There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbly casserole straight out of the oven and this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is comfort food at its best. With tender shredded potatoes, creamy sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, this dish is a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty side dish with dinner, this casserole always disappears fast. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy Goodness – Perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, cheesy center.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared ahead and baked when ready.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Always a hit at potlucks, parties, and family dinners.
- Customizable – Add proteins or veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional topping: crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2 – Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cream soup, sour cream, melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 3 – Assemble
Spread mixture evenly into the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Add optional cornflake topping if desired.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly and top is golden.
Step 5 – Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Variations
- Loaded Hash Brown Casserole – Add bacon bits, ham, or sausage.
- Vegetarian – Use cream of mushroom soup and add bell peppers or broccoli.
- Spicy Twist – Mix in diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Lighter Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for brunch.
- Serve as a side with roasted chicken or turkey.
- Enjoy at holiday gatherings as a cozy comfort dish.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble (without baking) and freeze up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to cooking time.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 25g
- Sodium: 580mg
FAQs About Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
1. Can I make cheesy hash brown casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze cheesy hash brown casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble it without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen just add 15–20 extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade béchamel-style white sauce.
4. How do I make the casserole crispier on top?
Bake uncovered and add a topping of crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crunchy golden finish.
5. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes! Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage can be mixed in to make it a heartier main dish.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food creamy, cheesy, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side, a brunch centerpiece, or a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
With its versatility, make-ahead convenience, and endless variation options, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Bake it once, and you’ll see why it’s a go-to casserole for families everywhere!
