Delicious Southern Potato Casserole Recipe

Y’all ready for some soulful comfort food? I’ve got just the dish for you – Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole. This recipe was passed down to me from my great grandmother, and it’s been a staple at every family gathering since before I can remember. This potato casserole is perfect for any occasion – from Thanksgiving dinner to a Memorial Day barbecue. Trust me, once you try this cheesy and creamy concoction, you’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same way again.

What makes this recipe so special? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create a dish that will leave your guests begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). But don’t let the simplicity fool you – this casserole is bursting with flavor.

This dish also holds a special place in my heart because of its history. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I love finding ways to honor my roots through food. And this potato casserole recipe is no exception. It’s a tribute to the generations of strong, hardworking women who have passed down their recipes and traditions through the years.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and meaningful addition to your mealtime rotation, give Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole a try. It might just become a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zoe's Southern Potato Casserole
Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole

Y’all, let me tell you why you’ll fall in love with Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe. First off, if you’re a fan of southern-style cuisine, then you’re in for a treat because this dish is simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

One thing that sets this recipe apart is the perfect combination between the creamy sour cream and the savory chicken soup. Not to mention, the mixture of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and onion delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Trust me when I say that this dish will have your taste buds dancing like Zoe Laverne crying and dancing to “WAP”!

Moreover, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just want to enjoy a cozy meal with your loved ones, this potato casserole is always a great choice. You can easily swap it for funeral potatoes, au gratin or even cheesy potatoes. It’s versatile enough to complement any main course and elevate your side dish game. What’s more southern than mashed potato?

Finally, if you’re looking for some inspiration in the kitchen or trying to impress your guests with a classic southern-style recipe, then Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe should be on your list. This recipe book written by expert southern cooks like Brenda Gantt and Zoe Adjonyoh shared recipes from their families with over 20 ways clean home baking soda. The fact that these chefs put their own spin on it speaks to how true this dish is to our southern roots. It’s time to add some comfort food and soul to your meal with Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe!

Ingredient List

 Creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese make a savory statement in every spoonful.
Creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese make a savory statement in every spoonful.

Get ready to grab a pen and paper, because here is the list of ingredients you’ll need for Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe:

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (32-ounce) package frozen hash browns
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Some variations and substitutions can be made to suit your taste. So let’s dive in and get started on this mouth-watering southern-style dish!

The Recipe How-To

 With a golden-brown crust on top and fluffy texture on the inside, this dish screams comfort food.
With a golden-brown crust on top and fluffy texture on the inside, this dish screams comfort food.

Let’s get started on making Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole! This dish is perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings. It’s a unique take on traditional mashed potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, finely chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter. Mix well to combine.
  3. Add in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix again.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
  5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

That’s it! This recipe is very straightforward and easy to put together. Your family and friends will be impressed with the delicious flavor of this Southern-style potato casserole dish. Make sure to let it cool for at least five minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results:

  • Thaw your hash browns: This step ensures that your ingredients will mix evenly and thoroughly.
  • Finely chop your onion: This will ensure that it evenly spreads throughout the mixture.

FAQ:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Follow the instructions for preparation, transfer to a casserole dish, and cover with foil. Refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply remove from your refrigerator 30 minutes before baking for better results.

Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! In fact, you can use any kind of cheese that you like. Try experimenting with flavors like pimento cheese or Kelly cheese potato casserole.

Now go ahead and give this recipe a try! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for those occasions when you want something hearty and comforting.

Substitutions and Variations

 Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Southern-style cuisine is all about being flexible and creative with your dishes. So, if you’re looking to tweak the Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe, here are some substitutions and variations that you can experiment with:

– Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, but you can try different types like Gouda or Pepper Jack to change up the flavor.

– Cream of Chicken Soup: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup or even a homemade version. The main aim is to have that creamy texture to bring out the fullness in the recipe.

– Potatoes: While frozen hash browns work well in the recipe, you could swap them with fresh diced potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even sweet potato to create a unique twist.

– Onion: If onions are not your favorite ingredient, substitute it with some finely chopped bell pepper or celery for added taste variation.

– Sour cream: For a healthier option, yogurt works incredibly well as a substitute for sour cream in most recipes. Plain Greek yogurt is tangy enough and oozes enough moisture to make an excellent substitution.

From using different types of cheeses down to substituting sour cream with yogurt in your Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe, these variations allow you to put your spin on this classic southern dish. Don’t be afraid to try new things; let your creativity run wild!

Serving and Pairing

 This potato casserole is comforting and warm, like a hug in a dish.
This potato casserole is comforting and warm, like a hug in a dish.

