Creamy Dream: Irresistible Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy cheesy hash brown casserole that promises to delight taste buds at any gathering.

Potatoes blend seamlessly with rich, melted cheese in a dish that screams pure indulgence.

Each spoonful delivers a crispy golden exterior giving way to a soft, velvety interior.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from roasted meats to weekend brunches.

The harmonious combination of sharp cheddar, tender potatoes, and a subtle crunch creates a symphony of textures.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear from the plate, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible potato masterpiece.

How to Make a Hash Brown Casserole That Wows

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your hash brown casserole.

• Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coat of butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded hash browns with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, diced onions, and shredded cheese. Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks like a delicious, creamy dream.

• Spread the Goodness

Pour the hash brown mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite is equally scrumptious.

• Top with Crunch

Sprinkle crushed corn flakes or breadcrumbs over the top for an irresistible crispy layer that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy excitement.

• Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving a breeze. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, crispy magic you’ve just created!

Tasty Tweaks for Your Hash Brown Casserole

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Swap regular cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a bold flavor twist.
• Crispy Top Technique: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and crushed cornflakes on the surface for a satisfyingly crunchy golden-brown crust.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup to make the dish completely vegetarian-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream soup and check that your shredded cheese and hash browns are certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Up That Hash Brown Casserole Comfort

• Cheesy Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty morning meal that'll satisfy big appetites.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken strips or diced ham to transform this casserole into a complete and filling dinner option.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, green onions, or crispy bacon bits on top for added color, texture, and extra flavor burst that elevates the entire dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Trick: Prepare in advance and reheat for potlucks, brunch gatherings, or family reunions where everyone craves comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Store or Reheat That Golden Hash Brown Goodness

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Freezer Magic: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm portions in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. Adds crispy edges and maintains original deliciousness.
• Prep-Ahead Power: Assemble casserole components up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap in refrigerator. Simply remove, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed for convenient meal planning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Hash Brown Casserole

• Frozen Hash Browns: Crispy potato shreds that form the hearty foundation of the casserole, best when using freshly frozen varieties with minimal ice crystals.
• Sour Cream: Creamy binder that adds tangy richness and helps hold the ingredients together smoothly.
• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Provides savory depth and silky texture, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds bold flavor and creates a golden, bubbly top, choose aged varieties for more intense taste.
• Onion: Finely diced for subtle aromatic sweetness, white or yellow onions work best for balanced flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy golden crust, unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
• Salt And Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile, freshly ground pepper provides more vibrant flavor.
• Cornflake Crumbs (Optional): Provides delightful crunch and textural contrast, crushes easily for even coating.

Tools to Bring the Hash Brown Casserole to Life

• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sour cream, soup, and seasonings without lumps.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring hash browns and mixing everything together.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect casserole layer and even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese that needs shredding.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s hash brown casserole blends hearty potato goodness with creamy cheese and savory seasonings. Comfort food enthusiasts will savor this classic Southern-style side dish perfect for family gatherings and potluck celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 bag (26 oz/737 g) frozen hash browns (thawed)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers (for a crispy top)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Set oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole to perfection.
2. Prepare Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring easy release and cleanup.
3. Combine Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded hash browns with sour cream, creating a smooth and creamy foundation for the casserole.
4. Build Flavor Profile: Gently fold in condensed cream of chicken soup, chopped onions, and shredded cheddar cheese, distributing ingredients evenly to maximize taste and texture.
5. Season Mixture: Sprinkle salt and black pepper throughout the mixture, awakening subtle flavor nuances and balancing the overall taste.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal moisture retention.
7. Create Crispy Topping: Generously sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the surface, promising a golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts with the creamy interior.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top and crisp edges that signal complete cooking.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to set and making serving both elegant and effortless.

Notes

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, high-quality hash browns and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and optimal texture.
• Drain Moisture Carefully: Pat shredded hash browns dry with paper towels to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crispy top layer.
• Customize Toppings Creatively: Experiment with different breadcrumb varieties like panko or add crushed potato chips for extra crunch and unique flavor profiles.
• Dietary Modifications: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian options or use low-fat dairy products to reduce overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg