Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (or frozen hashbrowns)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a mix)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Optional Add-Ins:
- Protein: Cooked shredded chicken or turkey
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Crunchy Topping: Crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: If using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them. If using frozen hashbrowns, let them thaw for 10 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, and chopped onions. Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the potatoes to the bowl and mix well. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese, saving ½ cup for topping.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. For extra crunch, add crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg