Description
This comforting and easy Potato Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a warm, satisfying dish that pleases all ages. The smooth potato base and salty, crispy Ritz topping deliver a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Base
- 3 pounds peeled and diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) onion soup mix
- ½ cup milk
Topping
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed finely
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Boil them in salted water until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Mash and Mix: Return drained potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, onion soup mix, and milk. Mash together until smooth and creamy while keeping some texture.
- Prepare the Topping: Finely crush Ritz crackers using a food processor or place in a bag and crush with a rolling pin. Combine the crushed crackers with melted butter until well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish with butter. Transfer the creamy potato mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs uniformly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- Drain potatoes thoroughly to prevent a runny casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and richness.
- Do not overmix the potatoes; keep some texture for a heartier bite.
- Butter the baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Apply the Ritz cracker topping evenly for a consistent crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: potato casserole, Ritz cracker topping, cheesy potatoes, comfort food, easy casserole, holiday side dish