The Creamiest Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Crafting the perfect hashbrown casserole requires a delightful blend of comfort and creativity.

Potato lovers understand the magic behind this hearty dish that brings warmth to any gathering.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for breakfast or brunch enthusiasts.

Cheese, potatoes, and savory seasonings combine to create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean anyone can master this delectable comfort food.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and become the breakfast hero among your friends and family.

What Makes Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe So Enjoyable

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate, satisfying those deep comfort food desires with every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add bacon bits, or sprinkle herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours, transforming a simple dish into a personalized culinary creation.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Guaranteed to please everyone from kids to grandparents, this crowd-pleasing recipe brings people together with its irresistible cheesy goodness and simple preparation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead, this casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making mealtime stress-free and convenient for busy households.

Everything In Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

• Hashbrowns: Frozen potato shreds that create the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy binding ingredient that adds moisture and depth to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that contributes richness and smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top layer.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Onion: Optional ingredient that provides a subtle aromatic and savory note.

• Cornflakes, Cheddar Cheese: Crunchy topping that adds texture and extra cheesy flavor to the casserole's surface.

Steps To Follow For Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. This sets the stage for a perfectly golden and bubbling casserole that’ll make mouths water.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Thawed hashbrowns
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Diced onion

Blend these ingredients until they become a smooth, appetizing mixture. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the rich flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Cheesy Goodness

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the hashbrown blend. This is where the magic of cheesiness begins!

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of butter or cooking spray. Carefully spread the hashbrown mixture across the dish, creating an even layer of deliciousness.

Step 5: Add the Crowning Glory

Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. For extra crunch, scatter crushed cornflakes across the surface, creating a tantalizing golden topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to devour.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest briefly. The aroma will fill the kitchen, making everyone’s stomach growl with anticipation. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that works for any meal of the day!

Tips To Nail Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

• Prevent Freezer Burn: Thaw hashbrowns completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture and preventing soggy casserole.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor that coats every bite perfectly.
• Onion Options: Sauté diced onions before adding to enhance their sweetness and reduce raw, sharp taste while adding depth to the overall dish.
• Crunch Factor Control: Crush cornflakes just before topping to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent them from getting soft before baking.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.

Ways To Remix Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

• Veggie Power Hashbrown Bake: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and add chopped spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetable-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free cream soup, swap cornflakes with crushed gluten-free rice cereal, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole: Mix in diced green chilies, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern-inspired option.
• Lean Protein Edition: Substitute some cheese with diced chicken breast or ground turkey, reduce butter, and use low-fat dairy products for a healthier protein-rich variation.

What To Serve With Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

• Pair Perfectly with Protein Powerhouses: Grilled chicken breast or crispy bacon adds lean protein that complements the rich, cheesy hashbrowns and creates a balanced meal.
• Enhance with Fresh Veggie Sidekicks: Roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad provides a light, fresh contrast to the creamy, hearty casserole and adds nutritional balance.
• Sip Alongside Refreshing Beverages: Cold orange juice or a light wheat beer cuts through the casserole's richness, cleansing the palate and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy, savory dish.
• Elevate with Tangy Condiment Companions: Homemade salsa or tangy ranch dressing introduces a zesty kick that brightens the creamy casserole and adds an extra layer of flavor complexity.

How To Store Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Without Hassle

• Store leftover casserole in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap securely with aluminum foil or freezer wrap, and store up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Restore crispy top by warming in preheated oven at 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp up the surface.

Common Questions On Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

• What type of hashbrowns work best for this recipe?

Frozen shredded hashbrowns work perfectly. Thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture to ensure a crispy, delicious casserole.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to create a vegetarian-friendly version. This simple swap keeps the creamy texture and flavor intact.

• How can I make the top extra crispy?

Use crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs on top before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and golden-brown finish to your casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 0-5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic Southern hospitality in this cheesy hashbrown casserole, perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches. Rich potato goodness combines with creamy cheese and crispy edges, promising a satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (30 ounces / 850 grams) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) sour cream

Seasonings and Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate thawed hashbrowns with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and optional diced onion, incorporating salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Fold in one portion of shredded cheddar cheese, distributing evenly throughout the hashbrown mixture to create a rich, creamy texture.
4. Lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, then carefully transfer the hashbrown mixture, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
5. Generously crown the casserole with remaining cheese, optionally sprinkling crushed cornflakes for an additional crisp layer that will provide textural contrast.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 45-50 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the interior bubbles with anticipation.
7. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest briefly, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize before serving this comforting culinary creation.

Notes

• Customize the texture by adjusting the crunch factor with cornflakes, adding more for extra crispiness or omitting for a smoother consistency.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable broth for vegetarian options, ensuring the same creamy richness.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg