Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a luscious cream cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole will quickly become a favorite on your table.

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

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or Russets for a fluffier result.
• For extra flavor, stir in cooked and crumbled bacon before baking.
• Swap cheddar cheese for a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
• To save time, slice your potatoes thinly using a mandoline.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a slightly tangier flavor, though the texture will be less creamy.

Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 128 reviews

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered in a luscious mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. This comforting casserole is flavored with garlic and onion powders and topped with melted golden cheddar cheese and fresh chives, making it the perfect indulgent side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese 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
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the casserole does not stick.
2. Make cheese mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine potatoes and mixture: Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently, making sure every slice is evenly coated.
4. Add cheese: Stir in 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the potato mixture to distribute the cheese flavor throughout.
5. Assemble casserole: Pour the potato and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Add topping cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes to set for easier serving.
10. Garnish: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.

Notes

• Use peeled and thinly sliced potatoes for even cooking and creamy texture.
• Covering the dish during the initial baking helps the potatoes steam and become tender.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
• Fresh chives add color and a subtle onion note but can be omitted if unavailable.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese.

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