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
Scale
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.
