Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole 

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Perfect as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this creamy, cheesy casserole combines the heartiness of hashbrowns with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a savory blend of seasonings. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or want to add something special to your weeknight meal, this casserole is a must-try!

In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making the best Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, including step-by-step instructions, variations, and helpful tips to ensure your dish comes out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Delicious

This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. With a golden, bubbly top and a creamy, cheesy interior, it’s a dish that satisfies both adults and kids alike. The combination of hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup creates a deliciously rich flavor that’s hard to resist.

Easy to Make

The prep time for this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is minimal, with simple ingredients that come together in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From holiday dinners to casual gatherings, this casserole works as a great side dish for any meal. It’s also versatile enough to serve for breakfast or brunch, paired with eggs or bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:

• 2 pounds frozen hashbrowns: These form the base of the casserole, providing a hearty, starchy component.
• 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese (divided): Sharp cheddar adds a rich, cheesy flavor that melts beautifully into the casserole.
• 8 ounces sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess to the dish, ensuring that the casserole stays moist.
• 10 ounces cream of chicken soup: This thickens the mixture and gives it a savory flavor.
• 1/2 cup butter (melted): Butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped): Onions add a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor and adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon salt: To bring out the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper: For seasoning and a hint of spice.

How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, finely chopped onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Spread the Mixture

Pour the hashbrown mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly, ensuring the casserole cooks uniformly.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create that signature cheesy, golden crust on top when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the casserole is golden and bubbly. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly crispy, and the interior should be creamy and tender.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop it onto plates and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate your cheddar cheese from a block for maximum meltiness and flavor.

2. Customize with Add-ins

Want to add a bit more flavor or texture to your casserole? Try these variations:

• Bacon: Add crispy, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Ham or Sausage: Turn this into a hearty breakfast dish by adding diced ham or cooked sausage.
• Vegetables: For a healthier twist, throw in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Jalapeños: If you like spice, add some chopped jalapeños to give the casserole a kick.

3. Make It Ahead

This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Variations on Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Cornflakes

For a fun and crunchy twist, add a topping of crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter before baking. The cornflakes add an extra crispy layer to the casserole, which contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.

Loaded Hashbrown Casserole

Transform this side dish into a full meal by adding protein-rich ingredients like shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or sausage. You can also mix in veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Healthier Hashbrown Casserole

To make this dish a bit lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also opt for a low-sodium or reduced-fat version of the cream of chicken soup.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
• Brunch: Pair with a light salad or fruit platter for a brunch spread.
• Dinner: This casserole works well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or BBQ ribs.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Simply assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed.

FAQs

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hashbrowns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes if you prefer. Simply peel and grate the potatoes, then squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes! Just substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It adds the same tangy creaminess with a slightly different flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, gooey goodness of cheese with crispy, flavorful hashbrowns. This dish is easy to prepare, customizable to suit your tastes, and a surefire hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it out today and enjoy a deliciously cheesy and comforting meal!

Print