Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a rich and creamy comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. With layers of tender potatoes, cheesy goodness, and savory seasonings, it’s sure to become a favorite side.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat all the potato slices evenly.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
7. Step 7: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Step 8: Remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Step 9: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
11. Step 11: Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding cooked and crumbled bacon or diced green onions into the mixture before baking.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• Make it ahead: prepare the casserole up to step 6, refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?

Fresh potatoes work best for this recipe to ensure the right texture and moisture level. Using frozen potatoes may result in excess water and a different consistency.

Is this casserole suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, Million Dollar Potato Casserole is vegetarian-friendly unless you add meat toppings like bacon. Just be sure your cheeses are vegetarian if you want to follow strict vegetarian guidelines.

Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes blended with a luscious mixture of butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Creamy Mixture

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cheese & Garnish

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix creamy base: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine potatoes: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss to ensure all potato slices are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Add cheese to mixture: Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the potato and cream mixture.
5. Arrange in baking dish: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
6. Cover with foil: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
7. Initial baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Add cheese topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Final baking: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
10. Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
11. Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Notes

• Use thinly sliced potatoes to ensure even cooking and tender results.
• The dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
• Substitute sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor if desired.
• For a dairy-free version, try using suitable cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: potato casserole, creamy potato bake, cheesy potato casserole, comfort food, side dish, baked potatoes