Irresistible Party Potatoes Recipe | Cheesy & Crunchy
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s equal parts cheesy, crunchy, and comforting? My Party Potatoes Recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite at gatherings, from holiday dinners to casual Sunday dinner spreads. This cheesy potato casserole has earned its place as the ultimate comfort food for a reason. Discover this delicious recipe that’s perfect for any special occasion.
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A Personal Connection to Party Potatoes
Years ago, my best friend introduced me to what she called “funeral potatoes recipe.” It was a strange name, but one bite in, I was hooked! It became a staple for our family gatherings, a dish that felt like an old friend returning with every spoonful. Whether it’s a holiday meal, a lazy Sunday, or even a potluck at church, this recipe delivers the nostalgic cheesy goodness we all crave.
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Why This Party Potatoes Recipe is Special
- Simple Ingredients: The dish requires pantry staples and can be made with frozen hash browns or real potatoes, depending on your preference.
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole Twist: It combines all the flavors of cheesy hashbrowns with the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes.
- Versatility: This recipe can easily transition between a main dish and a side dish and has a vegan option for plant-based eaters.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potato Mixture:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded for convenience)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 2 cups corn flakes or potato chips (crushed into small pieces)
- ¼ cup melted butter
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Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Casserole dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Plastic wrap (for prepping ahead of time)
- Aluminum foil (optional, to cover during baking)
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Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Mix the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper). Fold in the sharp cheddar cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spray your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the potato mixture, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes (or potato chips) with melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cornflakes topping over the casserole for that irresistible crunch.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. For a softer topping, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking time, then uncover for the last 15 minutes.
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Nutritional Content Table
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of Dish) |
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 590mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 8g |
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Serving Size and Storage Tips
Serves: 8 people
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
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Vegan Option for Party Potatoes Recipe
- Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version.
- Use plant-based sour cream and vegan shredded cheese.
- Swap butter with vegan butter.
Follow the same steps, and you’ve got a plant-based version that tastes just as indulgent!
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Gluten-Free Option for Party Potatoes Recipe
The classic Party Potatoes Recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to the use of ingredients like cornflakes (which may contain gluten) and cream soups (such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery) that often contain wheat-based thickeners. However, you can easily make the recipe gluten-free with a few simple substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Cornflakes: Use a certified gluten-free brand of cornflakes for the crunchy topping.
- Gluten-Free Cream Soups: Replace regular cream of mushroom or celery soup with gluten-free versions, available at most grocery stores or online.
- Check Labels: Ensure all other ingredients, such as frozen hash browns and pre-shredded cheese, are gluten-free.
With these changes, the recipe becomes gluten-free and just as delicious!
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Tips for Success
- Planning for a Holiday Meal? Prep the dish the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day.
- Short on Oven Space? Use a slow cooker instead. Layer the potato mixture and topping in the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try bread crumbs, cheesy hash browns, or even crumbled bacon for a twist.
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Fun Variations
- Mexican Recipes Twist: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and a mix of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole: Mash the brown potatoes instead of using hash browns for a smoother texture.
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Explore Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Party Potatoes Recipe is more than just food—it’s a ticket to warm memories, filled bellies, and happy faces. Whether you’re making it for Christmas dinner, a potluck, or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to earn rave reviews. Its cheesy goodness and crunchy topping are irresistible, proving that some things are meant to be shared again and again.
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FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cornflake topping and ensure the soup and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Peel and shred brown potatoes for a fresh, homemade feel.
4. Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover with aluminum foil, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 15 minutes to the cooking time.
5. Can I substitute the cheese in the recipe?
Of course! Use sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of your favorite kinds of cheese.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this irresistible Party Potatoes Recipe, and let the compliments roll in!
Printable Recipe Card
Irresistible Party Potatoes Recipe | Cheesy & Crunchy
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Casserole dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Plastic wrap (for prepping ahead of time)
- Aluminum foil (optional, to cover during baking)
Ingredients
For the Potato Mixture:
- 1 bag 30 oz frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese pre-shredded for convenience
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- ½ cup cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 2 cups corn flakes or potato chips crushed into small pieces
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Mix the Potato Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper). Fold in the sharp cheddar cheese to create a rich, creamy sauce.
Assemble the Casserole
- Spray your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the potato mixture, spreading it evenly.
Add the Crunchy Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes (or potato chips) with melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cornflakes topping over the casserole for that irresistible crunch.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. For a softer topping, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking time, then uncover for the last 15 minutes.
Notes
- Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version.
- Use plant-based sour cream and vegan shredded cheese.
- Swap butter with vegan butter.
- Planning for a Holiday Meal? Prep the dish the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day.
- Short on Oven Space? Use a slow cooker instead. Layer the potato mixture and topping in the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try bread crumbs, cheesy hash browns, or even crumbled bacon for a twist.
