If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug and always steals the show at gatherings, this Party Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, cheesy, crispy-on-top hashbrown casserole that combines simple ingredients into a comforting crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it as a side for Sunday dinner, or just treating your family to an extra-special meal, these party potatoes deliver rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of gooey, crispy, and savory elements in your Party Potatoes Recipe. From the shredded hash browns that form the hearty base to the crunchy topping that adds memorable texture, everything works together like a dream.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 ounces): Thaw them fully for a creamy, tender potato base that holds all the flavors.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Adds tangy richness and helps keep everything moist and luscious.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Gives the dish that signature creamy, comforting body.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts throughout with bold flavor and helps create that irresistible cheesiness.
- Chopped green onions (½ cup, optional): A fresh, mild bite that brightens and balances the richness.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup total, melted): Divided for the interior mix and crunchy topping, infusing silky richness and golden crispness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs (2 cups): Create the signature crispy, buttery topping that makes this recipe unforgettable.
How to Make Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your party potatoes bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze. Meanwhile, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed to mix smoothly with the creamy base.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ½ cup melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This mixture will serve as the flavorful glue that holds the entire casserole together.
Step 3: Stir in Cheese, Onions, and Potatoes
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and optional green onions to the creamy base, then fold in your thawed hash browns. Mixing everything until just combined ensures every bite has that perfect blend of creamy and cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Spread in the Baking Dish
Transfer the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. A smooth, even layer helps the casserole cook uniformly and develop that golden crust you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a smaller bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs with the remaining ¼ cup melted butter. Then sprinkle this buttery, crispy topping evenly over the potato mixture. This layer will bake up crisp and golden, giving your party potatoes that crave-worthy texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a golden, crispy topping. Let it cool just a few minutes after baking to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish is fantastic on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that livens up each bite. A small dollop of sour cream on top can also enhance the creamy factor, especially for guests who love extra tang.
Side Dishes
Party potatoes make an excellent side alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetable main dish. Their rich, cheesy flavor pairs beautifully with crisp salads or steamed green veggies that help balance the meal’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the party potatoes in individual ramekins for personal servings or bring the casserole to your event in a nice baking dish lined with fresh herbs around the edges. You can also add cooked bacon or diced bell peppers inside before baking for an extra flavor punch that surprises your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover party potatoes tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, where the flavors will continue to meld and taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing cooked leftovers, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month to maintain freshness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top again. Microwaving is quicker but may sacrifice the signature crunch, so if you want to preserve texture, the oven method is your best bet.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh shredded potatoes can work, frozen hash browns save a lot of prep time and provide a consistent texture. If using fresh, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to keep the dish vegetarian without losing that luscious creaminess.
Can I lighten up the recipe somehow?
Yes, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while keeping the tangy flavor. Also, consider using reduced-fat cheese to make this dish a bit lighter.
What can I do to make the topping extra crispy?
Mixing the crushed cornflakes or cracker crumbs with melted butter is key for crispiness. For an even crunchier finish, you might broil for the last 2 minutes of baking carefully watching to prevent burning.
Can I add other ingredients to the Party Potatoes Recipe?
Definitely! Many like to add cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Party Potatoes Recipe is truly a dependable crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of cheesy magic to any meal or celebration. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to recipe for so many. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some memories around the dinner table!
Print
Party Potatoes 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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Party Potatoes is a classic American cheesy hashbrown casserole perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. Made with shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, cheddar cheese, and a crispy buttery topping, this dish is creamy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s easy to prepare ahead and bake to bubbly golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, ½ cup melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well until smooth and uniform.
- Add cheese and onions: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped green onions if using, distributing evenly throughout the mixture for flavor and texture.
- Combine hash browns: Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the bowl and fold everything together gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Spread mixture: Evenly spread the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top for an even bake.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs with the remaining ¼ cup melted butter until the crumbs are coated and clumpy.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the buttery crumb topping evenly over the potato mixture, then bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish and add a slightly tangy flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
- This casserole is a great make-ahead option: assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- You can use crushed buttery crackers instead of cornflakes for a richer topping texture.
