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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even heat distribution for optimal baking.
- 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.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash browns with sour cream, creating a creamy base that will bind the casserole ingredients together.
- Gently fold in the condensed cream of chicken soup, which adds rich flavor and helps maintain moisture throughout the dish.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions to introduce a subtle aromatic depth and enhance the overall taste profile.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to evenly distribute and provide a luxurious, melty texture when baked.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper to season the mixture, balancing the flavors and adding a hint of complexity.
- Pour the prepared hash brown mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Top the casserole with a generous layer of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, which will create a delightful crispy golden crust.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
- 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