a serving of cheesy potato casserole on a white plate.
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Party Potato Casserole

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This Cheesy Party Potato Casserole recipe is a family favorite! A flavorful and cheesy side dish that is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. With tender red potatoes, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, and a touch of heat from added chili powder and hot sauce, this easy dish is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it today!

For more comfort food side dishes, try our Classic Potato Salad, Sweet Potato Casserole and this 5-Bean Baked Beans

I got this potato casserole recipe from my friend Craig Wills many years ago. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that I forget about for a while, but when I remember it, I end up making it on repeat. The mix of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a go-to for gatherings and especially potlucks.

The secret to this dish is not peeling the potatoes and ensuring they’re not overcooked in the boiling stage since they’ll continue to cook while baking.

a serving  of party potato casserole topped with melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This casserole provides the perfect blend of cheesy goodness with that kick of spice.
  • It’s a super simple recipe that is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks.
  • You can make this yours by experimenting with different veggies or cheese options like Swiss or Gouda.

Ingredients Needed

  • Red potatoes: They hold their shape best but you could also use Yukon gold or russet potatoes.
  • Cheddar cheese & Monterey Jack cheese: You could use just cheddar and swap one of these for Swiss, Gouda, or maybe even Pepper Jack for added heat. Then you might not need that much chili.
  • Sour cream: I recommend full-fat cream cheese for creamier consistency. You could also use creme fraiche here.
  • Green and red bell peppers: Feel free to use just one type of pepper or even add some diced poblano or jalapeño peppers for a spicy version.
  • Onion: Use yellow, white, or red onion, or even sliced leek or green onions if you have difficulties digesting onions.
  • Garlic powder: Substitute with 2 minced garlic cloves for a fresher flavor.
  • Chili powder & Cayenne Pepper: For a less spicy version and smokier taste, try using smoked paprika and black pepper instead.
  • Hot sauce: Adjust the heat by adding more or less, or try using sriracha or chipotle sauce.

How To Make This Party Potato Casserole

 Let’s make this! You’ll need about 30 minutes, a large pot, a mixing bowl, and a 9×12 baking pan to make this Cheesy Party Potato Potatoes Casserole recipe. For the full printable recipe, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.


  1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9 x 12 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Boil cubed, unpeeled, potatoes for 5-6 minutes until cooked through but still firm. Drain potatoes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Add potatoes and stir gently to combine.
  1. Spread potato mixture into prepared baking pan. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t Peel the Potatoes: Keeping the skins on saves time plus the peel is a good source of vitamins.
  • Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: They will continue to cook while baking, so make sure you don’t cook them too long.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to switch up the cheeses and add in your favorites or what you have in the fridge. Swiss, Cheddar, and Gouda work beautifully too.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I recommend you reheat leftovers in the oven for the best texture but the microwave is also an option.

Freezer: I do not recommend this, as the texture of the potatoes might change after freezing and thawing.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

  • We love to serve this potato side alongside grilled meats or our Crispy Chicken for a complete meal.
  • You could eat this as a meatless main alongside a crisp salad and some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of this casserole.
  • Top with extra hot sauce and/or add some sliced jalapeños if you want to have an extra kick!
freshly baked party potato casserole with bell peppers and melted cheddar cheese.

Variations

  • Swap the cheese: Try a combination of Swiss and Gouda for a different flavor, or add Pepper Jack for extra spice.
  • Boost the Protein: Got leftover bacon from breakfast? Chop it up and stir it in. Other great add-ins would be diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish.
  • Spice it Up: Increase the cayenne pepper, or add in some chopped jalapeños ( canned also works) or poblano peppers.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
  • Mexican-Inspired: Add drained and rinsed canned black beans, or sweet corn, for a Southwestern twist and top with fresh chopped ciantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the whole dish one day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Can I make this dish without sour cream?

Substitute sour cream with cream cheese or creme fraiche for a similar creamy texture and tang. You could try Greek yogurt for a lighter version but we have not tried this ourselves.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, to make this potato casserole vegan, use dairy-free cheese shreds, swap sour cream for a plant-based version, and replace the butter with vegan butter.

More Side Dish Recipes to Try:

Party Potato Casserole

Recipe by Pennie Saadallah
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

280

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

This Cheesy Party Potato Casserole recipe is a family favorite! A flavorful and cheesy side dish that is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds 2 1/2 red potatoes, cubed

  • 1 cup 1 shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup 1 shredded Monterey Jack cheese

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 sour cream

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chopped green bell pepper

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chopped red bell pepper

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chopped onion

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder

  • 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 chili powder

  • 10 drops 10 hot sauce

  • 1 tsp 1 cayenne pepper

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9 x 12 baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Boil cubed, unpeeled, potatoes for 5-6 minutes until cooked through but still firm. Drain potatoes.
  • In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Add potatoes and stir gently to combine.
  • Spread potato mixture into prepared baking pan. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.

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