If you have a soft spot for comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dishes, you are going to adore this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together crispy, golden hash browns bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce with hints of savory seasoning, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust that will make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of casserole that feels like a warm hug and effortlessly becomes the star of any brunch, holiday table, or weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s so simple to throw together using everyday ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, essential ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each one brings its own touch: creaminess, tang, a perfect savory balance, richness, and that irresistible crunchy topping.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds a silky, flavorful base that keeps the casserole moist and rich.
- Sour cream: Brings tanginess and smoothness, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Essential for elevating all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the taste.
- Frozen hash browns: The star ingredient that provides heartiness and a perfect, tender potato texture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers bold, melty cheesiness essential for that classic casserole flavor.
- Buttery style crackers: Crushed for a delightfully crunchy and buttery topping that contrasts the creamy layers perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the crackers to enrich the crust and help it brown beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13X9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to make sure the casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily afterward. Setting the oven temperature and readying your dish ensures smooth assembly of the casserole without any interruptions.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth and well-seasoned base. This mixture is the heart of your cheesy hash brown casserole, adding that luscious creaminess that coats every bite.
Step 3: Add Hash Browns and Cheese
Now fold in the thawed frozen hash browns along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every bit of potato is lovingly coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. This step ensures a perfect distribution of flavors and textures throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, creating a level surface for even cooking. Next, sprinkle the crushed buttery style crackers evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the cracker topping to encourage a gorgeous golden brown finish and add that extra buttery crunch everyone will love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, golden brown crust with edges that show a little crispiness. Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this gives it a chance to set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley add a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the richness of this cheesy casserole. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top just before serving for an ooey-gooey finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables. The light and fresh flavors of veggies create a perfect counterbalance to the hearty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at brunch or holiday dinners. You can also turn it into a make-ahead breakfast bake by layering cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the mixture before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days and is always a treat when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then cover it well with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crispy again on top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps preserve that amazing texture of the crackers and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or another vegetarian cream soup, and you’ll still have that rich, comforting base without any meat products involved.
What can I use instead of buttery style crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even crushed cornflakes make excellent substitutes for the topping. Just toss them with melted butter first to get that crispy, golden finish.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but they will require extra prep. Parboil and shred fresh potatoes, then make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid sogginess.
Is it okay to use reduced-fat sour cream or cheese?
You can, but keep in mind the casserole won’t be as rich or creamy. Sometimes lower-fat versions release more moisture during baking, so watch the baking time to avoid a watery dish.
How long does this casserole take to bake?
Plan on about 50 to 60 minutes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven. You want a bubbly center and a golden brown, crispy topping for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, serving guests, or just treating yourself to comfort food done right, this dish is your perfect go-to. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and indulgent side dish featuring tender hash browns mixed with creamy soup, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery cracker crust. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or holiday gatherings, this casserole bakes to golden bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (26 to 32-ounce) package frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 (8-ounce) package thick cut shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
Topping
- 30 buttery style crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then add the thawed hash browns and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Assemble and Add Topping: Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers evenly over the top, then drizzle the melted butter over the cracker topping to create a rich, crispy crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut and serve portions.
Notes
- You can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture making the casserole soggy.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