Y’all, if you want to bring a little taste of the South to your dinner table, then you have got to try this southern potato casserole recipe. This creamy and cheesy dish is the perfect side dish for any occasion, from Sunday supper to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving. Trust me when I say that your guests will be coming back for seconds (and thirds)!

When it comes to pairing this delightful dish, I recommend serving it with some classic Southern-style main courses like fried chicken or pork chops. But you could also serve it alongside grilled meats like sausages or steaks. This casserole complements a wide range of flavors with its creamy potatoes, bold cheddar cheese, and tangy sour cream.

If you want to elevate the flavor profile of this potato casserole even further, add some crispy bacon bits to the top before baking. The smokiness of the bacon adds a slight edge to the creaminess of the potato casserole.

For a lighter option, pair this casserole with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The greens will help cut through the richness of the cheese and cream without overwhelming its flavors.

No matter how you serve it up, Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Layers upon layers of potatoes, cheese, and onions create a taste that's as impressive as it is delicious.
Layers upon layers of potatoes, cheese, and onions create a taste that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite part: leftovers. This southern-style potato casserole is perfect for preparing in advance, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare it as directed in the recipe but do not bake it yet. Instead, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the refrigerator. You can keep it this way for up to two days before baking.

When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes or until heated through. Then take the casserole out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!

If you have leftovers after making this Southern potato casserole, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through or place the desired amount of casserole into an ovenproof dish and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.

One thing to note is that this dish does not freeze well due to its creamy nature. So, if you want to avoid freezer burn and ruined texture, I recommend enjoying any leftovers within four days of making it.

Overall, being able to make this southern-style potato casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge without sacrificing any flavor or texture is a huge win. Plus, the comfort food factor only increases when you can microwave or bake yourself a serving of leftovers whenever the craving strikes!

Tips for Perfect Results

 The grated Parmesan cheese provides a flavorful finishing touch that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
The grated Parmesan cheese provides a flavorful finishing touch that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

After cooking this southern-style potato casserole recipe several times, I have discovered some tips that will lead to the perfect outcome every time. Here are my top tips:

1. Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: One of the highlights of this recipe is the cheddar cheese. For a more pronounced cheesy taste, opt for sharp cheddar instead of mild.

2. Add Some Spice: While this recipe does not call for any spicy ingredients, adding some black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it an extra kick.

3. Use Frozen Hash Browns: Though you can use freshly grated potatoes, using frozen hash browns will give you consistent results every time.

4. Mix It Up: Don’t be afraid to switch up the type of cheese. Kelly cheese or cream cheese can be used instead of cheddar to experiment with flavors.

5. Let It Cool Before Serving: Giving the casserole some time to sit and cool after baking will firm up the consistency and make it much easier to serve.

6. Add Toppings for Texture: Pimento cheese or sour cream can be added on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

7. Experiment with Substitutions: This recipe is forgiving and allows you to experiment with different ingredient substitutions such as cream of mushroom soup or even chicken broth in place of the cream of chicken soup.

8. Adjust Salt Levels Based on Your Tastes: Taste-testing along the way is crucial in determining if it needs more salt or less salt based on your preferences.

By keeping in mind these tips, you’ll easily achieve perfect results when making this southern-style potato casserole recipe every time!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to savor the delicious taste of true southern-style cuisine. From the perfectly combined flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion to the creamy texture of sour cream and cream chicken soup, this potato casserole will definitely become a favorite in your recipe book.

Moreover, with the various substitution options provided, everyone can personalize this dish to their liking, making it a versatile treat perfect for any occasion. Not to mention the option to make ahead, store and reheat or pair it up with other items to make an unforgettable meal.

So, don’t hesitate to try out Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe and indulge in its delectable flavor profile. And while you’re at it, check out other awesome recipe books by renowned chefs like Brenda Gantt, Zoe Laverne Adjonyoh, and Southern Living for more mouthwatering options. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you later!

Zoe's Southern Potato Casserole

Zoe’s Southern Potato Casserole Recipe

Found this recipe in a cookbook and my daughter made a few changes.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern American
Calories 493.6 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (32 ounce) package frozen hash browns
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1 (8 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350. Thaw hash brown potatoes in microwave. Cook on high for 4 minutes.
  • Mix remainder of ingredients in large bowl. Stir defrosted potatoes into mixture. Pour into 9x13 glass casserole dish.
  • Cook in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, until golden brown around edges.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 202gCalories: 493.6kcalCarbohydrates: 30.5gProtein: 10.7gFat: 38.1gSaturated Fat: 21.1gCholesterol: 70.2mgSodium: 642.5mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2.2g
Keyword < 60 Mins, Easy, Oven, Potato, Vegetable
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