Few dishes live up to their name quite like this one. The Million Dollar Potato Casserole is everything you crave in comfort food — rich, creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a crunchy golden topping. It’s the kind of dish that disappears first at potlucks, makes a regular appearance at holiday dinners, and instantly upgrades any weekday meal.
This recipe takes simple, budget-friendly ingredients like diced potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup and transforms them into something that feels indulgent and absolutely satisfying. Add a buttery cornflake topping, and you’ve got a casserole that’s worthy of the name “million dollar.”
Table of Contents
Ingredients
1 bag (28–30 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups crushed cornflakes (or crushed potato chips)
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully mixed and creamy. Add the thawed diced potatoes and stir gently to coat them with the creamy mixture.
Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so the casserole can set slightly.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 380 kcal
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Protein: 9 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Tips for Success
Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed before mixing; excess moisture can make the casserole runny. You can prep the entire dish the night before and refrigerate it, then just top and bake when ready. For extra richness, stir in a half block of softened cream cheese. And if you like spice, a pinch of cayenne or chopped green chilies can give it a little kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled chicken, or let it shine as the centerpiece for a cozy meatless dinner with a crisp green salad. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any potluck where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Cultural Insight: Southern Comfort on a Plate
The million dollar potato casserole has deep roots in American Southern comfort food traditions. It’s an evolution of classic hash brown casseroles often seen at church gatherings, Sunday suppers, and family reunions. What sets this version apart is its ultra-creamy base and crunchy topping — a texture and flavor combination beloved across Southern kitchens.
Variations
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack if you like spice, or add cooked, crumbled bacon to the mix for extra savory goodness. Instead of cornflakes, try crushed Ritz crackers or buttery panko crumbs for a different crunch. You can even use homemade roasted potatoes in place of frozen hash browns if you’re feeling ambitious.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, just peel and dice about 4 medium potatoes and parboil them for 10 minutes before mixing with the sauce.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to the topping step, then cover tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, top, and bake as directed.
Can I use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead of chicken?
Definitely — either works great if you prefer a vegetarian version or just like different flavors.
External Links
Why Southern Casseroles Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
Homemade Cream of Chicken Substitute Recipe
Best Cheeses for Melting in Casseroles
Tips for Perfect Hash Brown-Based Dishes
Million Dollar Potato Casserole : Creamy & Pleasing
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
Few dishes live up to their name quite like this one. The Million Dollar Potato Casserole is everything you crave in comfort food — rich, creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a crunchy golden topping.
Ingredients
1 bag (28–30 oz) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups crushed cornflakes (or crushed potato chips)
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully mixed and creamy. Add the thawed diced potatoes and stir gently to coat them with the creamy mixture.
Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so the casserole can set slightly.
Notes
Make sure your hash browns are completely thawed before mixing; excess moisture can make the casserole runny. You can prep the entire dish the night before and refrigerate it, then just top and bake when ready. For extra richness, stir in a half block of softened cream cheese. And if you like spice, a pinch of cayenne or chopped green chilies can give it a little kick.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8–10 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 9 g
Keywords: Million Dollar Potato Casserole
