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Baked easy potato casserole topped with melted cheese and green onions in a white dish on a wooden table

Easy Potato Casserole: Creamy Cheesy Side Dish in 1 Hour

This easy potato casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy side dish that's ready in just one hour. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this homemade potato bake combines simple ingredients for a deliciously satisfying outcome. You'll love the silky texture and rich flavor that makes it one of the best potato casseroles with cheese!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 391
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced (starchy potatoes give the best creamy texture)
  • 2 ½ tablespoons butter, melted (adds richness)
  • ½ cup cream of mushroom soup (binds and flavors)
  • ½ cup sour cream (for creaminess)
  • ¼ cup green onion, sliced (freshness and bite)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, divided and shredded (use a good melting cheddar)

Equipment

  • saucepan for boiling potatoes
  • separate pan for the sauce
  • 9x9 or similar baking dish
  • grater
  • good oven thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C and grease your baking dish so the casserole releases easily.
  2. Boil the potatoes: Place your potatoes in a saucepan of cold water, bring to a simmer, and cook until fork tender — about 12 to 14 minutes. Drain well so the sauce sticks, not pools.
  3. Make the sauce: In a separate pan, melt the butter, then add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, green onion, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and warmed through.
  4. Combine: Toss the drained potatoes (or frozen hash browns) in the sauce until fully coated. Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  5. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F / 190°C until bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes. If you want a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven, let rest a few minutes so it sets, then serve hot. This recipe serves 4 and is a dependable, cheesy hit.

Notes

Use russets or mix with Yukon Gold for a creamy texture and buttery flavor. You can swap fresh potatoes for frozen hash browns to cut prep time, and add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, remembering to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.