There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling, cheesy hashbrown casserole, isn’t there? This dish has been a staple in my kitchen ever since my grandmother first whipped it up for family gatherings. The delightful medley of flavors and textures takes me back to those warm, laughter-filled afternoons where the scent of comfort food wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a loving embrace that brings family and friends together.
What makes this recipe special
Why settle for boring meals when you can impress your loved ones with this hashbrown gem? It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, providing both nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you serve it at a brunch, a holiday feast, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole always receives rave reviews.
Not to mention, it’s incredibly simple to make! With minimal prep work and a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. Plus, it’s adaptable—feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or even swap the cheese for something tangy and adventurous if you dare! Trust me, once you experience that first cheesy, crispy bite, you’ll understand why this dish has earned a sacred spot in my heart (and my recipe box).
Gather these ingredients
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Frozen Hashbrowns: The star of the show! Opt for a bag that doesn’t have preservatives if you can. Hashbrowns give this casserole its cozy foundation and crisp texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, using fresh grated potatoes adds a lovely homemade touch, though it requires a bit more effort on your part.
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Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the magic binder that brings everything together. It adds creaminess and depth of flavor. If you want to keep things vegetarian, a cream of mushroom soup works beautifully, too.
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Sour Cream: Ahh, the tangy goodness of sour cream. It lightens the dish while providing a lovely creamy texture. If you need a lighter option, Greek yogurt can step in for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Just imagine melted cheese oozing from each glorious hashbrown layer! Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, but feel free to combine it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an intriguing kick.
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Melted Butter: butter makes everything better! It not only enriches the casserole but helps achieve that golden-brown top. If you’re vegan, coconut oil or vegan butter can be a great alternative.
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Chopped Onions (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of oniony depth, adding this ingredient elevates your casserole to a whole new level. Sweet onions or shallots are fantastic choices, but don’t stress if you’re not a fan—this dish shines just as brightly without them.
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Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget about seasoning! A sprinkle of salt and some cracked black pepper bring out the flavors even more.
Preparing Hashbrown Casserole
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Preheat the Oven: Let’s get things sizzling! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, and chopped onions (if you’re using them). Mix until everything is nicely blended.
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Season: Add salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, this is where you can sneak in a little more flavor!
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Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I love using a bit of butter or cooking spray for this, as it helps achieve a crispier edge.
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Pour and Bake: Pour your delicious mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous bubbly texture and a lovely golden top.
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Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in to avoid burning your mouth on all that oozy goodness!
Best way to enjoy it
Hashbrown casserole is delightful as a standalone dish, but it’s amazing when served alongside a green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for balance. Imagine digging into a plate of this cheesy, crispy casserole paired with a bright, zesty salad. Divine! For brunch, it’s also perfect alongside sunny-side-up eggs or as a side for roasted meats.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. It keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—microwaving works in a pinch, but you won’t get that crispy top back! If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Simply cover it tightly, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake from frozen (might take a bit longer) or thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t skip the butter: It enhances both flavor and texture, giving you that irresistible crispy crust.
- Experiment with flavors: Add in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or throw in your favorite herbs for a fresh twist.
- Keep an eye on the oven: Every oven is different, so check for doneness and don’t hesitate to bake a few extra minutes until it’s just right.
Creative Twists
The beauty of hashbrown casserole is its versatility. Feeling adventurous? Try adding cooked bacon for smoky flavor, or swap out the cheddar for a mix of gouda and mozzarella for a totally different vibe. You can even customize it with seasonal veggies like spinach or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, and onions (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time?: It takes about 15 minutes to prep everything and just under an hour to bake!
- Can I make it ahead?: Absolutely! Prep it the night before, cover it, and bake the next day.
- Can I freeze it?: Yes! Freeze before baking for best results.
- How can I make it vegetarian?: Use cream of mushroom soup and skip the meat- perfect as is!
- What should I serve with it?: Bright salads, roasted veggies, or perhaps eggs for brunch!
This casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a treasure trove of flavor, comfort, and an invitation to gather around the table. So don the apron, roll up your sleeves, and dive into creating this cheesy, baked goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know how it turns out and share your own twists—happy cooking!
Hashbrown Casserole
Description
A delightful medley of flavors and textures found in a cheesy hashbrown casserole, perfect for family gatherings.Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, and chopped onions (if using). Mix until well blended. -
Season
Add salt and pepper to taste. -
Prepare Baking Dish
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. -
Pour and Bake
Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. -
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.This helps avoid burning yourself with the cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 4 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
