Cheesy Party Potatoes Everyone Will Fight Over

If there’s one side dish that always gets devoured first at any gathering, it’s Party Potatoes. Also known as cheesy potato casserole, funeral potatoes, or hash brown bake—whatever name you know them by—these rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy potatoes are truly the ultimate comfort food for a crowd. Perfectly golden and topped with a buttery crunch, this dish strikes the ideal balance between creamy and crispy.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a holiday dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, Party Potatoes are always a win. They’re hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple at events large and small.

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Why You’ll Love These Crowd-Pleasing Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes combine all the best things about a baked casserole: a creamy, cheesy interior with a perfectly crispy top layer. They’re simple to make, require minimal prep, and are practically impossible to mess up. One of the best parts? You can prepare them ahead of time, making them ideal for busy holidays or entertaining.

They’re also versatile—you can mix in different cheeses, switch up the topping, or add extra ingredients like green onions or diced bell peppers for a little kick. And because they use frozen hash browns, there’s no peeling or boiling required. Convenience meets comfort in the most delicious way possible.

If you’re a fan of warm, cheesy recipes, you’ll also enjoy our cheesy garlic butter rollups and comforting barbecue ribs.

Perfect For Every Occasion: Who These Potatoes Are For

Party Potatoes are for everyone—from beginner cooks to seasoned home chefs. This recipe is especially perfect for:

• Holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
• Potlucks, church suppers, and backyard BBQs
• Brunch buffets and family reunions
• Busy weeknights when you need a hearty side
• Anyone who loves easy comfort food!

Kids and adults alike adore this dish. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, salty, and crispy—something that everyone at the table can agree on.

Ingredients for Easy Party Potatoes

To make a full 9×13-inch casserole dish (about 12 servings), here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen diced hash brown potatoes (thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup melted butter (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (for topping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Diced cooked bacon or ham for a heartier version

These ingredients come together for a creamy, flavorful base and a crisp, buttery topping that makes every bite perfect.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Party Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes until evenly coated with the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until coated.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the potato mixture.
7. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

That’s it! With minimal hands-on time and a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that everyone will be raving about.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this recipe:

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for topping
• Oven mitts and foil (for covering if needed)

That’s all it takes to make one of the most loved side dishes of all time.

Tips to Make the Best Cheesy Party Potatoes

To take your Party Potatoes from great to unforgettable, try these expert tips:

• Thaw your hash browns fully before mixing. This helps the casserole bake evenly.
• Use sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor, or a cheddar-jack blend for a little zip.
• Add a crunchy topping—cornflakes are classic, but crushed Ritz crackers or even panko breadcrumbs work great too.
• Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking for best results.
• Double the recipe for a crowd and bake in two dishes.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing dishes? You’ll love our bean and cheese enchilada casserole and chili cheese dog casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Party Potatoes

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Using frozen potatoes without thawing can result in uneven cooking and a watery texture.
• Overmixing the hash browns can break them down too much—fold gently.
• Skipping the topping—you’ll miss out on that irresistible crunch.
• Baking at the wrong temperature—too high and the top will burn; too low and it won’t cook through. Stick to 350°F for even baking.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Party Potatoes are so versatile they can be served in many creative ways:

• Brunch Buffet: Pair with scrambled eggs, baked cottage cheese eggs, or breakfast sausage.
• Holiday Table: Serve alongside roast turkey, baked chicken, or glazed carrots.
• Comfort Food Night: Plate them next to fried floured chicken or chicken mushroom rice casserole.
• Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.

For parties, serve them in mini ramekins or muffin cups for individual portions!

Creative Variations and Swaps You Can Try

Want to switch things up? Here are a few tasty twists:

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• Ham and cheese: Stir in diced ham or leftover holiday ham.
• Vegetarian option: Use cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed mushrooms.
• Low-fat version: Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.

For another crowd-friendly side, check out our cabbage and dumplings recipe or the baked apple fritters for something sweet after dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Party Potatoes

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before baking (without topping) in a foil tray for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Add fresh topping if needed.

Make-ahead and freezer-friendly? Yes, please!

What to Serve With Party Potatoes

These potatoes complement just about any dish, but here are a few pairing ideas:

• Grilled lemon herb chicken – Get the recipe
• Sheet pan shrimp fajitas – Try it here
• Bunless burgers or sliders
• Mason jar salads for a fresh contrast – Like this one

They’re also perfect for brunch alongside fresh fruit and pastries.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Party Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

Can I use shredded hash browns instead of diced?
Yes, the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce if preferred.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a vegetarian soup base and skip the meat-based add-ins.

How do I keep the top crunchy?
Add the topping just before baking and avoid covering the dish while it bakes.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

If you’re looking for a side dish that always gets rave reviews, these Party Potatoes are a no-fail option. Creamy, cheesy, crispy, and comforting—what more could you want? They’re easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and completely customizable.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss our spaghetti crust pie or maple donut bars to round out your menu.

Try it out, share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

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