Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy au gratin potatoes with hash browns, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection—comforting and cheesy, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in a skillet with water until translucent.
- Add frozen hash browns to the skillet and cook until no longer frozen.
- Mix cream cheese, cream of celery soup, and milk together in a bowl.
- Combine the cream cheese mixture with the cooked hash browns and onions.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have cream of celery soup, a cream of mushroom or chicken soup works as a great substitute. You can also customize this dish by adding cooked bacon or vegetables like broccoli for extra flavor. If you're short on time, using fresh hash browns instead of frozen can speed up the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are perfect as a hearty side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting brunch option, serve alongside scrambled eggs or with a slice of Lemon Lush Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes contains roughly 936 calories, with 35g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (85% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), and protein (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1295mg per serving (56% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain that creamy texture.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are vegetarian-friendly as long as you use a vegetarian cream of celery soup. This makes it a great option for meatless meals or for those following vegetarian recipes.
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).