Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Million Dollar Potato Casserole recipe because it’s just one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whenever I bring it to family gatherings or holiday dinners, it disappears faster than I expect – and everyone always asks for the recipe! You’ll find that this dish blends creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy cracker topping in such a delightful way that it becomes an instant crowd-pleaser.

What really makes this Million Dollar Potato Casserole recipe stand out is its versatility and ease to pull together. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, this recipe works perfectly as a side dish or even a main for a casual weeknight dinner. When I first tried this, I had no idea how simple ingredients like hash browns and ricotta could come together to create such rich, velvety flavor. Trust me, you’re going to want this as a regular on your rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role in making this Million Dollar Potato Casserole recipe come together just right. From the creamy blend of cheeses to the crispy cracker topping, it all works in harmony. When shopping, try to choose freshly shredded Cheddar and quality crackers for the best texture and flavor.

• Cooking spray: Helps keep the casserole from sticking while ensuring an easy cleanup.
• Frozen diced hash brown potatoes: Thawed before mixing – they make the base hearty and comforting.
• Cream cheese: Softened for smooth blending – adds rich creaminess.
• Sour cream: Brings a tangy, luscious texture to balance the richness.
• Whole-milk ricotta cheese: Adds a light, fluffy creaminess that you might not expect but will love.
• Cream of chicken soup: Creates a deliciously moist base and depth of flavor.
• Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder: These simple seasonings lift the dish without overpowering it.
• Shredded Cheddar cheese: Provides that classic sharp, melty cheese goodness.
• Green onions: Adds freshness and a gentle bite; reserve some for garnish.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with crackers for a crunchy, buttery topping.
• Buttery round crackers (like Ritz): Coarsely crushed for a perfect crispy crust.
• Chopped fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of kick when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love to experiment a bit with this Million Dollar Potato Casserole recipe, especially when feeding different groups or wanting to mix up flavors. You can easily add your twist by swapping cheeses or throwing in some extras for texture or nutrition. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Variation: Sometimes I add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a smoky, meaty touch – my family goes crazy for that addition.
• Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup without losing any creaminess.
• Variation: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle hint of spice that wakes up the flavors.
• Variation: Use gluten-free crackers to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing that crispy topping.

How to Make Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing your 9-x-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This step is key to ensuring your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly when you serve it. I always use a non-stick spray just to be safe because a sticky casserole bottom is nobody’s favorite.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Mixture

Next, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, cream of chicken soup, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Using a whisk, mix everything until smooth and well blended. This is where the creamy magic begins, so take your time to get a nice even blend—no lumps here!

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Cheese

Fold in the thawed hash browns, shredded Cheddar, and most of the sliced green onions, saving a little for garnish. Gently mix so the potatoes don’t break down too much—you want nice chunks for texture but still fully coated in that creamy mixture.

Step 4: Spread It Out

Spoon your mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread gently to create a smooth, even layer. This will help it cook uniformly, so your edges don’t dry out while the center’s still too soft.

Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with your crushed buttery crackers until all crumbs are coated. This step is crucial because it’s the buttery coating that transforms the crackers into a golden, crispy crust. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the potato mixture so every bite gets some crunch.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until it’s bubbly at the edges and the topping is beautifully golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the center feels hot and set, and that buttery topping has developed a tantalizing crispiness. I always peek in around 50 minutes just to make sure it doesn’t overbrown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the reserved green onions, fresh parsley, and freshly ground black pepper on top for a pop of color and freshness. This finishing touch elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise—it’s my favorite part before digging in!

How to Serve Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this casserole with extra green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds that lovely fresh note after all the creamy richness. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper or even a tiny drizzle of sour cream on the side can make it extra special for guests.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic green salads to add brightness, roasted vegetables for depth, or even simple steamed broccoli if you want to keep it light. I’ve also served it alongside baked chicken or ham for hearty family meals, and it never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love preparing this casserole in individual ramekins to serve elegant single portions. Another fun idea is layering it with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or fresh herbs between the layers for festive presentation. Trust me, these little touches will wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from the Million Dollar Potato Casserole should be stored tightly covered in the fridge and eaten within 3 to 4 days. I find that storing the casserole in airtight containers keeps it fresh and prevents the cracker topping from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and covering it well with foil and plastic wrap. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through completely.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the casserole with foil so the topping doesn’t burn or dry out and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain that crispy cracker topping, which microwave reheating tends to soften.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Potato Casserole recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it manages to be both comforting and impressive without a lot of fuss. Whenever I make it, I see my family’s eyes light up with every bite—a sure sign that it’s a winner. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough, especially if you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple, hearty, and downright delicious. Warm up your oven, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a little slice of comfort food magic!

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