Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe because it s pure comfort food magic. It s that creamy, cheesy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it s perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or just a cozy weeknight treat. You ll find that the combination of cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese gives it this luscious texture that s both rich and light all at once.

When I first tried this casserole, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create something so special. What makes this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe really stand out is the buttery Ritz cracker topping – it adds this incredible crunch that everyone raves about. It s a recipe you can make ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when you want to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe plays a key role, from the tender hash browns to the tangy sour cream that keeps it moist and flavorful. When shopping, look for quality cream cheese and fresh shredded cheddar for the best results.

• Frozen shredded hash browns: Using frozen saves time and gives the perfect texture without excess moisture.
• Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: I prefer unsalted to control the sodium; it blends everything into a velvety base.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, making every bite luscious.
• Cottage cheese: Brings a nice tang and adds moisture without heaviness.
• Sour cream: Gives a subtle zing and keeps the casserole moist.
• Onion powder: Adds a mild depth of flavor without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: For a gentle savory kick that complements the cheese.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: I always go for sharp cheddar to pack in bold cheesy flavor.
• Ritz crackers: Crushing these gives that crispy, buttery topping everyone loves.
• Butter: Melted and mixed with crackers to create that perfect crunchy crust.

Variations

I love to riff on this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe depending on the season or what s in my fridge. Adding in some cooked bacon or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt are tweaks I ve tried with great success.

• Bacon: Crispy bits stirred in or sprinkled on top really take it over the top – my family goes crazy for this addition.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to keep it safe for everyone.
• Veggie Boost: Fold in some sautéed onions or chopped green chiles for an added flavor dimension.
• Cheese Swap: Try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheesy twist I like experimenting with.

How to Make Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking without adding extra fat. I always double-check that my oven rack is in the middle position, so the casserole cooks evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Potato Base

In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns (no need to thaw!), cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. I like to stir with a sturdy spoon, making sure the cream cheese is fully blended so you don t get lumps. This step locks in all that richness and flavor.

Step 3: Transfer and Top

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle that golden topping generously over the casserole. This buttery crunch is what makes it truly million dollar.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is a gorgeous golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through to avoid burning. When you see the edges bubbling and the top crispy, you ll know it s ready to come out.

How to Serve Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions right before serving – they add a pop of color and a mild bite that balances the richness. Sometimes a little extra shredded cheddar on top hot out of the oven is a nice touch too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted carrots. It also holds its own next to grilled chicken or a juicy steak when you want a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I ve served this Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive look. Another fun idea is to layer it in a trifle dish for a casual buffet-style presentation that impresses guests without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, I cover loosely with foil in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out, and it still tastes fresh like new.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I recommend freezing before baking-just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers into a 350ºF oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the topping from getting too hard while making sure the inside stays creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I always turn to when I want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss. It s creamy, cheesy, and topped with that addicting crunchy layer that really elevates it beyond just another potato dish. I truly hope you give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen – your family will thank you!

Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 110 reviews

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made with shredded hash browns, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, this casserole combines rich flavors and a crispy topping that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Potato Mixture

• 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
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large mixing 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.
3. Prepare the casserole dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are fully coated.
5. Add the topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the potato mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a hearty side dish or a comforting main course.

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Notes

• Use Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup to better control the sodium content of the dish.
• You can find bulk quantities of unsalted cream of chicken soup via online retailers for convenience.
• Gluten-free cream of chicken soup options are available if needed for dietary restrictions.
• There are homemade cream of chicken soup recipes available if you prefer to avoid canned soup.
• This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
• If baking after refrigeration, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• When baking after freezing, ensure the casserole is fully thawed before baking.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/10th of casserole (~180g)
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg