Some recipes just feel like home. This Cornflake Tator Casserole is one of those dishes that shows up at church potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners when you need something simple and comforting.
Around here I love recipes that bring life back to the basics — real ingredients, simple steps, and meals that gather people around the table. This casserole has been a favorite for years because it’s creamy, cheesy, and finished with that buttery cornflake crunch that everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for potlucks or family dinners
• Feeds a crowd easily
• Crispy buttery topping
• Classic comfort food flavor
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 14
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
2 lbs shredded potatoes, thawed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild works great)
8 oz sour cream
1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 sticks butter, melted and divided
3–4 cups cornflakes
1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic salt
How to Make Cornflake Tator Casserole
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl combine the shredded potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and one stick of melted butter.
Step 3
Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Step 6
While the casserole is baking, melt the remaining stick of butter and stir in the Lawry’s seasoning and garlic salt.
Step 7
Add the cornflakes to the butter mixture and gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated.
Step 8
After the casserole has baked for 35 minutes, remove it from the oven and take off the foil.
Step 9
Spread the buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 10
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 10 additional minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Brena’s Tips
• Make sure the frozen potatoes are fully thawed before mixing.
• Mild cheddar gives this casserole a classic flavor, but sharp cheddar works too.
• You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and add the topping just before the final bake.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or an air fryer.
A Back to Basics Thought
Sometimes the best meals aren’t fancy. They’re the ones that show up at church dinners, family tables, and busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and ready to sit down together. Recipes like this remind me that simple food still has a way of bringing people together.