Irresistible Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering cheesy hashbrown casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy, golden, and irresistibly rich, the dish combines crispy potatoes with melted cheese in every delectable bite.

Potlucks and family gatherings become memorable moments when you bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to the table.

The blend of sharp cheddar and smooth cream creates a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform into a decadent side dish that complements any main course.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, cheesy interior.

Prepare to be the culinary hero who brings smiles and second helpings to the dinner table.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole: What Makes It So Comforting

• This casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend meals where everyone craves something cheesy and delicious.
• Requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing technique, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Works wonderfully as a side dish or standalone meal, adaptable to breakfast, lunch, or dinner scenarios.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole: Ingredient List

• Shredded Hash Browns: The starchy base that provides a crispy and hearty foundation for the casserole.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and creates a deliciously melty topping.

• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Melted Butter: These ingredients bring moisture, creaminess, and depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Sweet Onion, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste and provide a well-rounded savory profile to the dish.

Must-Have Tools for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for creating a well-shaped, evenly cooked casserole.
• Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating your own sharp cheddar cheese.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for mixing ingredients and spreading the mixture in the pan.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes.

How to Prepare Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9 x 9-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray of nonstick magic to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Shredded hash browns
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Melted butter
• Sour cream
• Chopped sweet onion
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Stir everything with enthusiasm until it becomes a harmonious blend of deliciousness.

Step 3: Spread the Love

Gently transfer your hash brown mixture into the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula to create an even, smooth layer that promises pure comfort.

Step 4: Cheese Blanket Time

Generously sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for 45 minutes.

You’re looking for a lightly browned top and bubbly edges that scream “I’m ready to be devoured!”

Step 6: Rest and Settle

Once out of the oven, let the casserole take a quick breather.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting easier.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Perfect as a side dish or a comforting main course that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Extra Creamy, Cheesy Hashbrowns

• Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for deeper flavor complexity and smoother melting texture.
• Pat frozen hash browns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy, golden edges.
• Sauté chopped onions before mixing to develop a richer, more caramelized taste profile in the casserole.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Swap condensed cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian alternative or use gluten-free versions for sensitive diets.

Hashbrown Casserole: Fun Mix-Ins and Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular condensed soup for gluten-free cream soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

• Brunch Bliss: Pair this cheesy hashbrown casserole with fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty morning feast.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or community events where comfort food reigns supreme.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the casserole into a complete meal.
• Holiday Hero: Serve alongside roasted turkey or spiral ham during festive family dinners for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Keeping Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for a potluck?

Yes, this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for potlucks. It’s easy to transport, serves multiple people, and can be prepared ahead of time.

• Can I use frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Frozen hash browns work great. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter cream soup alternative. You can also add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Midwest favorite Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole combines crispy potatoes with creamy cheese and savory seasonings. Comfort cuisine perfected for family gatherings brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 20 ounces (567 grams) refrigerated shredded hash browns
• 1 1/4 cups (296 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

Dairy and Butter:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) melted butter

Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Create a creamy mixture by combining hash browns, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, sour cream, diced onion, and seasonings in a large bowl, ensuring thorough blending of all components.
3. Evenly distribute the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing gently to create a uniform layer.
4. Generously scatter sharp cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, covering completely.
5. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate full cooking.
6. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier.
7. Slice and serve the casserole warm, showcasing the melted cheese and creamy texture as a delightful accompaniment to any meal.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp cheddar with monterey jack or gruyere for deeper flavor complexity.
• For a lighter version, substitute full-fat ingredients with low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium condensed soup.
• Consider adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham to transform the casserole into a more protein-packed main dish.
• Prevent soggy texture by using thawed and well-drained hash browns, patting them dry with paper towels before mixing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg