Baked Potato Casserole
A comforting baked potato casserole featuring tender shredded potatoes mixed with creamy soup, sour cream, and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a rich, cheesy flavor with a crispy topping. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable to suit all tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in jackets in salted water until tender.
- Shred the cooked potatoes and place them in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted margarine, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the shredded potatoes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated cheese and some bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or adding a bit of cream cheese. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked or frozen potatoes. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavor. To enhance the dish, add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for a more substantial meal.
Serving Suggestions
This baked potato casserole is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Serve it alongside grilled chicken sandwiches or as a side to baked chicken, rice, and cream of mushroom for a comforting meal. It also works well as a potluck dish or family gathering centerpiece, sure to please a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, though the oven method will keep the topping crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Potato Casserole contains roughly 1219 calories, with 15g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1318mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream of chicken soup, consider using homemade white sauce or a similar canned soup like cream of mushroom. For a vegetarian version, opt for cream of celery soup or a vegetable broth-based sauce mixed with cream or sour cream.
Can I freeze the baked potato casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).