Introduction
Few dishes capture the essence of cozy comfort food like a Hash Brown Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, golden, and loaded with flavor, this dish is a favorite at holiday gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or even as a hearty breakfast side. It takes humble hash browns and transforms them into something indulgent and irresistible, thanks to a rich sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping that’s baked until bubbly and golden brown.
This casserole has a way of bringing people together. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal yet special enough for festive occasions. Whether you’re pairing it with ham at Christmas, fried chicken at a Sunday supper, or eggs for brunch, Hash Brown Casserole is a dish that guarantees empty plates and happy smiles.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. It uses frozen hash browns, which save time and effort, but the end result feels homemade and hearty. The creamy base, made with condensed soup and sour cream, pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar cheese, giving every bite a rich, indulgent flavor.
Another reason I adore this dish is its versatility—you can serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, and it pairs beautifully with almost anything. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated without losing its appeal, which makes it a lifesaver during busy holidays or family gatherings.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Ultimate Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and hearty.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A guaranteed hit at potlucks and holiday meals.
- Versatile – Works as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared ahead and baked when needed.
- Customizable – Easy to tweak with proteins, veggies, or spices.
This dish is a must-try because it’s simple, satisfying, and universally loved—it’s one of those recipes that everyone asks for after tasting.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: ~340 per serving (varies with cheese and toppings)
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed (or panko breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Base
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add Hash Browns and Cheese
- Stir in thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve hot as a side dish alongside roasted meats, ham, fried chicken, or eggs. It’s also perfect as part of a brunch spread with fruit, pastries, and breakfast meats.
Recipe Tips
- Thaw hash browns completely to prevent excess water.
- Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or mix in cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk to the sauce.
- If you prefer a crispier casserole, bake for an extra 5–10 minutes.
Variations
- Loaded Hash Brown Casserole – Stir in cooked bacon bits, ham, or sausage.
- Veggie Version – Add bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Different Topping – Use Ritz crackers, potato chips, or breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.
- Healthier Option – Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Oven
Conclusion
This Hash Brown Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious—a true comfort food classic. Whether you’re serving it at a family breakfast, holiday dinner, or potluck, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and comforting flavors, this dish is one you’ll return to again and again.
Hash Brown Casserole
Description
Few dishes capture the essence of cozy comfort food like a Hash Brown Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, golden, and loaded with flavor, this dish is a favorite at holiday gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, or even as a hearty breakfast side.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
For the Topping:
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
-
Add Hash Browns and Cheese: Stir in thawed hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
-
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
-
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
-
Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
