Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole 🧀🥔

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy, buttery crust. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for holiday meals. With its rich flavors and gooey texture, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple pantry staples and can be customized to suit your taste.

Let’s dive into how to make this hearty, cheesy casserole step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food Classic : Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors.
2. Easy to Make : Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
3. Customizable : Add bacon, sausage, or veggies for extra flavor.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy days.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : A hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Ingredients

(Serves 8–10)

For the Casserole:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns , thawed
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup chopped onion (optional )
• Salt and pepper , to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or crushed Ritz crackers )
• ¼ cup melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup , sour cream , melted butter , shredded cheese , chopped onion (if using), salt , and pepper . Stir until well combined.
2. Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers ) with melted butter .
2. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes , or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
   • Tip : If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 6: Serve

1. Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy as a hearty side dish or even as a main course!

Tips for Success

1. Pre-Cook the Onions : Sauté the chopped onions lightly before adding them to reduce their raw bite, if preferred.
2. Add Protein : Stir in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked sausage for a heartier dish.
3. Use Different Cheeses : Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for a unique twist.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to keep it moist.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Breakfast Foods : Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Roasted Meats : Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or ham for a holiday meal.
• Green Salad : A crisp green salad or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 10 servings)

• Calories : ~320 kcal
• Protein : ~10g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The combination of tender hash browns, savory cream sauce, and crispy topping creates a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to love.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, add protein, or experiment with different toppings to make it your own. So grab your ingredients, toss them into that casserole dish, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.