🍲 3-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole
Serves 6–8 | Prep: 10 min | Bake: 40–50 min | Total: ~1 hr
🛒 Ingredients
2 lbs (about 32 oz) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed & drained
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
(or cream of mushroom for meatless)
🔥 Pro Tip: Squeeze excess water from thawed hash browns using a clean kitchen towel — keeps casserole from getting soggy!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine:
Thawed hash browns
2½ cups cheddar cheese
Entire can of cream of chicken soup
Stir until fully coated — mixture will be thick and sticky.
✅ Taste a tiny bit (before baking!) and add pinch of salt/pepper if needed — but most don’t need extra seasoning.
3️⃣ Transfer to Dish
Spoon mixture into prepared pan.
Spread evenly, pressing gently into corners and edges.
4️⃣ Top with Cheese
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar over the top for that golden, melty finish.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until:
Edges are bubbly
Top is melted and lightly golden
Center is hot all the way through
🔁 For deeper color: Broil 2–3 mins at the end (watch closely!).
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let stand 10 minutes before serving — helps it hold together when scooped.
Cut into squares or scoop like a casserole.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With roasted ham or turkey
Alongside slow-cooked green beans
At brunch with scrambled eggs and sausage
Leftovers topped with a fried egg the next day — comfort upgrade!
🌈 Variations & Beloved Midwestern Twists
Add-In
Why It Works
½ cup sour cream
Extra richness + creamier texture
1–2 cups diced ham or bacon
Makes it hearty enough to be a main dish
Crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs
Crunchy topping added in last 15 mins
Paprika or black pepper on top
Adds visual pop and subtle spice
Cubed frozen potatoes instead of hash browns
Chunkier texture — great for variety
Swap in Monterey Jack or Colby
Milder flavor or better melt
💡 This recipe was made to be customized — use what you’ve got. That’s the spirit of farmhouse cooking.
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Cream of soup base = foolproof moisture and binding (no dry casseroles!)
Shredded hash browns = crisp edges + tender inside when baked
Cheddar overload = gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite
One-pan method = deep flavor fusion and easy cleanup
It’s not magic — it’s Midwestern kitchen wisdom passed down through generations. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Satisfying
You don’t need rare ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good cheese, real potatoes, and love.
This 3-Ingredient Cheesy Potato Casserole proves that the most beloved dishes are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like childhood, care, and celebration.
So next time you’re hosting a holiday meal…
Skip the stress.
Whip up this family favorite.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of garlic, butter, and joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be fancy —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. 💛