Grandma’s Baked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Do you love baked cheesy potatoes? So does my grandma – and she has a secret recipe that she swears by. This baked cheesy potato casserole is the perfect comfort food for chilly winter nights. It’s cheesy, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

The holidays are my favorite time of year for a variety of reasons. The traditions, the festivities, the magic, and oh the food. I find myself wishing for more throughout the year. How unfair is it that we only get a lavish feast a few times a year?

The deep-fried turkey, the succulent honey-baked ham, the mashed potatoes, sweet marshmallow baked yams, tangy cranberry sauce, the hot spiked holiday drinks, the holiday cookies – seriously the list is endless.

But my favorite dish at the holiday meal is my grandmother Marie’s famous Baked Cheesy Potatoes. Oh my foodgasm, they are delicious. And today, I’m sharing her special recipe with you. You’re welcome.

Unfortunately, she only makes her Cheesy Potatoes once a year. :( Wouldn’t it be great if we could get more of our favorite holiday traditions? Repeat after me: “More is Better. More is Better.” What would you like more of this holiday season?

What kind of potatoes should I use?

While normally baked potato casseroles are made with fresh russet potatoes, the secret ingredient in Grandma Marie’s recipe is a bag of frozen diced hash browns. Now don’t go snubbing your noses at this little tidbit. This is pure genius.

Less work and more time to spend with the family enjoying your delicious meal. They also add a little added texture and “I can’t put my finger on it” flavor that is just plain delicious. That’s 3 wins in my book!

Baked Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

This cheesy potato casserole is always a hit at holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time, which is always a bonus when hosting a big dinner. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Bon appetit!

To make this cheesy potato casserole, you will need:

• a bag of frozen diced hash browns (with green peppers and onions, if you can find it!)
• 1 can Cream of Chicken
• 8 oz sour cream
• 8 oz mild cheddar shredded cheese
• paprika (this is optional, but it does add a nice little bit of flavor)

Now let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and allow your hash browns to defrost.

In a large bowl, mix together the frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken, and half of the shredded cheese.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, cake pan, or cast iron skillet.

Sprinkle with paprika (optional) and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the cheese crust is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve with your holiday meal or enjoy as a side dish any time of year.

Alternative Recipe Ideas

While Grandma Marie’s recipe is delicious on its own, you can definitely cater this to your family’s tastes in a variety of ways. My personal favorite alternate baked cheesy potatoes ideas are:

• Use tater tots instead of diced hash browns
• Add in some other cheeses like mozzarella, gruyere or parmesan
• Sprinkle some Panko on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispy topping
• Add in some crumbled bacon or chopped ham for a little extra flavor
• Sneak in some other veggies like onion, broccoli or diced sweet potato
• Top with chopped green onions for a little bit of color and flavor contrast
• If you like spicy, mix in about a teaspoon of cayenne

No matter how you make it, this cheesy potato casserole is sure to be a hit at your next holiday meal or any get-together So go ahead and give it a try. I can almost guarantee you’ll love it. And who knows, maybe it will become one of your new traditions too! :)

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