Creamy Loaded Potato Casserole
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Loaded Potato Casserole, a dish inspired by Paula Deen's classic recipe. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this rich and creamy casserole combines the savory flavors of cheese, sour cream, and butter with the comforting texture of potatoes. Topped with crispy French fried onion rings, it provides an irresistible crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen hash browns
4 cups (Thawed and drained)
instant mashed potatoes with butter and herbs
7 5/8 ounces (Prepared according to package instructions)
butter
1/2 cup (Softened)
cream cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
sour cream
1/2 cup (Regular)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
boiling water
2 cups (N/A)
French fried onion rings
2 cups (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the frozen hash browns and cook for 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained hash browns, instant mashed potato mix, softened butter, cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
4
Thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
5
Gradually stir in the boiling water until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
6
Transfer the potato mixture to your greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and lightly browned around the edges.
8
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onion rings evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden brown.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your deliciously creamy loaded potato casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Loaded Potato Casserole?
It is a rich and creamy potato-based dish featuring cheese, sour cream, and a crispy onion topping inspired by Paula Deen's classic recipe.
Whose recipe inspired this dish?
This recipe is inspired by the classic cooking style of Paula Deen.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many cups of frozen hash browns are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of frozen hash browns, which should be thawed and drained.
Do I need to cook the hash browns before mixing them?
Yes, bring water to a rolling boil and cook the hash browns for 5 minutes, then drain well before combining with other ingredients.
What type of instant mashed potatoes are used?
The recipe uses 7 5/8 ounces of instant mashed potatoes with butter and herbs, prepared according to package instructions.
How much butter is required for the casserole?
You will need 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How much cream cheese should be added?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What kind of cheese is in the filling?
The filling includes 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of regular sour cream.
What seasonings are used for the potatoes?
The seasonings used are 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
How much boiling water is stirred into the mixture?
Gradually stir in 2 cups of boiling water until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How long does the casserole bake initially?
Bake the potato mixture in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes.
What is the topping for this potato casserole?
The casserole is topped with 2 cups of French fried onion rings.
How long do the onion rings bake?
After adding the onion rings, bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown.
Should the butter and cream cheese be softened?
Yes, softening the butter and cream cheese ensures they mix smoothly without leaving lumps.
How do I prepare the hash browns for the mix?
They should be boiled for 5 minutes and then drained thoroughly.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food and is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly dish?
Yes, this casserole is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
What gives this casserole its crunch?
The crispy French fried onion rings on top provide an irresistible crunch.
How should the potato mixture look before baking?
It should be mixed thoroughly until well combined and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Make sure to grease the 2-quart casserole dish before adding the potato mixture.
Can I serve this immediately after baking?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is considered an easy recipe, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
What type of dish is this categorized as?
It is categorized as a side dish, comfort food, and a potato casserole.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the potatoes, dairy, seasonings, and topping.
What provides the rich texture in this dish?
The combination of butter, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream creates a rich and creamy texture.
What is the final appearance of the onion ring topping?
The onion rings should be baked until they are golden brown.
Can this be prepared in advance?
While the recipe describes immediate preparation, the assembly steps make it a great candidate for prepping ahead before the final bake.