When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing holiday side dishes, nothing beats a warm, cheesy, creamy potato casserole. This 4-Ingredient Cheesy Holiday Potato Casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, roast beef, or any festive spread.
With frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, condensed soup, and sour cream, this recipe requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish people go back for seconds — and thirds! Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or just want a cozy, comforting side for a family dinner, this casserole never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
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Only 4 main ingredients — perfect for busy cooks.
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Ultra creamy and cheesy with a golden bubbly top.
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Great for potlucks, holidays, or make-ahead meals.
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Foolproof and always delicious.
Ingredients
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1 bag (32 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 1/2 cups sour cream
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Nonstick cooking spray, for coating the dish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
If your hash browns are still partly frozen, spread them on a sheet pan and let them soften for 10–15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the last 1/2 cup for topping.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper if desired.
4. Combine with Potatoes
Gently fold the thawed hash browns into the creamy mixture, making sure every potato strand is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
5. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is melted and lightly golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping easier.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
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Holiday turkey or ham
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Roast chicken or beef
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Green beans, glazed carrots, or a fresh salad
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Breakfast or brunch spreads
Make-Ahead Tips
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Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
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Add the final cheese layer just before baking.
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Bake 5–10 extra minutes if cold from the fridge.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F.