Million Dollar Potato Casserole

What if I told you that your next side dish could steal the show? This Million Dollar Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with so much flavor it just might outshine the main course! Bonus: it’s ridiculously easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:
This dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. With layers of creamy potatoes, a velvety cheese blend, and a crispy, golden topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite. It’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a little indulgence.
How to Make It
This casserole is made with love—and a lot of cheese. Here’s the rundown:
- Start with frozen hash browns. Using pre-shredded potatoes saves so much time, and they bake up perfectly in this casserole.
- Mix the creamy base. Sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar come together to create a velvety, rich sauce. Don’t forget to season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Layer it all. Toss the potatoes in the creamy mixture, spread them into a baking dish, and top with even more cheese and a buttery cracker crumb topping.
- Bake until golden. The top should be bubbling and crispy—it’s what dreams are made of!
Make Ahead Recipe Method
Got a busy day? No worries—this casserole can be made ahead of time.
- Assemble the casserole completely, but hold off on adding the cracker topping. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, sprinkle on the cracker topping and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing. A quick 15-second microwave zap works in a pinch!
- Make it extra cheesy. For the best texture, shred your cheese fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that don’t melt as well.
- If you like a little crunch, toss some crumbled bacon into the potato mixture or sprinkle it on top after baking.
- For a pop of color, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tools For This Recipe
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for this creamy casserole.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the creamy mixture and another for the topping.
- Spatula: For folding everything together without overmixing.
- Cheese grater: Freshly shredded cheese makes all the difference!

FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Shred fresh potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds a similar tangy creaminess.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip any optional bacon or meat-based toppings—it’s delicious on its own.
Million Dollar Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 32 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers like Ritz
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the hash browns to the mixture and fold gently to combine.
- Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Alternate Instructions:
- Mix sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Combine with hash browns, then layer into a baking dish.
- Top with buttered cracker crumbs and bake until golden and bubbly.