We’ve always been fans of Mr Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes recipe – it’s the ultimate comfort food that originated in American kitchens as a simple yet irresistible side dish. Packed with creamy textures and gooey cheese this classic has become a staple for family gatherings and holiday feasts.
We’re confident you’ll love how easy it is to whip up with everyday ingredients making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a go-to favorite in our homes.
Ingredients
As we dive into what makes Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes Recipe a creamy, irresistible comfort food, we’ll list the key ingredients in the order they’re typically used. This selection highlights everyday staples that deliver that signature cheesy goodness and velvety texture, perfect for family gatherings.
- Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes: 1 bag (about 2 pounds, thawed) – These form the hearty, fluffy base that absorbs the rich flavors and provides a satisfying bite.
- Chopped onions: 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds a subtle crunch and savory depth that enhances the overall aroma.
- Sour cream: 2 cups – Contributes a tangy creaminess that balances the cheese and creates a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) – Acts as the binding agent for a velvety sauce that makes every scoop irresistibly gooey.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups – The star ingredient, offering that melted, golden goodness that delivers a sharp, comforting warmth.
- Melted butter: ½ cup – Infuses moisture and richness, ensuring the dish bakes up tender and flavorful.
- Salt and pepper: To taste – Essential seasonings that amplify the cheesy, creamy notes without overpowering them.
Required Equipment
We believe that the right tools streamline the preparation of Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes and help us achieve that perfect creamy texture and cheesy melt. Gathering these essentials ensures our recipe comes together efficiently after mixing the listed ingredients.
Tools and Utensils
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients like thawed hash browns, chopped onions, and shredded cheese.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for even baking to create that irresistible golden crust.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for precise measurements of items such as sour cream, melted butter, and condensed soup.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: Used to finely chop onions adding savory depth to the dish.
- Oven: Must be preheated to 350°F to ensure the potatoes bake uniformly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and folding everything together for a smooth mixture.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential equipment, let’s walk through the steps to create Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes, ensuring a perfectly creamy and irresistibly cheesy dish that will delight your family gatherings.
Prep the Potatoes
First, we start by preparing the base of our Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes. Take 2 pounds of thawed frozen shredded hash brown potatoes and ensure they are fully defrosted to achieve that light, fluffy texture. Next, finely chop 1 medium onion on a cutting board using a sharp knife, aiming for about 1 cup of chopped pieces to add savory depth and a subtle crunch that complements the creamy elements.
Mix the Ingredients
With our potatoes prepped, we move on to combining the flavors for our Cheesy Potatoes recipe. In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed hash brown potatoes, 1 cup of chopped onion, 2 cups of sour cream for tangy creaminess, 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup as the binding agent, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey, melted goodness, and 1/2 cup of melted butter to infuse moisture and richness. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to enhance the overall taste. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a luscious, velvety mixture that promises a comforting bite.
Bake the Dish
Finally, we assemble and bake our Cheesy Potatoes to golden perfection. Preheat the oven to 350°F for uniform baking. Transfer the mixed ingredients into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading them evenly with a spatula to ensure every scoop has that ideal cheesy melt and creamy consistency. Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling, allowing the aromas of melted cheese and butter to fill your kitchen for an irresistible finish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes is how easily it adapts to make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time on busy days while keeping that creamy, cheesy goodness intact. Whether we’re prepping for a holiday feast or a weeknight meal, these steps help maintain the dish’s signature texture and flavor.
Assembling in Advance
We can prepare the entire mixture up to 24 hours ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully:
- Thaw and mix ingredients early: Start by ensuring 2 pounds of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes are fully thawed, then finely chop 1 medium onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper until evenly blended.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step enhances the tangy creaminess from the sour cream and melds the savory notes from the onions.
Freezing for Later Use
For longer storage, we recommend freezing the unbaked dish, which extends its shelf life without compromising quality:
- Prepare and freeze the mixture: After assembling in the baking dish, cover it with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to avoid uneven baking.
- Baking after thawing: Preheat the oven to 350°F, remove the covering, and bake for 50 to 65 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Note that freezing may slightly extend bake time, so we check for doneness by inserting a knife—it should come out hot and the top should be perfectly crisp.
Tips for Best Results
- Adjust baking time: If baking straight from the fridge, add 5 to 10 minutes to the original 45- to 60-minute bake time for even heating.
- Avoid over-mixing: Gently stir ingredients to preserve the hearty texture of the hash browns, preventing them from becoming mushy upon baking.
- Reheat guidelines: For leftovers, cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, adding a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese for that irresistible melted goodness.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes and how it brings families together.
It’s a timeless favorite that adds warmth to any meal, proving comfort food never goes out of style.
Give it a try and make it your own for unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes?
Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes is a classic American comfort food dish known for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It’s a simple recipe using everyday ingredients like hash browns, cheese, and sour cream, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or quick weeknight meals. This beloved side dish offers a hearty, savory taste that’s easy to prepare and customize.
What ingredients are needed for Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes?
The key ingredients include 2 pounds of thawed frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, 1 medium finely chopped onion, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper. These staples provide the dish’s signature creamy, cheesy goodness and can be found in most kitchens for a straightforward preparation.
What equipment is required to make Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a 9×13 inch baking dish for even baking, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping onions, an oven preheated to 350°F, and a spatula or wooden spoon for mixing. These tools ensure a smooth process and perfect results.
How do I prepare Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes?
Start by thawing 2 pounds of hash browns and chopping 1 medium onion. Mix all ingredients—potatoes, onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper—in a large bowl until well blended. Transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Can I make Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it to enhance flavors. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and adjust baking time as needed for the best texture and taste.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. Avoid over-mixing initially to maintain texture, and add a bit of milk if it seems dry when reheating for optimal results.
What tips ensure the best results with Mr. Dell’s Cheesy Potatoes?
Use fully thawed potatoes to avoid excess moisture, mix ingredients gently to keep the texture light, and bake until golden brown for the perfect melt. Adjust seasoning to taste, and if freezing, thaw completely before baking to ensure even cooking. This helps achieve that irresistible creamy and cheesy finish every time.