Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 105 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup 4% small curd cottage cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6), scrubbed and sliced into 1/8-inch thick slices
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 30 round buttery crackers, crushed (such as Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, heavy whipping cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.

Step 3: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and black pepper to the mixture.

Step 4: Add the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes to the saucepan, tossing them to coat evenly with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Transfer half of the potato mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a large spoon to gently press down and spread the potatoes in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the potatoes.

Step 6: Add the remaining potato mixture to the baking dish, again pressing down gently and spreading the potatoes into an even layer.

Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers, melted butter, and the remaining 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir until the crackers and cheese are evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish.

Step 8: Place the baking dish on a large-rimmed baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 40 minutes. After 1 hour 10 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking until the sauce thickens and the potatoes are tender.

Step 10: Let the dish stand for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful finish.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 554
  • Total Fat: 38g (48% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 20g (101% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 98mg (33% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 914mg (40% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g (15% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 15g (30% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 12mg (13% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 306mg (24% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (14% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 757mg (16% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

The Story Behind Million Dollar Potato Casserole

The Million Dollar Potato Casserole, also known as "party potatoes" or "funeral potatoes" in some regions, is a quintessential comfort food in American cuisine. Its origins trace back to the mid-20th century in the United States, when casseroles became popular as easy, make-ahead dishes for family gatherings and potlucks. The name Million Dollar reflects the rich, indulgent combination of ingredients, including creamy cheeses, sour cream, and buttery toppings, giving the dish a luxurious feel despite its humble roots.

Regional Variations

This casserole is most commonly associated with the Midwest and Utah, where hearty, creamy side dishes are staples at Sunday dinners, holiday meals, and church gatherings. In the Midwest, cooks often add cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup, while in Utah, the casserole may include diced ham or bacon for extra flavor. The use of Yukon Gold potatoes is prevalent, as their buttery texture holds up well during baking, creating a smooth, creamy interior beneath a crispy cracker topping.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Though it shares similarities with other potato casseroles like scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes, Million Dollar Potato Casserole is distinguished by its layering of multiple cheeses and the inclusion of sour cream and cream cheese in the sauce. Unlike scalloped potatoes, which rely mainly on a bchamel or cream base, this casserole achieves richness through the combination of dairy products and often a buttery cracker topping. The result is a dish that is both creamy and crunchy, offering a more decadent flavor profile than standard baked potato dishes.

Serving Occasions

Million Dollar Potato Casserole is typically served as a side dish at large gatherings, including holiday dinners, family reunions, potlucks, and church events. Its ability to feed a crowd while staying warm in the oven makes it perfect for communal meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, ham, or poultry, and is often enjoyed alongside green vegetable sides, providing a comforting, indulgent balance to the meal.

Fun Facts and Culinary Trivia

  • The dish is called "Million Dollar" not because of cost, but due to its rich flavor and decadent ingredients.
  • Variations of this casserole can be adapted for dietary needs, including using lactose-free dairy or vegan substitutes, though purists argue it loses some richness.
  • Some families have secret tweaks, like adding a hint of nutmeg or caramelizing onions, making the dish a signature recipe passed down through generations.
  • Crushed buttery crackers, typically Ritz, form a crispy topping that has become a hallmark of the dish, adding texture contrast to the creamy potatoes beneath.
  • This casserole exemplifies the American love for "one-dish wonders," combining starch, dairy, and seasoning into a single, impressive presentation.
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FAQ about Million Dollar Potato Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking as directed.

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake according to the recipe instructions. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

If you don't like or can't use cottage cheese, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt. However, note that this might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the casserole.

Yukon Gold potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe due to their creamy texture, but you can substitute them with Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Keep in mind that Russets may become a bit more starchy and may need extra care during baking.

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based substitutes for the dairy ingredients. Use dairy-free butter, vegan cheese, and a plant-based sour cream or Greek yogurt alternative. For the cream of chicken soup, you can use a vegan alternative or make your own using vegetable broth and non-dairy milk.

If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk. However, using a lighter milk will change the richness and creaminess of the casserole.

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. If you prefer a crispy topping, consider reheating the casserole in the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes.

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the casserole. Just make sure to cook them beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with any buttery or salted cracker, like saltines or club crackers. Alternatively, breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be used for a different texture.

Yes, you can add heat to this dish by incorporating ingredients like diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the cream mixture before baking.

Comments

TwistyPeel5980

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

My husband Loves party potatoes but These potatoes! Yes Maam!!! These are Over The Moon Delish!!! We dont call them party potatoes, We call them Sunday Potatoes. Thank you Can I make these in my crock pot?

Shelley

11/24/2024 02:40:52 PM

This was very tasty! Will be making again! To cut down on dishes, instead of using a skillet to melt the cream cheese, I just microwaved the soup, cheeses mixture in the bowl I mixed this in and it worked just fine.

