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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat: Set oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole to perfection.
- Prepare Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring easy release and cleanup.
- Combine Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded hash browns with sour cream, creating a smooth and creamy foundation for the casserole.
- 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.
- Season Mixture: Sprinkle salt and black pepper throughout the mixture, awakening subtle flavor nuances and balancing the overall taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal moisture retention.
- Create Crispy Topping: Generously sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the surface, promising a golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts with the creamy interior.
- 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.
- 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