If you’re anything like me, there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy, and golden baked dish that instantly feels like a hug on a plate. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe with you. This dish combines crispy edges with a creamy, cheesy center that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner side. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some serious comfort food, this casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right mix of ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture. Each one plays a big role — from the crispiness of the hash browns to the sharp tang of cheddar and the buttery, crunchy topping.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The star of the dish, offering a tender yet crispy potato base.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that classic cheesy tang and gooey texture you crave.
- Cream of chicken soup: Brings richness and creaminess, melds flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream: Intensifies creaminess while adding a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures every bite is rich and smooth with a luscious buttery flavor.
- Chopped onion: Adds a mild savory kick and texture contrast.
- Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Essential seasonings that pack in gentle layers of flavor.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs (optional topping): For an irresistible crunchy golden crust.
- Melted butter for topping: Ensures that golden-brown crisp on top that everyone loves.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray is essential because it prevents the casserole from sticking and lets those crispy bits of potatoes release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix All the Ingredients Together
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the thawed hash browns, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything well ensures each forkful will be bursting with balanced flavor and creamy texture.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Dish
Transfer the cheesy potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This even layer is what helps the casserole cook uniformly so you get a golden top and perfectly cooked center.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re going for that extra crispy, golden crust, combine the crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole; it adds texture and an irresistible golden finish when baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake your casserole for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbling hot and the topping has achieved a beautiful golden brown. Letting it rest for about 5 minutes before serving helps it set so you get those perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions on top can add a pop of color and a subtle oniony freshness. If you like a little heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a handful of diced jalapeños gives the dish a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole steals the show but pairs beautifully with lighter greens like a crisp arugula salad or simple roasted vegetables. If you want to make it more substantial, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side makes it a brimful meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for brunch guests. Or turn it into a layered breakfast bake by adding sautéed mushrooms or diced ham between layers of the hash brown mixture before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep it creamy and avoid drying out the potatoes.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole (including the topping if you like) in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. This helps preserve the crispy topping better than microwaving, though the microwave works in a pinch for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can work, shredded frozen hash browns save time and provide a consistent texture. If using fresh, peel and shred the potatoes, then be sure to squeeze out excess moisture for the best results.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any of the creamy, comforting texture.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
For sure. Adding cooked bacon, diced ham, or sausage before baking can turn this casserole into a hearty main dish perfect for brunch or dinner.
What can I substitute for the cornflake topping?
If you prefer, buttery cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips can create a delicious crunchy topping that complements the creamy casserole.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and replace the topping with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free cornflakes to keep the dish safe for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so rewarding about digging into a warm, cheesy, and cozy casserole that feels like it was made with love. This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that becomes a crowd favorite no matter the occasion. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, I promise this recipe will bring smiles all around. So next time you want to whip up something comforting, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, give this casserole a try — I know it’ll become one of your personal favorites too!
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 made with shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, topped with a crunchy buttery cornflake or cracker crumb topping. Perfect as a hearty side dish for breakfast, holiday meals, or any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the thawed hash browns, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixed hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface for even cooking.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using a topping, mix the crushed cornflakes or cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until combined, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty variation.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.
