Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cheesy Potato Casserole – Creamy, Comforting Side Dish Recipe

Sarah Smith
Nov 4, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Golden cheesy potato gratin in a baking dish on a rustic wooden table, with a slice missing. Sour cream and herbs in the background.

This easy Cheesy Potato Casserole is creamy, golden, and full of cozy flavor. Shredded potatoes are baked in a rich mixture of sour cream, cheese, and butter, then topped with crispy breadcrumbs (or cornflakes!) for the perfect crunch. It’s a timeless comfort dish that everyone loves — from holiday tables to Sunday suppers. Love cheesy comfort food? Try our Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole or Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole for another creamy favorite — and don’t miss our Crack Dip for the perfect party side.

Ingredients

1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ cup melted butter
½ cup chopped onion (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For topping:

1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1½ cups cheese, melted butter, and onion (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Spread in pan: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Add the topping: Mix crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Add extra cheese (optional): For extra cheesiness, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy center and crunchy topping!

Tips & Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a hearty twist.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
Use sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or Gruyère for extra flavor.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings — it disappears fast!

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes? Yes — frozen shredded or diced hash browns work perfectly and save time.

Q: Can I add meat to this casserole? Absolutely. Bacon, ham, or cooked sausage all make delicious additions.

Q: How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery? Make sure your potatoes are thawed and patted dry if using frozen. Avoid covering tightly while baking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes — assemble it 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze cheesy potato casserole? Yes. It freezes well before or after baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat covered.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Potato Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food. Creamy, rich, and loaded with melty cheese, it’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this casserole pairs perfectly with everything from ham to roast chicken. If you’re looking for a classic, hearty dish that delivers warmth and flavor in every bite, Cheesy Potato Casserole is one you’ll make again and again.

Cheesy Potato Casserole – Creamy, Comforting Side Dish Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips & Variations

FAQ

Final Thoughts

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