Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole

There’s something magical about a cozy casserole bubbling away in the oven, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried a Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole at a potluck. A friend had whipped it up, and took a bite? It was like a warm hug on a plate! Ever since then, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share my secrets with you.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Oh boy, where do I begin? This recipe has it all: it’s comforting, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or as a side at your next gathering, this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole is a dish that brings people together. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the crispy corn flakes topping is an irresistible texture contrast that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, the fact that it uses frozen hashbrowns means you can whip it up any night of the week, no peeling or chopping needed. It’s convenience at its finest, without sacrificing flavor. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it has a special place in my heart—and on this plate!

Gather these ingredients

• Frozen Hashbrowns: The star of the show! Opt for a bag of finely shredded hashbrowns. They create that fluffy, tender texture while soaking up all the glorious flavors.
• Sour Cream: This adds a tangy creaminess that balances out the richness. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt can step in beautifully.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is like adding a comforting hug of flavor. If you’re looking for something vegetarian, just swap it for cream of mushroom soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Now, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love cheese? Use sharp cheddar for boldness, or a mild cheddar if you prefer a gentler touch.
• Chopped Onion: This is gonna add some lovely flavor. Prefer a stronger punch? Go for shallots or even green onions!
• Melted Butter: This brings a richness that binds it all together. If you’re watching your calories, olive oil works too.
• Corn Flakes: This is the secret weapon for that crispy topping! You can play around with other crunchy toppings, like crushed Ritz crackers or even panko breadcrumbs.
• Salt and Pepper: The ultimate duo that never disappoints! Adjust to your taste.

Step-by-step instructions overview

Ready to dive into the kitchen? Let’s make this magic happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get that warmth going.
2. Grab a large bowl and mix together those frozen hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and melted butter. Stir it with love!
3. Spread this heavenly mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish, making sure everything is nestled in nicely.
4. In a separate bowl, mix your corn flakes with a touch of melted butter until they’re glistening. Sprinkle this marvelous crunch over your casserole, covering it like a cozy blanket.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, keeping an eye on it until it’s bubbling and the corn flakes are gloriously golden brown.
6. Let it sit for a few moments before serving. Patience is key; it’ll be worth the wait!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how to serve this beauty? Honestly, this casserole stands alone in its glory, but if you’re looking to amp up the meal, pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshingly crunchy contrast. Or, how about serving it alongside some grilled chicken or steak? The casserole’s richness complements those proteins beautifully. Don’t forget to grab some crusty bread to mop up all that cheesy goodness!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating is easy—just pop a portion in the microwave or back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly and it’ll keep for about 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen—just add some extra time to the oven.

Helpful cooking tips

• If you want a spicier kick, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Don’t have corn flakes? Crushed tortilla chips can provide a fun twist—think nachos!
• Make sure your hashbrowns are thawed for a better texture.

Creative Twists

Feel like mixing it up? Swap the cheddar for pepper jack for a bit of heat or add cooked, crumbled bacon for that smoky flavor. You could even toss in some chopped spinach or bell peppers for a veggie boost! The beauty of this casserole is its versatility; let your imagination run wild!

Ingredients list

• 1 bag frozen hashbrowns
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups corn flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, onion, and melted butter in a large bowl.
3. Spread the mixture in a greased casserole dish.
4. In another bowl, combine corn flakes with a little melted butter and mix well. Sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Your questions answered

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! Assemble it the day before and refrigerate, then just bake it when you’re ready.

• What if I want a vegetarian version?
  Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup, and you’re golden!

• Can I use fresh potatoes?
  If you’re feeling adventurous, peel and dice them, but it’ll require more prep time and they might not turn out as creamy.

• What’s the best way to reheat?
  Microwaving is quickest, but reheating in the oven will keep that crispy topping intact.

• How do I keep leftovers fresh?
  Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for long-term storage.

Making this Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories around the table. The cheesy, gooey goodness packs a delightful punch of flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare—what’s not to love? Now it’s your turn to give it a shot! Experiment, make it your own, and drop back here with your stories or tweaks. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Happy baking!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Comfort Food, Holidays, Side Dish Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy E Easy H Holidays W Warm

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 350

Best Season: Winter

Description

A warm and cheesy casserole featuring crunchy corn flakes and hearty hashbrowns, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen hashbrowns (finely shredded for best texture)
• 1 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian version)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild based on preference)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped onion (or shallots/green onions for stronger flavor)
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, melted (can use olive oil for a lighter option)
• 2 cups corn flakes (for the crispy topping)
• to taste salt and pepper (adjust based on preference)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Ingredients

   In a large bowl, mix together the frozen hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and melted butter.
   Stir well until fully combined.
   Mark as complete

3. Assemble Casserole

   Spread the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish.
   Make sure everything is nestled in nicely.
   Mark as complete

4. Prepare Topping

   In a separate bowl, mix your corn flakes with a touch of melted butter until they are glistening.
   Sprinkle this over the casserole covering it evenly.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake

   Bake for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and the corn flakes are golden brown.
   Mark as complete

6. Rest and Serve

   Allow to sit for a few moments before serving.
   Patience is key for best results.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 650mg28%

Potassium 450mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 12g24%

---

Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 4 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 1.5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 180 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 10 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 10 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.2 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.

Note

You can customize with different toppings or spices for a unique twist.

Keywords: casserole, cheesy, hashbrowns, comfort food, easy recipe