If you’re hunting for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe is about to become your new secret weapon. This luscious casserole is loaded with tender, shredded hash browns swimming in a creamy mix of cheeses and sour cream, crowned with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping that brings the perfect contrast of textures. It’s so comforting and simple to make, yet it tastes like a gourmet treat that will quickly rise to the top of your favorites list at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in crafting those indulgent layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole so irresistible. Nothing is fancy or complicated, which is the beauty of this dish — it’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements coming together effortlessly.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The base of the casserole, providing that soft potato texture that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a rich, savory binder that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a velvety smooth texture and tangy richness to the potato mixture.
- Cottage cheese: Brings extra creaminess and a light tang, helping to balance out the flavors.
- Sour cream: Boosts the overall tang and creaminess, ensuring every bite feels luscious.
- Onion powder: A subtle punch of savory flavor that elevates the dish without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Adds a depth of flavor that ties everything together warmly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, infusing the casserole with sharpness and gooeyness.
- Ritz crackers, crushed: Creates that signature buttery, crisp topping that makes this a million-dollar dish.
- Butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping and adds richness and crunch after baking.
How to Make Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375ºF so it’s ready for baking the casserole. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple step sets the stage for everything else.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Potato Filling
In a large bowl, toss together your frozen shredded hash browns, the unsalted cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, plus the garlic and onion powders. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese last so it’s evenly distributed but not overly melty yet. This mixture is where the magic happens — creamy, well-seasoned, and packed with cheesy flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your creamy potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then, combine your crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter to create that irresistible topping. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture generously over the top of the potato layer. This crunchy crust is what turns a simple potato casserole into a million-dollar masterpiece.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for the cheesy filling to bubble gently and the Ritz cracker topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma wafting from your oven will be unmistakable, and that first forkful will be more than worth the wait.
How to Serve Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole shines all on its own, but adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions right before serving can bring a pop of color and fresh bite that complements the richness beautifully. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also be a lovely touch for those who want extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
The Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken and glazed ham to grilled steak or pork chops. For lighter meals, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or potluck, bake this casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes to create elegant personal servings. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass dish for a fun, visible contrast between creamy potatoes and crunchy topping that’s sure to impress guests visually before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers without losing the creamy, comforting texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this potato casserole if you want to prepare it well in advance. Freeze it after assembling (before baking) in a tightly sealed container or wrapped dish, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe by covering with foil and warming in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The foil helps keep the topping from burning while the inside gets warmed nicely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can be shredded and used, frozen hash browns offer convenience and help maintain the perfect texture since they’re partially cooked and less likely to release excess water during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or another vegetarian-friendly cream soup, and you’ll still get that creamy, comforting casserole.
Can I substitute the Ritz crackers topping?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers give a buttery crunch, you can use crushed buttery bread crumbs or panko mixed with melted butter for a similar texture and deliciousness.
What cheeses work best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar provides great flavor, but you could also experiment with Monterey Jack or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, melty result.
How do I make the casserole less rich?
Using low-fat versions of cottage cheese and sour cream can lighten the dish slightly without compromising too much on the creamy texture that makes this recipe so beloved.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying, show-stopping side dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a comforting bite, this casserole promises to become one of your all-time favorites. Give it a try and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!
Print
Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a rich and creamy baked side dish featuring shredded hash browns combined with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, this comforting casserole is bubbly, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix the casserole base: 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. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer and prepare topping: Pour the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Sprinkle topping and bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the top of the potato mixture. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crisp.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Adding chopped green onions or bacon bits can enhance flavor.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess water in the casserole.
