Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
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There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that brings family and friends together, and this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe does exactly that. Loaded with creamy textures, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender hashbrowns, this casserole offers a perfect balance of flavors and a crispy, golden topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a potluck favorite, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to deliver big smiles and full bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients combine to create a casserole bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the fluffy shredded hashbrowns forming a hearty base, to the creamy soup and sour cream adding moisture and tang, and the cheddar cheese bringing that classic savory punch.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The star of the dish, offering a tender potato base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds rich, melty cheesiness that ties everything together.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy, savory binder for the casserole ingredients.
- Sour cream: Gives a subtle tang and smooth creaminess to balance the richness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for moisture and to help achieve a golden crust.
- Chopped onion: Introduces a mild sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic powder: Lends a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and enhance all flavors.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs (optional topping): Provides a crunchy, golden finish for texture contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that the casserole won’t stick and will slide right out when it’s time to serve, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the thawed hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite is packed with cheesy, creamy goodness and perfectly seasoned potatoes.
Step 3: Spread and Top
Evenly spread this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you love a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs over the surface. This little step adds a delightful golden crust that contrasts the creamy layers beneath.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling hot, the cheese is melted throughout, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown that’s just begging to be tasted.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up just a bit. This resting time makes it easier to serve perfect squares of this cheesy delight.
How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich casserole. For those who love a little heat, a dusting of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or fresh fruit to balance its creamy richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled sausages for a complete, satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming, personal touch. You can also layer it with cooked bacon or ham for a meaty variation that’s sure to impress the crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight, making it an easy and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again—about 20 to 30 minutes if reheating a whole dish. A quick broil for a couple of minutes can revive the crispy topping to perfection.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and the dish remains just as creamy and delicious without any meat products.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even panko work wonderfully as a crunchy topping. For a gluten-free option, crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs are perfect substitutes.
Is it necessary to thaw the hash browns?
Yes, thawing the hash browns helps the casserole bake evenly and prevents excess moisture from making the dish soggy. Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or briefly at room temperature before mixing.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, cooked mushrooms, or chopped spinach can add a fresh dimension. Just be cautious not to add too much moisture, which can affect the final texture.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, and replace the butter with a plant-based margarine. Be sure to check the cream of chicken soup label or opt for a dairy-free substitute homemade or store-bought.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to any table. Its simple ingredients come together in such a harmonious way that it feels like a special treat, even on an ordinary day. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying, this casserole is calling your name—go ahead, give it a try and watch it become your new favorite comfort food classic!
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Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Made with tender shredded hashbrowns, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich blend of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, it bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, topped with crispy cornflakes or breadcrumbs for added texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed shredded hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted unsalted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These mix together to create the creamy base of the casserole.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients well until they are evenly combined, ensuring a consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: If desired, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes. It should be hot and bubbly with a golden brown top when done.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes out of the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier and more enjoyable.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely for even cooking and to prevent excess water in the casserole.
- The topping is optional but adds a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake slightly longer if baking from cold.
- Try adding diced cooked bacon or green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
