Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Ready to fall in love with your new go-to crowd-pleaser? These Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes bring everything you crave in a comforting side: creamy richness, savory onion flavor, gooey cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping. Imagine spooning into a bubbly, golden casserole at your next gathering, with every bite perfectly balanced between tender potato and tangy, herby goodness. It’s seriously irresistible and always the first dish to disappear at any potluck, holiday, or Sunday dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes is how every ingredient works overtime, contributing big flavor and the perfect texture. Simple everyday staples transform into something downright magical together. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is a star in this showstopping side dish:
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and diced): The hearty foundation; they cook up fluffy and soak up all that creamy flavor.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Delivers the signature tang and helps make the potatoes luxuriously creamy.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds extra richness and ensures every bite stays melt-in-your-mouth moist.
- Onion soup mix (1 packet, 1 oz): The shortcut to a savory punch and deep oniony flavor throughout.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer that no one can resist.
- Chopped green onions (½ cup): Lends fresh color, sweet bite, and a hint of sharpness.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, warm note.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances everything with just a hint of kick.
- Crushed buttery crackers (1 cup): Brings the ultimate golden crunch on top (Ritz crackers are classic for a reason!).
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the topping turn gorgeously crispy and flavorful.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by cranking your oven up to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease so nothing sticks—this little step ensures every scoop of Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes slides out perfectly for serving.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Peel and dice your russet potatoes, then get them in a pot of generously salted water. Boil for about 10–12 minutes until they’re just barely fork-tender—you want them soft but not falling apart. Drain well so your casserole doesn’t get watery.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
Transfer the drained potatoes to a large bowl. Now, the magic: stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, onion soup mix, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly combined and every potato chunk is smothered in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture in your prepared baking dish—smooth it out so the top is even. This creates the perfect base for that crunchy topping everyone raves about in Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes.
Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping
Stir together the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter in a separate small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the potatoes for maximum crispy coverage. It’s the finishing touch that takes the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop your casserole, uncovered, into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. When it comes out bubbling and golden brown on top, let it rest for five minutes—this helps everything set up and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes
Garnishes
Give these potatoes a pop of fresh color and flavor with a sprinkle of extra green onions or even a little chopped parsley right before serving. The cool, crisp finish is just what a rich dish like this needs.
Side Dishes
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes are a superstar with classic mains. Pair them with roasted chicken, honey-glazed ham, or grilled steak. Add some crisp steamed green beans or a crunchy salad to round out your meal for family-style comfort food bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking these in individual ramekins for single-serve portions at dinner parties. You can even spoon them into hollowed baked potatoes or mini phyllo cups for a playful party appetizer. However you present them, the creamy potato magic shines through!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight and the casserole reheats beautifully—sometimes it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes before baking for later. Assemble up to the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the cracker topping just before baking for best texture, and bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and steamy (about 20 minutes). If the top loses its crunch, pop under the broiler for a minute or two. The microwave works in a pinch—just keep it covered to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different potatoes for Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes?
While russet potatoes are the classic choice for their fluffy, starchy texture, Yukon Golds also work and add a slightly buttery flavor and creamy consistency.
What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?
If you’d prefer a homemade touch, mix together dried minced onion, onion powder, a pinch of beef bouillon, and a little celery salt. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll get that savory, oniony depth!
How far ahead can I make this recipe?
You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping right before baking and increase your bake time by about 5–10 minutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Opt for gluten-free crackers (there are plenty of buttery-style options available) and double-check your onion soup mix to be sure it doesn’t contain wheat or barley.
Is Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly onion soup mix (some contain beef broth or flavoring), this comforting side is completely meat-free and perfect for a vegetarian spread.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that will win raves at any dinner, you honestly can’t go wrong with Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes. The blend of creamy comfort, cheesy goodness, and oniony crunch is pure magic—one that always brings people back for seconds. Give it a try, and get ready to watch smiles spread around your table!
Print
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors, this casserole is sure to be a hit at any event.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the potatoes: Boil the diced potatoes in salted water for about 10–12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
- Mix ingredients: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, onion soup mix, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper with the potatoes.
- Prepare topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Try swapping the crackers for crushed potato chips for extra oniony crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
