Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Party Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings and family dinners. It’s rich, creamy, and has a lovely crunch from the chips on top. With minimal effort, this dish delivers incredible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient option for any occasion.
How to Make Cheesy Party Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 lb bag of frozen southern style diced hash browns
- 16 oz of French onion dip
- 1 can of cream of chicken
- 1 stick of melted butter (divided)
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
- 1 tsp each of smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder
- 2 cups of crushed Ruffles chips
Directions:
- Spray a 9×13 smoker-safe dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced hash browns, French onion dip, cream of chicken, half of the melted butter, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Crush about 2 cups of Ruffles chips and spread them over the top of the potatoes.
- Pour the other half of the melted butter over the top of the chips.
- For cooking on the smoker, preheat to 350 degrees and smoke for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is crispy. If using the oven, bake at 350 degrees for about an hour or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just wait to add the chips and butter until right before baking. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Party Potato Casserole
Serve this delightful casserole hot as a side dish at your next gathering. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply a fresh green salad. You can also enjoy it as a comforting main dish on its own, especially on chilly evenings.
How to Store Cheesy Party Potato Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Party Potato Casserole
- For an extra cheesy dish, you can add more cheddar cheese on top.
- If you like a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- To make it even more flavorful, try adding cooked bacon or ham.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the flavors! You can use different types of dip, such as ranch or spinach dip, and experiment with various types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicier kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Just peel and dice them, then parboil them for a few minutes before mixing them with the other ingredients.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything except the chips and butter. Just add those right before baking.
3. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared casserole before baking. Cover it well and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Cheesy Party Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 2 lb frozen southern style diced hash browns Can use fresh potatoes if desired.
- 16 oz French onion dip Can substitute with other flavors.
- 1 can cream of chicken Replace with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option.
- 1 stick melted butter (divided) Use half for mixture and half for topping.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Add more cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups crushed Ruffles chips Can substitute with your favorite chips.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your smoker to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a 9×13 smoker-safe dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced hash browns, French onion dip, cream of chicken, half of the melted butter, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Crush about 2 cups of Ruffles chips and spread them over the top of the potatoes.
- Pour the other half of the melted butter over the top of the chips.
Cooking
- For cooking on the smoker, smoke for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is crispy.
- If using the oven, bake at 350 degrees for about an hour or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.