If you’re on the hunt for that perfect dish to bring warmth, comfort, and a little cheesy magic to your next gathering, the Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe is absolutely calling your name. This creamy, flavorful casserole blends tender potatoes with tangy sour cream and the irresistible zing of onion soup mix, crowned with melted cheddar and a crunchy topping that will have guests coming back for seconds without hesitation. It’s the ultimate side dish that feels like a hug on a plate, effortlessly elevating any party, potluck, or holiday spread with its rich textures and savory depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crispy. Each item plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes: These provide the fluffy, hearty base; Yukon Golds are creamier, while russets give a classic potato flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and luscious creaminess that brightens every bite.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Gives an extra silky texture and richness to the mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings buttery depth and helps bind the flavors together.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix: The secret seasoning that delivers that iconic sour cream and onion flavor punch.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to golden perfection and adds sharpness that balances the creamy elements.
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Freshness and subtle crunch that keeps the dish vibrant.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or potato chips (optional topping): A crispy, golden finish that brings irresistible texture contrast.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into chunks so they cook evenly and mash smoothly. Boil them in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. This step is crucial — perfectly cooked potatoes are the creamy foundation for this entire dish, so don’t rush!
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Once drained, mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy. Immediately add in softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter, stirring until everything is velvety and well combined. Then sprinkle in the dry onion soup mix, which brings that rich, savory character you’re craving.
Step 3: Fold in Cheese and Green Onions
Next up, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. This mix not only adds bursts of flavor but also a splash of color that makes the dish visually inviting. Season with salt and pepper, tasting along the way to get your seasoning just right.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread this cheesy, tangy mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you want a little extra crunch and flair, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or potato chips on top before baking. Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbling hot and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let your Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes rest for five minutes. This helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier, while giving you a moment to prepare your guests for the deliciousness about to come.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy richness. A few extra green onions on top echo the savory onion notes inside, making every bite even more dynamic.
Side Dishes
These party potatoes are wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers or a fresh salad. Since they’re rich and indulgent, lighter sides such as steamed veggies or crisp coleslaw provide balance and variety on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching party centerpiece, bake this recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Another fun idea is to layer the mixture with cooked bacon or caramelized onions before baking to heighten the flavor complexity. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish always steals the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to bring back its creamy, bubbly charm. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crisp topping texture. If you did use the crunchy topping, adding a quick broil at the end helps revive that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds and russets are preferred for their creamy texture, but red potatoes or even fingerlings can work if you prefer a chunkier mash. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is there a substitute for the dry onion soup mix?
If you don’t have the mix on hand, you can make a quick version with onion powder, beef bouillon powder, dried parsley, and garlic powder. This way, the signature flavor isn’t compromised.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, swapping the sour cream, cream cheese, and butter for dairy-free alternatives will work, though keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Crushed buttery crackers or potato chips are classic, but you can also try panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter for a golden, crunchy finish that adds lovely texture.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a more substantial meal that still features the creamy goodness of the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe enough if you want to wow your guests or simply enjoy a soul-satisfying side that feels like a celebration in every bite. Its creamy, cheesy, and zesty profile makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So next time you plan a get-together or just want to treat yourself, give this recipe a whirl—you’re going to love the way it brings everyone together at the table!
Print
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy mashed potato casserole perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and barbecues. Made with tender Yukon Gold or russet potatoes combined with sour cream, cream cheese, melted butter, and dry onion soup mix, then baked to bubbly perfection and topped with crunchy crushed crackers or chips for extra texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, meaning they easily break apart when pierced.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes well. Return them to the pot or a large bowl and mash until smooth, removing lumps for creamy texture.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, softened cream cheese, melted butter, and dry onion soup mix thoroughly until you have a well-combined, creamy mixture.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions gently, ensuring even distribution throughout the mashed potatoes.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning according to your preference.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or potato chips evenly over the top if desired.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes out of the oven before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; simply refrigerate the unbaked casserole and bake it just before serving.
- For added flavor, mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions before baking.
- This casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dish ideal for holidays, potlucks, and barbecues.
