Golden, creamy, and packed with melty cheddar, these Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes are the comforting side dish that always disappears first. Whether you’re serving turkey, ham, or roasted veggies, this cheesy bake adds that rich, crave-worthy touch everyone looks forward to at holiday gatherings.

The combination of soft, fluffy potatoes, a creamy sour cream base, and a golden cheesy crust makes this casserole pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that even picky eaters come back for seconds. Bonus: it’s super easy to make ahead, giving you one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
This dish is a classic for a reason. The creamy texture and sharp cheddar topping strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. It feeds a crowd, reheats well, and is always met with cheers at the table. Plus, it pairs with virtually every Thanksgiving main and side.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
While fresh potatoes are always an option, this recipe thrives with frozen diced hash browns or shredded potatoes. They cut down on prep time and still soak up all that cheesy, creamy goodness. If you’re going the fresh route, Russet or Yukon Gold are your best bets for fluffiness and flavor.
Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
This recipe shines with simple ingredients that pack in maximum flavor.
- Frozen Hash Browns: These are the base of the dish and a big time-saver. They absorb all the creamy flavors and keep the casserole hearty.
- Sour Cream: Brings creaminess and a slight tang that balances the cheese.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, savory depth and binds the mixture beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and great melt.
- Butter: Enhances richness and helps the top brown to perfection.
- Green Onions: Optional, but they add a fresh bite and pop of color.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
How To Make the Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of shredded cheddar, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 2: Assemble in a Baking Dish
Spread the cheesy potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for that golden, gooey finish.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and slightly golden brown. If desired, broil for an additional 2 minutes to crisp the edges.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions or chives for added flavor and color. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
This hearty casserole easily serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for gatherings. It’s best served hot and bubbly straight from the oven, but leftovers are just as dreamy. To store, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. You can even freeze it for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again.
What to Serve With Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes?
Classic Roast Turkey
Nothing beats the golden bird on Thanksgiving day, and these cheesy potatoes are a rich, creamy companion.
Honey Glazed Ham
The sweet and savory contrast makes a perfect match with the bold cheddar flavors.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
A light, crisp veggie that cuts through the richness of the potatoes.
Cranberry Sauce
Adds a tart contrast that elevates the entire plate.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Perfect for scooping up cheesy goodness from your plate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add some charred crunch and earthy balance.
Pumpkin Soup
A cozy, warm starter to pair with your holiday feast.
Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes – for a double potato delight!
Want More Casserole Ideas?
If you love these cheesy potatoes, don’t miss out on these cozy bakes from Nora Nosh:
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole with tender zucchini and golden crust.
- Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole for a creamy, protein-packed option.
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole that’s perfect for the morning-after brunch.
- Easy Tuna Casserole for a throwback favorite with a cheesy twist.
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole for a lighter, veggie-forward bake.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it any time.
And if you made these Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you go all-in with extra cheese? Add bacon bits or jalapeños for a spicy kick? Share your twist in the comments below!
Explore beautifully curated casseroles, sides, and holiday-ready dishes on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your next crowd-pleasing favorite.
Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for a side dish that steals the spotlight on your holiday table? These Thanksgiving Cheesy Potatoes are ultra creamy, loaded with melty cheddar, and baked to golden perfection. They’re comforting, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any feast. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or a big holiday gathering, this easy recipe delivers classic flavor with a cheesy twist. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas, holiday food ideas, or make-ahead dishes for stress-free entertaining. These cheesy potatoes are a must-make for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 bag (32 oz) frozen diced hash browns, thawed
2 cups sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes to crisp up the edges.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
For extra richness, try swapping half the sour cream with cream cheese.
This dish can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
