Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes

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Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that guarantees to steal the show at any holiday table. This casserole-style classic is a warm hug in a dish—velvety potatoes smothered in a blend of melted cheeses, baked until golden perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of green onions for that pop of color and bite.

Whether you’re planning a large Thanksgiving feast or simply need a cozy dish for a chilly evening, this recipe has you covered. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a must-have for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comfort-filled dinner at home.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect batch of Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes, having the right tools on hand is essential:

• Large Mixing Bowl: This is where all your ingredients come together. You’ll need space to mix without overflowing.
• Casserole Dish (9×13-inch): The baking dish shapes the final outcome. A ceramic or glass casserole dish ensures even heating and that gooey golden top we love.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for mixing the creamy ingredients without damaging the bowl.
• Cheese Grater (if shredding fresh cheese): Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and adds depth to the dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial if you want to cover the dish partway through baking to prevent over-browning.
• Oven Mitts: Because nothing says holiday like pulling a bubbling casserole out of the oven safely!

Each tool plays a small but mighty role in making sure this dish turns out creamy, cheesy, and just the right kind of crispy around the edges.

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Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes

• Frozen Hash Browns (shredded or diced): These are the heart of the dish, offering that perfect soft interior with a slight crisp on the edges.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings creamy depth and savory flavor to the entire casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and rich texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The melty, gooey goodness that binds everything together.
• Butter: For richness and a hint of indulgence.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions (optional): Adds a fresh and mild bite on top.

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How To Make the Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until fully blended.

Step 3: Transfer to Dish

Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Press it gently to fill all corners.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil midway through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and a pop of color.

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Serving and Storing These Cheesy Potatoes

Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. The crispy golden top and gooey interior are at their peak when warm. Pair it alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or even as a star next to a simple salad for a satisfying meal.

For storing, let the leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. They also freeze well—just wrap tightly and reheat within a month for best quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use if I don’t have frozen hash browns?

You can use freshly shredded or diced potatoes, but be sure to soak and dry them first to remove excess starch and moisture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to make it vegetarian.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

You can! Cooked bacon bits or diced ham mix in wonderfully for a hearty twist.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is the classic choice, but a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack adds extra dimension.

How do I make the top extra crispy?

For added crunch, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the top before baking.

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Want More Comfort Food Casserole Ideas?

If these Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes are your kind of dish, you might love these warm and cozy comfort food casseroles too:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy pasta-meets-veggie combo.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you want indulgent layers.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole for a spicy, cornbread-topped twist.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole because more cheese is always better.
• Scalloped Corn Casserole for a slightly sweet, ultra-savory bite.

For even more easy-to-make family favorites, check out my daily recipe inspiration on Pinterest @LifeWithOlivia.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it when holiday planning gets hectic.

And if you end up making these Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes, let me know in the comments! Did you toss in ham? Add extra cheese on top? I’d love to hear your delicious tweaks.

Cooking is always better when we share ideas—questions welcome, too!

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