Irresistible French Onion Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering French onion hashbrown casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Layers of crispy potatoes meld perfectly with rich, caramelized onions and melted cheese.

The golden-brown top hints at the deliciousness waiting underneath its cheesy surface.

Onions slowly caramelized bring depth and sweetness to every single bite.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy center.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable morsel of this irresistible casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

French Onion Hashbrown Casserole – Why Everyone Loves It

• Whip up this hearty casserole with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines classic French onion dip with crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon, creating a mouthwatering dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a side dish that complements everything from holiday meals to casual weekend dinners with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible toppings.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, making it a stress-free option for entertaining or meal planning.

French Onion Hashbrown Casserole Ingredient List

• Frozen Hashbrowns: Shredded potatoes that create the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• French Onion Dip: Provides a rich and tangy flavor profile to the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy texture and depth to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Delivers melty goodness and extra richness to the potato mixture.

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture to the casserole.

• Butter, Salt, Pepper, Dried Onion: Enhance the overall flavor and create a golden, crispy top.
• Cracker Crumbs: Provide a crunchy and delicious topping for the casserole.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and mild onion flavor.

Equipment for French Onion Hashbrown Casserole

• Baking Dish (13×9 inch): Perfect for creating this delicious casserole.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for salt, pepper, and butter measurements.
• Measuring Cups: Needed for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping green onions as optional garnish.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Preparing French Onion Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F.

This ensures the perfect cooking environment for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• French onion dip
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried onion flakes

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy mixture that will coat every bite with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Build the Casserole Foundation

• Shredded hash brown potatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Stir until everything is evenly distributed and coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Dish

Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Transfer the potato mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

• Crushed buttery crackers
• Remaining melted butter

Sprinkle this golden, crispy topping across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are crispy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from oven.

Optional: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions.

Let cool slightly before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Top Tips for Hashbrown Casserole Success

• Pat frozen hashbrowns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy top layer.
• Caramelize fresh onions before mixing into the casserole for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Use a blend of sharp cheddar and gruyère for maximum melting and deeper cheese flavor.
• Cook bacon until extra crisp before crumbling to maintain crunch throughout the casserole.
• Assemble the casserole a day before baking, allowing flavors to meld and develop overnight in the refrigerator.

French Onion Hashbrown Casserole – Flavor Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or crispy vegetable bacon for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers for topping and confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Swap French onion soup and dip with homemade low-sodium alternatives, reduce salt, and use fresh herbs for enhanced taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use plant-based butter for a lactose-free casserole.

Ways to Serve French Onion Hashbrown Casserole

• Comfort Companion Plate: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add fresh texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with grilled chicken or sliced ham to transform this side dish into a hearty main course meal.
• Brunch Brilliance: Present during weekend gatherings as a crowd-pleasing breakfast centerpiece that will have guests asking for seconds.
• Elegant Touch: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped chives or green onions on top just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a light, zesty flavor boost.

How to Store French Onion Hashbrown Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the casserole at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore the crispy topping's crunch.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this French Onion Hashbrown Casserole?

French onion dip, cream of mushroom soup, hashbrowns, cheese, bacon, crackers, and butter form the core ingredients that create a rich and flavorful dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives or additional cheese to maintain the savory flavor profile.

• Is this dish suitable for a potluck or large gathering?

Absolutely! The 13×9 pan serves multiple people and can be easily transported, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday side dishes.

French Onion Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty french onion hashbrown casserole combines crispy potatoes with rich caramelized onion flavor. Cheese-topped comfort delivers savory warmth you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 16 ounces (454 grams) prepared French onion dip
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) butter, divided

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen hash browns, defrosted
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups buttery round crackers

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together French onion dip, cream soup, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and dried onion until smooth and well-blended.
3. Fold in shredded potatoes, grated cheese, and crispy bacon pieces until every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
5. Create the crispy topping by combining crushed crackers with remaining melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are completely coated and slightly clumpy.
6. Generously sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the potato layer, covering the entire surface for maximum crunch.
7. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become crispy and slightly bubbling.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
9. Optional: Garnish with additional crumbled bacon bits and finely chopped green onions before serving for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better blending of flavors.
• Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium soup and dip options for a heart-healthier version.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian adaptation, maintaining crispy texture with additional cheese or breadcrumbs.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to boost vegetable content without compromising the comforting taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 436
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 972 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg