If you have been searching for that perfect comfort food dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied sighs, look no further than this delightful Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of crispy topping to make every bite a joyous experience. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a holiday side, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: it uses straightforward, classic ingredients that each play a key role in creating the dish’s rich creaminess, sharp cheesy goodness, and irresistible crunchy topping.
- Frozen shredded hashbrowns: The base of the casserole, bringing tender, comforting potato texture.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy body and deep savory notes that hold the casserole together.
- Sour cream: Provides a tangy richness that brightens the flavors and smooths out the texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty, cheesy punch that’s absolutely essential.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps marry all the ingredients perfectly.
- Chopped onion: Offers aromatic freshness and subtle sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Gives that gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers: The star of the topping, lending a satisfying crunch.
- Melted butter for topping: Ensures the topping turns golden and crisp as it bakes.
How to Make Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter – this makes sure your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly baked with clean edges.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, creating a luscious base for your casserole.
Step 3: Add Hashbrowns and Cheese
Next, fold in the thawed shredded hashbrowns and the shredded cheddar cheese. This step is where the magic happens, as the tangy cream base envelops the potato shreds and cheese, promising each bite to be rich, creamy, and cheesy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, ensuring that every corner is filled. This even layer will bake uniformly, giving you lovely textures from top to bottom.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This step adds that irresistible golden crust that makes this dish extra special.
Step 6: Bake!
Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden casserole with a crunchy topping that invites you to dig in. Once baked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and enhance flavors before serving.
How to Serve Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hashbrown Casserole Recipe presentation, sprinkle fresh chopped chives or green onions just before serving. Their mild onion flavor and vivid green color add freshness and visual appeal. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also be a lovely, cooling addition.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with just about anything! Serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast, or with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements many proteins and greens wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping individual portions into small ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for brunch gatherings. You can also layer in a casserole dish with cooked diced ham or sautéed mushrooms to customize the flavors and make the dish uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hashbrown Casserole Recipe leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the crispy topping, consider reheating uncovered to restore some of that original crunch.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions but keep in mind the crunchy topping may soften. To regain crispness, a brief broil at the end works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
While fresh shredded potatoes can be used, frozen hashbrowns are recommended because they are partially cooked and help maintain consistent texture and moisture balance in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Hashbrown Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, and your casserole will be meat-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add meat to the casserole?
Yes, adding cooked bacon or diced ham into the mixture before baking adds savory depth and makes the casserole even heartier.
What can I substitute for cornflakes in the topping?
If cornflakes aren’t on hand, crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed crispy fried onions make excellent alternatives for that crunchy topping.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Make sure to fully thaw and drain the hashbrowns if necessary, avoid adding excess moisture, and bake long enough for the casserole to firm up and the topping to crisp beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something special about this Hashbrown Casserole Recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to any meal. Its creamy texture, cheesy yumminess, and perfectly crunchy topping never fail to impress, whether for a family gathering or cozy breakfast. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Hashbrown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish perfect for breakfast or as a comforting side. Made with shredded hashbrowns, creamy soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s topped with a buttery cornflake crust that adds a delightful crunch. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser ideal for holiday gatherings or any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Add hashbrowns and cheese: Fold in the thawed shredded hashbrowns and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Assemble in baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, leveling the top for even cooking.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving warm.
Notes
- For a meatier version, stir in cooked bacon or diced ham before baking.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken soup.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking.
