Dive into a dish that defines comfort: our Ultimate Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. Imagine tender shredded potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all blanketed under a golden, bubbly layer of perfectly melted cheddar cheese, with a hint of savory onion and a touch of black pepper. This recipe is incredibly simple to assemble, making it a go-to for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a truly satisfying and heartwarming meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 60-75 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 30 oz bag Frozen Shredded Hash Browns, thawed and drained of excess moisture
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 pint (16 oz) Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped onion. Stir well until everything is smoothly incorporated.
- Add Potatoes & Seasoning: Gently fold in the thawed hash browns, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer to Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is golden brown and melted.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm and watch it disappear! This is pure comfort food at its best.
Recipe Notes:
- Thawing Hash Browns: Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents a watery casserole.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend. For an extra kick, try pepper jack cheese.
- Add-In Ideas: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or some sautéed bell peppers to the mixture.
- Creamy Base Swap: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as alternatives.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Crispier Topping: For an even crispier topping, you can mix the remaining cheese with 1/2 cup of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs tossed with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger amount in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings)
Calories: 450-500 ; Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 20g) ; Sodium: 800mg ; Carbohydrates: 25g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g) ; Protein: 12g.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.
There you have it – an incredibly cheesy, creamy, and satisfying Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole that’s perfect for any comfort food craving! This recipe will quickly become a favorite for its simple preparation and delicious, crowd-pleasing results. We hope you enjoy this heartwarming dish! Happy baking!
