There’s something about comfort food that just wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. One of my all-time favorites is this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. I remember the first time I tasted it at a family gathering—my aunt brought it, and it was gone before I could even say, “What’s in that?” I was curious and amazed at how something so simple could be so delightfully decadent! The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the crispy cornflake topping makes this dish truly special. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love making this casserole for your next potluck or cozy family dinner.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a symphony of flavors and textures, each bite revealing a new layer of deliciousness. The star here is the hash browns, those golden strands that soak up all the cheesy goodness. Pairing them with creamy chicken soup and a generous handful of cheddar cheese creates a melty, gooey wonderland in your mouth.
And let’s talk about the toppings! The crushed cornflakes add a delightful crunchy contrast that makes every forkful a thrill. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. You definitely don’t need to be a culinary whiz to impress guests with this one—just heart and a little love.
Gather these ingredients
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s round up everything we need for this delectable casserole:
- Refrigerated Hash Browns (20 oz): The base of this dish, providing comfort and texture. You can use frozen hash browns if that’s what you have—just thaw them first!
- Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz): This creamy concoction acts as the magic glue that holds all of the flavors together. Feel free to substitute with cream of mushroom if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The king of cheeses! Using sharp cheddar adds an extra punch of flavor. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar can also work wonders!
- Sour Cream (3/4 cup): This adds richness and balances all the flavors beautifully. Greek yogurt is a superb substitute if you want a tangy twist.
- Minced White Onion (1/4 cup): For building layers of flavor. Don’t sweat if you’re not a fan of onion; you can skip it or use green onions for a milder taste.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Because butter makes everything better! You can use olive oil if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Corn Flakes Cereal (1 1/2 cups, roughly crushed): This crunchy topping brings a lovely texture to the dish. You can use panko breadcrumbs for a unique spin!
- Melted Butter (2 tbsp): This adds flavor to the cornflake topping and helps it crisp up nicely.
Preparing Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Are you ready? Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have this casserole bubbling in no time!
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Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, white onion, and melted butter. Use a spatula to stir until everything’s perfectly blended.
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Prepare the Dish: Coat your casserole dish with a spritz of non-stick cooking spray. Now, transfer that delicious hash brown mixture into your dish and spread it evenly with the spatula.
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Make the Topping: In a separate medium mixing bowl, mix crushed cornflakes and melted butter until it’s all nicely combined.
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Top it Off: Spread the crunchy cornflake mixture over the hash brown layer evenly.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cornflake topping is a lovely golden brown.
Best way to enjoy it
This casserole is best served hot from the oven, oozing with melted cheese and topped with that irresistible crunch. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, or serve it alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty brunch. It’s also perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or simply on its own as a main course.
For a twist, sprinkle in some chopped jalapeños for heat or add crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor. Who could resist?
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? Oh, they’re just as wonderful! Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. You can also freeze it, just be sure to let it cool completely before you wrap it tightly. To enjoy later, simply thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned earlier.
Helpful cooking tips
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Don’t Skip the Onion: Even if you’re wary about onions, they add depth of flavor that elevates the dish. If you want to mellow them out, sauté in a bit of butter before adding.
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Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, mixing cheeses like pepper jack or gouda can take it up a notch. Just remember to adjust your ingredient ratios!
Creative Twists
Feel free to get adventurous with this casserole! Try adding cooked sausage or ham for a meat lover’s delight. Or, if you want to add veggies, throw in some diced bell peppers or spinach for color and nutrition. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility, so don’t be afraid to put your spin on it.
Common questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q: How many servings does this make?
A: This recipe serves about 8, depending on how generous your portions are!
Q: Can I use a different type of soup?
A: Yes, cream of celery or even a cheese soup work great in this recipe!
Q: Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: You can reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, and adding vegetables for added nutrition.
As you taste your creation for the first time, you just might get that warm, fuzzy feeling that reassures you that you’ve turned everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. So get cooking, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your results! I can’t wait to hear how you made this recipe your own!
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Description
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a delightful, creamy, and cheesy dish topped with crunchy cornflakes, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.Ingredients for Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Base Ingredients
Topping Ingredients
Instructions
-
Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, white onion, and melted butter.Use a spatula to stir until everything is perfectly blended. -
Prepare the Dish
Coat your casserole dish with a spritz of non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the hash brown mixture into your dish and spread it evenly. -
Make the Topping
In a separate medium mixing bowl, mix crushed cornflakes and melted butter until nicely combined. -
Top it Off
Spread the cornflake mixture over the hash brown layer evenly. -
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 45 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 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.
