Southern Potato Casserole

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Southern

A comforting Southern potato casserole featuring cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with a crispy topping and rich texture.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. bag hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup melted margarine

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together, except margarine.
  2. Pour the mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish.
  3. Pour melted margarine over the mixture.
  4. Bake at 375°F, covered, for 30 minutes.
  5. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist. If you're short on time, use pre-shredded cheese to save on prep.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Pair it with baked chicken or ribs for a hearty dinner. For an extra kick, serve with a dollop of hot sauce or salsa.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Southern Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Potato Casserole contains roughly 707 calories, with 10g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

707 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10g 20% DV
Total Fat 56.4g 72% DV
Carbs 42.5g 15% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 846.9mg 37% DV
Potassium 287mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 25.4mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 135.4mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 275.7mg 21% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Contains Milk

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 in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze the Southern Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just cover it well with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed for a delicious, homemade dish.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make your own Never-Fail White Sauce as a substitute. Just add cooked mushrooms to the white sauce for flavor. This can give you a fresh taste while maintaining the creamy texture of the casserole.

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).

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