There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole filled with crispy edges and ooey-gooey cheese, and that is exactly why the Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is one of my absolute favorite dishes to share with friends and family. This recipe marries the crunchiness of tender hash browns with the richness of sharp cheddar and creamy textures, creating a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish or even a hearty main event. Easy to prepare yet indulgently satisfying, it’s perfect for festive gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a little cheesy comfort on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to pulling off this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe with ease. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy soup base that binds everything together, to the sharp cheddar cheese that adds bold flavor and melty goodness, and the crunchy topping that provides texture contrast. Let’s dive into the essentials that create this delightful dish.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: Using thawed hash browns offers convenience and the perfect potato texture without peeling or grating.
- Cream of chicken soup: This creaminess is the binding agent that makes the casserole irresistibly moist and flavorful.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing the cheese’s sharpness and creating a smooth, luscious filling.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor component; use freshly shredded for the best melt and taste.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the casserole and crisps up the optional topping beautifully.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential aromatics that deepen the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out all the nuanced flavors in the casserole.
- Finely chopped onion: For a bit of savory sweetness and added texture inside the mix.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs (optional): This topping is pure magic for adding a golden, crispy finish that contrasts perfectly with the cheesy filling.
- Melted butter (for topping): Sprinkled over crumbs, it helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Base
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350ºF (175ºC) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped onion. This mixture forms the creamy backbone of your casserole—season it well to lay the perfect flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Hash Browns
Now, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Then gently fold in the thawed hash browns, being careful not to overmix; you want each potato shred generously coated but still intact so that your casserole has texture and heartiness in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble and Add Topping
Spread the cheesy potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer. If you’re using the optional topping—which I highly recommend for the crunch—mix the crushed cornflakes or cracker crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle the blend evenly over the casserole. This little step transforms the dish from great to absolutely show-stopping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbling around the edges and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes; this brief pause helps everything set nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy the flavors fully.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe can elevate its visual appeal and flavor. Fresh chopped chives or green onions lend a pop of color and a subtle oniony bite, while a dollop of sour cream on the side brings extra creaminess. For those who like a little zing, a sprinkle of paprika or a few crispy bacon bits complement the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a side dish alongside roasted meats like baked ham, roasted turkey, or grilled chicken. You could balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or serve with steamed seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs wonderfully with eggs and sausage for a cozy brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
To shake things up, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at gatherings. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole with sautéed mushrooms or cooked diced ham to turn this into a one-dish meal. Leftover casserole can also be scooped onto toasted English muffins and topped with a fried egg for a decadent breakfast or brunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because everyone tends to ask for seconds), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for an incredibly comforting next-day treat that reheats wonderfully.
Freezing
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe also freezes beautifully. Prepare it fully, but don’t bake; then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through perfectly.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is in the oven to preserve that delicious crispy topping and creamy texture. Heat at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cornflakes or cracker crumbs for topping?
If you’re out of cornflakes or crackers, panko breadcrumbs or crushed pretzels work wonderfully as a crunchy topping alternative.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Yes! Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken before baking to add heartiness and turn this casserole into a satisfying main course.
Is it necessary to thaw the hash browns before using?
Yes, thawing the hash browns ensures they cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from making your casserole soggy.
How can I make this casserole ahead for a party?
Prepare the casserole fully up to adding the topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping and bake just before your event to serve fresh and hot.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warm, cheesy comfort of this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe to bring smiles around the table. Whether for a holiday feast, family dinner, or casual get-together, its blend of creamy, crispy, and cheesy textures is pure joy in every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and create your own delicious memories with this timeless dish!
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Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish featuring shredded hash browns baked in a delightful mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory spices, all topped with a crunchy cornflake or cracker crumb topping. Perfect for holidays or any gathering, this easy casserole pairs wonderfully with breakfast, brunch, or dinner meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion. Stir these together until incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Hash Browns: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly, then gently fold in the thawed shredded hash browns until the mixture is well combined, creating the creamy casserole base.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top for an even layer.
- Add Topping: If using, mix the crushed cornflakes or cracker crumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole surface to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top has turned a golden brown color.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- To make it a heartier meal, add cooked bacon, diced ham, or chopped cooked chicken into the mixture before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
