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
Scale
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.
