Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (A Crowd-Pleasing Classic)
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners. This easy casserole is always a hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
· 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
· 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
· 1 cup sour cream
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon paprika
· 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
· 1½ cups crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat
· Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
· Thaw hash browns according to package directions (or spread on tray for 1-2 hours).
- Mix the Filling
· In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
· Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble & Top
· Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
· For the topping: Combine crushed cornflakes/Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
- Bake
· Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until bubbly around edges and golden on top.
· Let rest 10 minutes before serving (it will set as it cools slightly).
Pro Tips & Variations
✅ Thaw hash browns completely to avoid excess moisture and ensure even cooking.
✅ Customize the cheese: Try pepper Jack for spice, Swiss for a different flavor, or Gruyère for extra richness.
✅ Add protein: Mix in 1 cup diced cooked ham, crumbled cooked bacon, or browned breakfast sausage for a hearty main dish.
✅ Vegetarian option: Use cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth.
✅ Crispier texture: For extra crunch, stir 1 cup of French fried onions into the filling.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead:
· Prepare up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to bake time if starting cold.
· You can also freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
Storage:
· Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
· Freezer: Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat.
· Reheating: Warm in 325°F oven until heated through (20–25 minutes), or microwave individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
· Perfect with: Grilled or roasted chicken, ham, steak, or holiday turkey.
· Brunch pairing: Serve alongside eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
· Potluck favorite: Doubles easily for a crowd—use a larger disposable pan.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite!