How to Make the Ultimate Million Dollar Potato Casserole

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a million bucks, look no further than the million dollar potato casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy on top, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper at any dinner table. Curious what makes it worth its name? You’ll want to read on.

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily later.
2. Boil the potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the diced russet potatoes. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes or until fork-tender. Do not overcook or they will become watery when mashed.
3. Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes well using a colander. Return them to the pot for mashing. I like to leave a few small chunks for texture, but you can go completely smooth if that’s your preference.
4. Make them dreamy: Add in the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir everything together while the potatoes are still warm so it melts into a luscious mixture.
5. Add the extras: Fold in most of the bacon and chives, saving a little to scatter on top for a fresh pop of color and salty crunch at the end.
6. Into the dish: Spread the creamy, cheesy potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Take a moment to smooth the top for an even bake.
7. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. It should feel like buttery sand iconic and irresistible.
8. Top it off: Sprinkle the cracker mixture generously over the potatoes and press gently so it adheres a bit. This will crisp beautifully as it bakes.
9. Bake time: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.
10. Serve and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to settle. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and chives before serving to make it just as pretty as it is delicious.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Imagine the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes meeting the indulgent richness of a loaded baked potato, all nestled beneath a golden, bubbly crust. That is the essence of Million Dollar Potato Casserole — a decadent, crowd-pleasing side dish that earns every bit of its extravagant name. Each spoonful offers a silky blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and buttery potatoes, generously folded with layers of shredded cheddar and bacon. It is comfort food that feels like a celebration.

Whether you are hosting a holiday feast or looking to elevate your Sunday dinner, this casserole brings a touch of luxury to any meal. The crispy Ritz cracker topping adds a buttery crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy layers beneath. It is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds, with nostalgic flavors that feel just like home — only a little more indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead side dish. With simple ingredients and just a few steps, this recipe is as convenient as it is comforting. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake right before serving, making it perfect for holidays or busy weeknights. The warm, melty interior stays moist and buttery, while the cracker topping crisps up beautifully in the oven.

It is a versatile recipe too — easily customizable with add-ins like green onions, chopped ham, or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Whether you serve it alongside a roast turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Serving and Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and heat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

For make-ahead prep, the casserole can be assembled up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated. Add the Ritz cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Course, Cuisine

Side Dish, American

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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Million Dollar Potato Casserole

A decadent, creamy, and crowd-pleasing potato casserole with layers of sour cream, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. The perfect make-ahead comfort food for holidays or family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add diced potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
• Mash the potatoes until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture if desired.
• Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and creamy.
• Fold in crumbled bacon and chopped chives, reserving a small amount of each for garnish.
• Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until well coated.
• Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the potatoes.
• Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until topping is golden brown and crisp.
• Let casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra bacon and chives, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSodium: 510mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Keyword potato casserole, holiday side dish, creamy potato casserole, comfort food

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