If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings creamy comfort and zesty flair to any gathering, look no further than this Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe. It’s a luscious, cheesy potato casserole that balances the tang of sour cream and the savory pop of onion soup mix in the most delightful way imaginable. Whether it’s a holiday feast, weekend get-together, or just a craving for something warm and satisfying, this recipe steals the spotlight every time with its golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role. From creamy sour cream to sharp cheddar cheese and crispy topping, each element is essential for building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and diced): Yukon Gold offers buttery flavor and smooth texture, while Russet gives a fluffier bite; both work beautifully.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that binds everything together with luscious richness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Boosts moisture and silkiness while balancing the tang of sour cream.
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix: Infuses the dish with classic savory onion flavor, the star seasoning here.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness and a mild sharpness that soothes the palate.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish): Freshness and a gentle crunch add brightness and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Subtle warmth elevates the flavor layers without overshadowing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers or potato chips (for topping): Adds a crispy, buttery crunch that completes the dish.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the topping brown gorgeously and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your potatoes won’t stick when it’s time to bake. Peel and dice your potatoes into evenly sized chunks, then boil them in salted water until just tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. The potatoes need to be fork-tender but not falling apart, so keep an eye on them to nail the perfect texture. Drain and let them cool slightly before moving to the next step, so they hold their shape better.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, dry onion soup mix, and garlic powder. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions, which add bursts of flavor and color. This mixture is your creamy, flavorful base that will cling lovingly to each potato piece. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to make sure the seasoning sings.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes with the Creamy Mixture
Gently fold the warm potatoes into your sour cream onion mixture, being careful not to mash them up. The goal is to coat every potato chunk evenly with the flavorful sauce so that every bite bursts with cheesy, tangy goodness. Once combined, spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish to prepare for the final bake.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping and Bake
For that delightful crunch on top, mix the crushed butter crackers or potato chips with melted butter until the crumbs are nicely coated. Sprinkle this over the potato mixture to form a golden crust. Bake your dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the topping is beautifully browned. The transformation is magical and signals that this Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe has reached its full potential.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions sprinkled over the top right after baking add the perfect pop of color and a mild onion brightness that keeps the dish vibrant. For an extra touch, try a light dusting of paprika for a hint of smoky warmth or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for texture contrast. These garnishes make your dish look as incredible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is so rich, pairing it with fresh, light sides is a smart move. Crisp green salads with vinaigrette, steamed seasonal vegetables, or tangy coleslaw balance the creaminess beautifully. You might also serve it alongside roasted meats or grilled chicken for a heartier meal, letting this potato bake be your comforting crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, consider serving the Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Another fun idea is to use it as a layered filling for loaded baked potato skins, topped with extra cheese and crispy bacon. You could also stir in extras like bacon bits or caramelized onions before baking to jazz things up and tailor the dish to your crowd’s tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The creamy potatoes hold up well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the deliciousness again without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze the prepared, unbaked dish before adding the topping. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add the topping fresh before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For maintaining that crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to refresh the crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with your favorite dairy-free versions, and use a plant-based cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavors will shift slightly but will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of the dry onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, try a combination of onion powder, beef or vegetable bouillon powder, and a pinch of herbs like parsley to capture a similar flavor profile.
Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold or Russet?
Yes, red potatoes work well, though they have a waxier texture and won’t be quite as fluffy. They still absorb the flavors beautifully and create a great bake.
Is it necessary to boil the potatoes first?
Boiling the potatoes beforehand ensures they cook evenly and reach the perfect fork-tender texture for baking without overcooking the topping.
How can I make this recipe more indulgent?
Adding cooked and crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or extra sharp cheddar cheese layers can take this dish over the top in terms of flavor and richness.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe as I do. It’s a comforting classic that’s impressively easy to prepare but so satisfying to eat, perfect for making any event a little more special. Trust me, once you serve it, you’ll see why it always becomes the star of the spread. Go ahead, whip it up, and watch it vanish from 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 are a creamy, cheesy baked side dish featuring tender diced potatoes coated in a tangy sour cream and onion mixture, topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any crowd-pleasing occasion, this flavorful casserole offers a comforting twist on classic loaded potatoes with the savory crunch of onion soup mix and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed butter crackers or potato chips
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil the peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and allow them to cool slightly before combining.
- Mix the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the cheese mixture, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the potato and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers or potato chips with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potato layer to create a deliciously crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle with additional chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For a tangier flavor, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions to the mixture for extra flavor depth.
