If you have ever craved a dish that wraps comfort, cheesiness, and a delightful crunch all in one warm, inviting bite, this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender shredded hash browns with a creamy, cheesy sauce that melts in your mouth, while a golden, crispy topping adds the perfect texture contrast. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or just a cozy family dinner, this casserole brings everyone to the table with smiles and second-helpings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to dish for satisfying those savory cravings with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in its delicious outcome. Every element adds flavor, creaminess, or texture for a dish that feels both homemade and indulgent at the same time.
- 1 pound frozen shredded hash browns thawed: The hearty base that creates the perfect potato texture without fuss.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings creaminess and that classic comforting flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that makes the casserole extra moist and velvety.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Infuses the dish with buttery goodness and richness.
- 1 small onion finely chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides sharp, melty cheesiness, split between the mixture and topping for maximum yum.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory hint that elevates the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes (optional for topping): Creates a crispy, golden crust with buttery crunch.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted for topping: Helps brown the cornflakes and adds extra flavor on top.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish and Mix Ingredients
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, combine two textures and flavors: the thawed hash browns with the creamy base made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Add in the finely chopped onion for a bit of sweetness, along with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar for that irresistible cheesy touch. Season this mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly until every shred of potato is coated and ready to bake.
Step 2: Transfer into Baking Dish and Add Topping
Spoon your creamy hash brown mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. If you decide on the extra crunch, toss the crushed cornflakes with the remaining melted butter—they’ll toast beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of your casserole to create a golden, crispy layer that contrasts with the creamy inside.
Step 3: Bake Until Hot and Bubbling
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You want to see it bubbling at the edges and the top turning a deep golden brown. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This step adds a luscious, melty cheese cap that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Step 4: Let it Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe cool for about 5 minutes. This short wait lets it set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve, while still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or green onions adds a wonderful pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the cheese beautifully. You could even add a dollop of sour cream on each serving for extra creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs superbly with light salads or steamed vegetables to balance out its richness. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. At dinner, roasted meats or grilled chicken complement the dish perfectly by adding protein and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe feel special by baking it in individual ramekins for personal servings. Layer it in a clear glass dish to show off its creamy and crunchy layers, or add a colorful side salad on each plate for a beautiful presentation that invites compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes just as wonderful when reheated, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake it from frozen, but add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze similarly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly, usually about 20-25 minutes. You might want to cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent over-browning during reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
What can I add to this casserole for extra flavor?
Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms to bring extra flavor and texture. Each addition can make this casserole uniquely your own.
Is it necessary to use cornflakes topping?
The cornflakes are optional but highly recommended for added crunch and a beautifully golden crust. If you don’t have cornflakes, crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs also work well.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but keep in mind you’ll need to shred and partially cook fresh potatoes before mixing to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and stays creamy rather than watery.
How long does this casserole take to bake?
Expect about 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F. It’s done when the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is a golden brown color. Adding cheese during the last 5 minutes creates an extra gooey topping.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe truly is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it out and watch how quickly it becomes an essential part of your recipe collection, perfect for holidays, brunches, or any time you want to indulge in pure cheesy happiness.
Print
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy hash brown casserole that’s perfect as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or holiday meals. This easy-to-make casserole combines crispy hash browns with a creamy blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, topped with a crunchy cornflake crust for extra texture and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping (Optional)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, finely chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the hash brown mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Topping: If using, mix the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to add a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until it is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Add Remaining Cheese: About 5 minutes before the casserole finishes baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top to create an extra cheesy layer, then return to the oven to melt.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to set before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- You can add cooked bacon or diced bell peppers for additional flavor and texture variations.
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Try using sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
