and half of the green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Add the remaining green onions to the top.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Easy Potato Casserole
Blend all the ingredients in the bowl and then move it all to the casserole dish. Did you know that in Minnesota, they call a casserole a hot dish? No joke. Look it up!
- Large Bowl
- 9×13 Casserole Dish
- Pastry Blender or Fork
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
What to Serve With Easy Potato Casserole
I love having this as a side to our pot roast that we do a couple of times per month. A honey-baked ham also goes really well with it. The sweetness of the ham really balances out the creaminess of the potatoes!
- Grilled Chicken or Steak for a balanced meal.
- A simple green salad to add some freshness.
- As a holiday side dish next to your turkey or ham.
Why You Should Make Easy Potato Casserole
Everyone needs a recipe like this one in their collection. Need to fill up a crowd? It’s the perfect option. Those starchy potatoes really go a long way. Couple that with the sour cream and cheese. It’s a hearty one!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
- Versatile: Easily add in proteins or switch up the cheeses to make it your own.
- Easy Recipe: Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Total Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and just downright delicious!
Variations and Add-Ins for Easy Potato Casserole
I love having something crunchy on top of these potatoes. Ritz crackers are a classic for that. You could also use some crunchy noodles! Feel free to experiment on your own!
- Garlic Fan: Add garlic powder or garlic salt for more flavor.
- Cheese Lover: Mix in some mozzarella or Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or paprika.
- Crispy Topping: Before baking, top with corn flakes or Ritz crackers for a crunchy twist.
If you love this easy casserole recipe, you’re going to love these other comfort foods too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Casseroles
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Easy Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 medium russet potatoes baked until soft
- ½ cup salted butter cut into pats
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup milk
- salt and black pepper to taste
- ¾ pounds bacon crumbled and divided (about 10 strips of cooked)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided -shredded
- ¼ cup green onions sliced – divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the cooked potatoes in half and scoop out the insides, placing the flesh in a large bowl.
- With a pastry blender, cut the butter into the potatoes until evenly blended.
- Stir the sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper into the potatoes.
- Fold in the bacon, reserving about ¼ cup for the topping. Also, fold in 1 cup of the cheese and half of the green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Add the remaining green onions to the top.
Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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