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Cheesy Potato Casserole with Buttery Ritz Crackers…the only side dish recipe you really need. Think classic cheesy potato casserole that we all know and love, but made without the canned soup and topped with addicting Ritz cracker “crumbs”. These potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. The Ritz cracker topping is a touch buttery, perfectly garlicky, herby, and a little salty too. When baked together the potatoes and topping create the perfect balance and make for the BEST cheesy potato casserole. Make these ahead of time for an easy holiday side that everyone will love.
Do you have those family recipes that you make every holiday season without fail? In our family, we have a few, and they’re what I call super “old school” recipes. These are the classics that my brothers love more than anything. And they’re the ones we’ve been eating since I was a kid. You have those recipes too, right?
We always do a cheesy potato casserole at Christmas. But a few years ago I decided I wanted to make something new and updated. I knew I had to keep the flavors pretty simple and classic. I also knew I wanted an easy side dish that I could prepare ahead of time and not have to worry about. Enter this casserole. It’s easy to throw together, but so incredibly delicious, and it’s pretty much guaranteed to be loved by all.
Cheesy potatoes are one of those old school recipes. They’re without a doubt a tried and true favorite. Meaning they’re never not delicious, everyone who tries them loves them. I’m sure many of you have similar casseroles in your family. I know some call them funeral potatoes (which seems really depressing to me). Call um what you please, but in our house, they’re just cheesy potatoes.
My mom’s recipe called for frozen potatoes, canned cream of chicken soup, sour cream, butter, cheese, and a few other ingredients. I decided to take her recipe and give it my own spin, updating a classic, and making it BETTER. I’d actually been wanting to do this for years but feared I wouldn’t be able to create something better.
But a few years back I decided I’d had enough with the canned soup (because it freaks me out and I will not eat it…so yes, I used to miss out on cheesy potatoes every year). I knew it was time to update the cheesy potatoes recipe. Thankfully the new version turned how better than I could have imagined. This casserole is SO GOOD.
Start with the potatoes. You can make the potatoes the traditional way on the stove-top, or you can use the instant pot. I prefer to use the instant pot. It’s the easiest, quickest way to make potatoes.
I always use Yukon gold potatoes for an extra creamy mashed potato, but Russet potatoes will work well too. Once the potatoes are cooked, you’ll mash them up with butter, plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, yogurt for creaminess (sour cream also works well), and then thyme, seasonings, and a good amount of black pepper. Nothing very fancy, just delicious. Potatoes are one of those things that should never be messed with too much.
The buttery, slightly garlicky, and oh so addicting Ritz cracker crumbs. Honestly? This is my favorite topping of all time.
If you have the Half Baked Harvest Super Simple Cookbook, you’ve probably seen the mac and cheese recipe with this same topping. It’s just addictingly good. I love using crushed Ritz in place of bread crumbs every chance I get. They have so much more flavor and texture. I always find the Ritz crumbs to be the secret ingredient that adds that “extra special” touch I’m looking for in my recipes.
I toss the crackers with butter, garlic, and then a splash of Worcestershire sauce, which is KEY. It adds a savory, salty element that is perfection.
So, do not skip out on the crumbs. They take this casserole form very good to insanely good. Dramatic, but true.
PS. this post is not sponsored by Ritz. I just have an unhealthy obsession with Ritz crackers. I guess you could call them my kind of “junk food”.
I’m excited to now have this recipe to replace mom’s old school cheesy potatoes. I actually served them early to my brothers this week. They once again fully approved, saying that these baked cheesy potatoes are 100% better than the original recipe.
YES. When you win over the brothers, all is good!
Hoping you all feel the same! The next question is, what will you be pairing these cheesy potatoes with? Over here, it will probably be my roasted beef tenderloin. I make it every year.
If you make this Cheesy Potato Casserole with Buttery Ritz Crackers be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Hey Tieghan,
I LOVE these buttery ritz potatoes! Every Christmas my mom isn’t sure what potato recipe to make (mashed are for Thanksgiving and Au gratin are for Easter) so she ends up making something that gets forgotten about. These mashed potatoes would be lovely! My family always eats (excluding me since I’m vegan) roast beef (think: the end of the Grinch) and these potatoes would be such a great side! Haha I imagined you saying ‘this post is not sponsored by Ritz.’? Dying.
Wooh! I’m excited to make these this year and am glad they’re brother approved.?
I hope you’re enjoying everyone being home for the holidays!
Yes! I hope you all love these if you try them! Thank you so much! I hope you have an amazing Christmas season! xTieghan
I recently made your butternut squash, and the Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving dinner.
They were a HUGE hit. Thank you for making me shine. I loved the fact that my family thinks I’m a gourmet cook. ??
Many applauded to you!
That is amazing! Thank you so much for trying this Irene! xTieghan
I’m wondering if this recipe would work using shredded potatoes (the ones you use for hash browns) to serve for Christmas Brunch? Any thoughts?
HI! I would imagine if you thawed the potatoes, then tossed with the remaining ingredients it would work well. Great Idea! Let me know how it goes!! I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
These look amazing! I can’t wait to give them a try!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Thank you so much Paige! xTieghan
I would actually love to see a review from someone who actually made these????? Yes, they sound great but has anyone made them. Happy Happy Holidays to all.
Hi Sandy! I am not sure anyone has, but many people review based on the photos and post! I hope you understand…I also hope you do try this!! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Recipe is a perfect side. I’ll also add cheese to the top…maybe grated Parmesan. Delicious with beef. Thanks
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Joyce! xTieghan
This looks AMAZING!!! Have you tried it with the Ritz Everything crackers?
I have not!! But wow it would probably be amazing! If you do, let me know!! xTieghan
I’ve been looking for a cheesy potato recipe without canned soup! Can’t wait to make this. I brought the mac n cheese with the Ritz topping from Super Simple to a big family dinner a few weeks ago and it was a big hit.
Thank you Melisa! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
As with all your recipes, Tieghan, this cheesy potato casserole is making my mouth water. I so agree about “canned” soup. What a perfect Christmas side dish and a twist from the classic potato casserole. Thanks for always sharing such delicious recipes.
Thank you Linger! I am so glad you loved this recipe so much!! xTieghan
This looks delicious and a great company dish to serve over the holidays. Can this be made ahead and reheated? I would put the cracker topping on when it is reheated. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes and videos!
HI! To Make Ahead:Â Prepare the casserole through step 3. Cover and store the assembled casserole in the fridge for up to 2 days. To bake, remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.Â
Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Question, in terms of prepping ahead of time, would these be similar to overnight mashed potatoes, prep the day before and bake the following day?
HI! Yes, prep the day before and bake off the following day. That works great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Hi there! Can this be made ahead of time?
HI! You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Yum!
My daughter is not wild about potatoes, but if I don’t get her at cheesy, ritz crackers should def do it. ?
How far in advance can I make this please? Xx
HI! You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTiegha
Great side dish for Christmas (but i think i could eat the whole casserole for dinner all by myself), gonna try asap! Thanks <3
Haha that is so amazing! I am so glad this turned out so well for you Giulia! Thank you! xTieghan
this sounds quite good
Thank you Ruth! I hope you try it! xTieghan