If you’ve ever experienced the intensity of a Lutheran church potluck in a small town, then you know - the side dish game is serious business. When I was little, I’d tag along with my grandparents to their little church, where the pews were stiff, the hymns were long, and the church ladies were quietly savage when it came to who brought what to the buffet table.
Let me tell you... my Grandma? She didn’t play! And this Million Dollar Potato Casserole? It was her secret weapon. Judgy or not, those ladies lined up for a scoop of her cheesy, creamy, crunchy-topped masterpiece like it was made of solid gold.
And honestly? It kind of is!
Why Are They Called “Million Dollar” Potatoes?
Because they taste like a million bucks, babe! This casserole may be made with everyday ingredients - frozen hashbrowns, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and cheese, but something magical happens when you mix it all together and top it with a buttery, golden cracker crust. It’s rich, indulgent, and worth every bite.
The name says it all: comforting, over-the-top, crowd-pleasing deliciousness that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Basically? It’s the Beyoncé of side dishes!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 30 oz bag frozen hashbrowns (these are cheap... you need two bags!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ - ½ cup bacon pieces
- 2 green onions, diced
Tools You’ll Need:
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spoon or spatula
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Cutting board & knife
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Dice your green onions and set aside for the topping.
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar until smooth.
Fold in the hashbrowns until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
While it bakes, melt the butter and mix it with the crushed Ritz crackers.
After 40 minutes, sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top and return to the oven for another 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Top with bacon pieces and chopped green onions just before serving.
Try not to eat the whole pan with a spoon (Or do - no judgment here!)
Tara’s Tips & Twists
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the cracker topping and refrigerate overnight. Add crackers and bake the next day!
- Switch it up: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, or add diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Make it meatless: Skip the bacon for a vegetarian side dish that still brings the flavor.
- Serving a crowd? This recipe easily doubles and still fits in a standard casserole dish.
When to Serve Million Dollar Potatoes:
✔️ Holiday dinners (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas - yes, yes, and YES!)
✔️ Potlucks and church gatherings (you will get asked for the recipe)
✔️ BBQs and summer cookouts
✔️ Weeknight dinners with chicken, pork chops, or steak
✔️ Any time you need a cheesy, creamy pick-me-up
Million Dollar Potato Casserole
This Million Dollar Potato Casserole is the cheesiest, creamiest side dish ever!
Ingredients
- 30 oz bag of frozen hashbrowns
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning
- 1 sleeve ritz crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ - ½ cup bacon pieces
- 2 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Dice the green onions.
- In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Fold in the hashbrowns.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Melt the butter and crush the crackers, then stir together and sprinkle over the top of the casserole dish. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with bacon pieces and green onions.
This casserole is the gold standard of comfort food. It's creamy. It's cheesy. It's crunchy on top. And it has the kind of retro church potluck charm that just hits different. Whether you’re bringing it to impress your in-laws or just want something cozy on a chilly night, Million Dollar Potato Casserole is always a good idea.
From my grandma’s recipe box to your dinner table - this one’s a keeper!
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