Hashbrown Casserole

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Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy, this Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, preparing a holiday spread, or simply looking for a hearty side to complement your main course, this dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The hashbrowns are perfectly tender on the inside, with a crispy top layer of melted cheese and a hint of spice to bring it all together.

This casserole combines the best of convenience and taste—it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients like shredded potatoes, sour cream, and shredded cheese, yet it tastes like something you’d find at your favorite homestyle diner. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings people together, ideal for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. One bite and you’ll understand why it remains a classic.

Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole

• It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy—basically everything you want in a comfort dish.
• Uses pantry staples and frozen hashbrowns, making it a quick and easy prep.
• Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or potluck parties.
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved.
• Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best hashbrown casserole, you’ll want to have the right tools ready:

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps to fold the ingredients gently without overmixing.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is ideal for even cooking and serving a crowd.
• Cheese Grater: If you’re shredding your own cheese, freshly grated gives better melt and flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially with creamy components like sour cream and soup.

Each of these tools plays a role in streamlining the process, ensuring your casserole bakes evenly and comes out with the perfect texture.

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Preparation Tips

Let your frozen hashbrowns thaw slightly before mixing; this helps them incorporate better into the creamy base and cook more evenly. Don’t skip the seasoning—a touch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can make a world of difference in enhancing flavor. If you’re using pre-shredded cheese, opt for a high-quality brand, as some packaged cheeses contain anti-caking agents that affect meltability. Want a crispy top? Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and broil for a couple of minutes at the end of baking. Finally, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven so it sets and slices cleanly.

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Ingredients for this Hashbrown Casserole

• 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 (10.5 oz) can of condensed cream of chicken soup (or mushroom for vegetarian)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Optional topping: 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.

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Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. This forms the rich, flavorful base of your casserole.

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Step 3: Add Hashbrowns and Onion

Fold in the thawed hashbrowns and chopped onion. Mix gently with a spatula to coat the potatoes evenly without breaking them up too much. A uniform mixture helps ensure every bite is full of flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping. Using sharp cheddar enhances the depth of flavor, but you can substitute with a milder cheese if preferred.

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Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula so the casserole bakes consistently.

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Step 6: Add Topping (Optional)

If you’re using a topping, mix crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Then, finish by adding the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

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Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If you like an extra crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.

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Step 8: Let It Rest

After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to set and makes serving much easier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.

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Notes

Hashbrown Casserole is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with add-ins like cooked bacon, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of chopped green peppers for extra flavor and texture. If you’re serving vegetarians, simply use cream of mushroom soup and skip the meat. To make it even more indulgent, stir in some extra shredded cheese or swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. This dish also pairs beautifully with eggs for breakfast or roast meats for dinner.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not thawing the hashbrowns: Using frozen hashbrowns can lead to uneven baking and a watery casserole.
• Skipping the seasoning: Without proper seasoning, the dish can taste flat. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are simple but essential.
• Overmixing the potatoes: Stir gently to avoid breaking up the hashbrowns too much; you want a textured casserole, not mashed potatoes.
• Using low-moisture cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese with anti-caking agents doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese gives the best results.
• Overbaking or burning the topping: Keep an eye on the casserole if you broil it at the end. It can go from golden to burnt quickly.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of potatoes should I use if I don’t have frozen hashbrowns?

You can grate raw russet potatoes and squeeze out the moisture using a clean kitchen towel before using them as a substitute.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh the next day.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers. Just thaw completely and bake or reheat.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of chicken soup and avoid adding meat.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, but the texture and richness may be slightly different. Use low-fat sour cream, cheese, and soup if preferred.

How do I get a crispy topping?

Add crushed cornflakes or crackers mixed with butter, then broil briefly at the end of baking.

What protein goes well with this dish?

Grilled chicken, baked ham, bacon, or even a side of scrambled eggs work wonderfully.

How long should I bake it if it’s been in the fridge overnight?

Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled state.

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Conclusion

Hashbrown Casserole is a true comfort classic—creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the table whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of oven time, you can serve up a family favorite that will be requested again and again. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for special occasions, making it a staple worth keeping in your recipe box.

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