AquaNori6082

12/09/2024 01:27:02 PM

I cubed the potatoes first. Then sprinkled them lightly with seasoned salt. (I like Johhny's) Let them set while mixing other ingredients. I doubled the black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder and used 2 tsp of dried thyme. I used 1 1/2 tsp of pink salt. I used a three cheese blend from kraft I had on hand. Finaly, I topped it with one pack of coarsely crushed townhouse crackers. Instead of butter I sprayed the top with olive oil just because I thought it would be easier than trying to sprinkle the cheese, butter and cracker mixture on top. It turned out delicious. We loved it. Would be proud to take it to a pot luck.

OldPate7279

10/23/2024 04:55:22 PM

If I leave out the cottage cheese should I just double the sour cream? We aren't fans of cottage cheese! Thanks in advance.

Mom of 2 boys and 1 adult child

10/23/2024 12:29:45 PM

This recipe was AMAZING - -RUN to the store to get the ingredients and give it a try. So - -I forgot the ritz cracker topping, but honestly we really didn't miss it. Next time we have this I am going to slice some onions in with the potatoes. Otherwise, great as it is!!

UpbeatDish8715

01/15/2025 11:57:28 PM

This is an excellent dish to serve to dinner guests. The flavor and texture will impress even the pickiest guest(s). Not one teaspoon was left in my 13”x9” pan. I took a review’s advice and microwaved the liquids. In response to those who wrote that this is too time consuming to make, or there’s too many steps, should not be cooking. What exactly are too many steps? You’re boiling water, you’re melting most ingredients, you’re putting everything in a dish, and you’re baking it. That truly is too much time? I don’t get it.

Irene

12/14/2024 10:00:49 PM

Delicious. Next time I might add some bacon bits to the top

Jane Richardson

03/23/2025 01:52:53 AM

It was very good, but not better than funeral potatoes in my opinion. I made this without the whipping cream (didn’t have any, subbed skim milk). Made half the recipe but used the whole can of chicken soup so as to not waste it. For all the whiners about fat, calories etc I used fat free yogurt in place of the sour cream. All else the same. And I agree about not rating a recipe because a) you don’t like the ingredients or b) because you haven’t made it but think it might be good. Equally wrong!! Sheesh!

Dallas mosque48

09/24/2024 08:27:19 AM

I used vegan butter, vegan cheese, tofu sour cream, tofu cream cheese, tofu cottage cheese, vegan whip cream, cream of vegetable soup

Jeff D

12/27/2024 11:14:10 PM

Just a comment.Yukon gold potatoes are extremely difficult to find.I think the entire Northeast can’t find them and I’m sure beyond .Apparently the cost and difficulty to farmers of growing this type of potato has made it cost prohibitive to grow.Stores sell a Yellow potato to be sneaky but they’re not Yukons.

Gail

03/19/2025 03:38:46 PM

I have no doubt it’s delicious, but the fat and sodium contents are crazy for one side dish. I love this site for recipes, but cut back on some of the ingredients that are killing us

CraftyTongs8129

01/07/2025 12:34:56 AM

This is absolutely delicious. For those of you griping about the calories, it's meant to be a treat, not an every night or every week dish. Skip dessert because this is worth it!

Paul Hernandez

12/22/2024 04:08:59 AM

Made it twice this week — obsessed.

FlimsyOrzo4459

12/21/2024 11:08:49 PM

Skinny people shouldn't have a problem with this calorie packed delicious recipe. All the detractors on this one are upset by how delicious it is and their own weight loss issues.

Elsie

12/19/2024 12:27:27 AM

Nope. Canned soup👎🏼

northernlight

12/18/2024 04:32:35 PM

In a family of lactose intolerant members, it's hard to adapt such a dairy rich recipe for them. Lactaid products aren't potent enough to override the dairy in this one. I must pass on so many wonderful recipes for that one reason. I love this recipe as written but tofutti just doesn't make it in this one. Remember: 25% of the country is lactose intolerant. I would love to see more recipes take this fact into consideration.

Joan Krafka Meany

12/15/2024 08:08:06 AM

Everybody has those days when the protein you plan for dinner is leftover ham, meatloaf that’s been in the freezer a few months or you are doing frozen hamburger patties on the Foreman grill & don’t have buns. This is when you pull out this recipe to make a statement! I buy cream at the local dairy by the quart, so it’s a bargain. Guaranteed to be the scraped clean dish at a potluck event. Good contribution to a celebration get together. Makes enough to share with the neighbor who just doesn’t cook for themselves, or to take half to your colleague who’s off work & deserves a visit from you. Try the Million Dollar Chicken recipe, too!

Squirrelgirl

12/15/2024 03:14:28 AM

Some people are just over the top pious little Karens. If you don't make the food, don't rate it. If it isn't something you want to make, scroll on. And Amins should delete "ratings" like those.

Linda Bradley

12/15/2024 01:28:48 AM

I just have to say - when people wonder why we in the United States have the highest rate of obesity on the planet? Here you go.... I know to each his own, but people- this is an abomination, not food.