The Best 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole for Holidays and Potlucks
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My 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole checks all the boxes: simple, comforting, and downright delicious. If you’re a busy mom scrambling to throw together a weeknight dinner, hosting a big holiday meal, or needing a dish for a potluck, this recipe is here for you. With only five affordable, store-bought ingredients and one casserole dish, you can whip this up with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
So grab your casserole dish and preheat the oven—it’s time to dig into some cheesy, buttery perfection.
Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole
Let’s talk about the simple, no-fuss ingredients that make this casserole a hit. Each plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and golden goodness.
Frozen Hashbrowns or Diced Potatoes
Your potatoes are the backbone of this dish. I like to use frozen hashbrowns (either shredded or diced) because they’re a massive time saver. There’s no peeling, chopping, or boiling; just open the bag, and you’re good to go. I used this kind:
If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, feel free! Just peel and dice them into small, bite-sized cubes, then parboil them for about 5-6 minutes so they’re partially cooked. Whatever option you choose, drain any excess water from frozen potatoes or cooked fresh ones. No one likes a soggy casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is the star of the show here. It melts beautifully, giving the casserole that gooey, cheesy texture we all love. I usually stick with sharp cheddar because it adds a rich, bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up!
Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack all work great for variety. Just make sure to reserve some cheese for sprinkling on top—you’ll thank me later when you see that golden crust.
Cream of Chicken Soup
This is the not-so-secret ingredient that ties everything together. Cream of chicken soup adds a silky texture and a savory depth of flavor. It works as the glue for the casserole, giving every bite that comforting, creamy consistency.
Need an alternative? Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work just as well. For a vegetarian option, swap for a plant-based creamy soup that suits your dietary needs.
French Onion Dip
French onion dip might sound unexpected as an ingredient, but trust me on this. It adds a tangy kick and rich creaminess that takes the casserole to the next level. Plus, it’s way easier than mixing sour cream and onion seasoning separately.
If you’re feeling adventurous, ranch dip is a fun substitute that will give the dish a new flavor twist.
Butter
A little melted butter goes a long way in adding richness to your casserole. It helps everything bake up beautifully and ensures the top gets golden and slightly crispy. Butter also keeps the casserole from drying out in the oven, so don’t skimp on this one.
How to Make 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ready to assemble your new go-to dish? This casserole is as simple as mixing, spreading, and baking. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticky disasters.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, French onion dip, and half of the melted butter. Stir everything together until it’s evenly coated. Don’t worry if it looks messy; it’ll all come together as it bakes.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Pan
Dump the potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out in an even layer. I recommend using a spatula to smooth it out so it cooks consistently throughout.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and bake, covered with foil, for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell ah-mazing by this point.
Step 5: Let it Rest Before Serving
I know it’s tempting, but let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and prevents it from falling apart or being too watery. Patience, friends—it’s worth it!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole
Even a simple recipe can use a little finesse to make it extra special.
How to Prevent a Watery Casserole
Watery casseroles are a bummer, but they’re totally avoidable. If you’re using frozen potatoes, make sure they’re thawed and drained before mixing them into the casserole. Removing excess moisture is key. Use a colander to drain the water.
Adding Toppings for Extra Flavor
Want to jazz this up? Sprinkle crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) mixed with melted butter on top for a crunchy finish. You could even add crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a dash of paprika to elevate the flavors.
Adjusting for Dietary Preferences
If you’re making this for a vegetarian crowd, swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom, and double-check your other ingredients for hidden animal products. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream soup and crackers for the topping.
Serving Suggestions for 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole
This casserole is super versatile, so you can serve it for pretty much any occasion.
Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings
This dish is a potluck hero. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family reunions when you need a reliable side that feeds a crowd. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe.
If you are looking for another great holiday side dish, check out my no-fail Carrot Soufflé recipe.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
Are you thinking of this as a main dish? Pair it with some roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad for balance. It’s also excellent for a hearty meal alongside grilled chicken or steak.
5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole
This 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 Bag of Diced Hash Brown Potatoes (32 oz.)
- 1 Can of Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup (10.5 oz.)
- 1 Jar of French Onion Dip (15 oz.)
- 1/2 Cup of Melted Butter (divided)
- 2 Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping)
- Optional: Crushed Cracker Topping (Approximately 12 crackers) w/ 1/4 Cup of Melted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350º F.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Allow potatoes to slightly thaw and drain excess water in a colander.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Add potatoes and mix thoroughly.
- Place the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Evenly add remaining shredded cheese to the top of the casserole.
- Add optional crushed cracker topping (Ritz, Saltines, or Club) mixed with melted butter to the top of the cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil for 45 min. and remove foil for the last 5 min. of baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 min. before serving.
Notes
For a fun twist on a classic recipe, substitute the French Onion Dip for Ranch Chip Dip instead!
Let’s Make Some Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please, this 5-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole is it. The prep is minimal, the ingredients are simple, and the end result is nothing short of magical.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Drop a comment and let me know if you try any fun twists, or share it with someone who’d love a little extra comfort food in their life. Happy cooking!
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