Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Creamiest for Morning Comfort

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering hash brown casserole that promises to become your new weekend favorite.

Crispy potato shreds mingle with creamy cheese and savory seasonings for an irresistible dish.

Southern kitchens inspired this hearty recipe that brings warmth to any gathering.

Cheesy layers promise pure deliciousness with each comforting bite.

Potato lovers will adore the golden, crispy top that adds delightful crunch.

Weeknight dinners or weekend brunches deserve something special like this crowd-pleasing casserole.

You can whip up this simple yet impressive dish in under an hour and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Smart Pointers for Hash Brown Casserole Fans

• Prevent Dryness: Sour cream and cream of chicken soup keep the casserole moist and creamy, ensuring each bite is deliciously rich and tender.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or mix cheeses like mild cheddar and monterey jack for complex taste profiles.
• Crisp Up the Topping: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and crushed cornflakes on top for a golden, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a meat-free version.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Add diced ham, cooked bacon, or green onions for extra flavor and protein, transforming the classic casserole into a more substantial meal.

Save Hash Brown Casserole

• Store cooled casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy edges return.
• Reheat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even warming.

Great Dishes to Pair with Hash Brown Casserole

• Pair the hash brown casserole with crisp bacon strips for a savory protein boost that complements the cheesy potato goodness.
• Serve alongside a freshly brewed cup of medium-roast coffee with a splash of cream to balance the rich, creamy casserole flavors.
• Add a light fresh herb salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• For brunch lovers, try a sparkling prosecco or light champagne that adds effervescence and cleanses the palate between creamy bites.

Unique Spins on Hash Brown Casserole

• Gluten-Free Hash Brown Casserole: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use gluten-free flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Swap chicken soup for vegetable broth and add plant-based cheese and sautéed mushrooms to create a hearty meat-free alternative packed with rich flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute frozen hash browns with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that still delivers comforting, cheesy goodness.
• Dairy-Free Potato Dish: Use coconut milk instead of sour cream and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the casserole's creamy consistency.

Answering Your Hash Brown Casserole Questions

• What are the key ingredients in Hash Brown Casserole?

Hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions are the essential ingredients that create the creamy and cheesy texture of this classic comfort dish.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and bake as directed.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

The traditional recipe is not vegetarian due to the cream of chicken soup and potentially meat-based ingredients. To make it vegetarian, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a vegetarian cream soup, and use vegetable broth if needed.

• How can I add extra flavor to the Hash Brown Casserole?

Try adding crispy bacon bits, diced green onions, garlic powder, or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile. Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.

What Makes Hash Brown Casserole So Satisfying

• A crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Combines simple ingredients quickly, requiring just 10 minutes of hands-on time before baking, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like frozen hash browns, sour cream, and cheese, making it an economical meal option.
• Works brilliantly as a hearty side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and easily scales up for potlucks and large gatherings.

What’s Inside a Hash Brown Casserole

• Frozen Hash Browns, Shredded Potatoes: Crispy potato base that gives the casserole its signature texture, best when thawed and well-drained.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts beautifully and creates a rich, creamy element to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy components that help bind the ingredients and add moisture to the casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top layer.
• Onion: Provides a subtle depth of flavor and aromatic quality.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.
• Cornflakes or Breadcrumbs: Optional crunchy topping that adds a nice textural contrast to the soft casserole.

How to Bake a Great Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Whip Up the Potato Base

• Sour cream
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced onions
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and create a creamy, rich mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed corn flakes
• Melted butter
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the corn flake topping generously over the potato base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges, which indicate the casserole is ready.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier. Cut into squares and serve hot as a delightful side dish or comforting main course.

Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets southern charm in this irresistible hash brown casserole, blending crispy potato shreds with creamy cheese and golden-brown edges. Hearty side dishes rarely come more satisfying, delivering pure comfort that brings smiles around any dinner table you’ll gather.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (26 ounces/737 grams) frozen hash browns (thawed)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers (for a crispy top)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal baking.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by thoroughly coating the interior with a thin layer of butter or using a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash browns with sour cream, creating a creamy base that will bind the casserole ingredients together.
4. Gently fold in the condensed cream of chicken soup, which adds rich flavor and helps maintain moisture throughout the dish.
5. Incorporate finely chopped onions to introduce a subtle aromatic depth and enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to evenly distribute and provide a luxurious, melty texture when baked.
7. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to season the mixture, balancing the flavors and adding a hint of complexity.
8. Pour the prepared hash brown mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
9. Top the casserole with a generous layer of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, which will create a delightful crispy golden crust.
10. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become crisp.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
12. Slice and serve the hash brown casserole while still warm, enjoying the creamy interior and crunchy exterior.

Notes

• Swap frozen hash browns for freshly grated potatoes to enhance texture and reduce sodium content.
• Add diced ham or crispy bacon for extra protein and a smoky flavor boost that elevates the dish.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives without compromising creamy richness.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes on top for a crunchy alternative that works well for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg