Cozy Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake Recipe for Comfort Fans

Creamy, golden, and irresistibly comforting, this cheesy hash brown potato bake recipe promises a mouthwatering journey through layers of crispy potatoes and melted cheese.

Comfort food doesn’t get better than this crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warmth to any meal.

The secret lies in perfectly seasoned potatoes and a blend of rich, gooey cheeses that melt into every delectable bite.

Each forkful delivers a delightful crunch and smooth, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Packed with simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish transforms ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this incredibly satisfying potato bake.

Why Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake Excels

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy cheese and savory bacon, this potato bake delivers irresistible flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Super Simple Preparation: Combines basic ingredients in one bowl, requiring minimal cooking skills and offering a stress-free meal that looks and tastes impressive.
• Versatile Crowd-Feeder: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday side dishes, this recipe easily serves a large group with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Texture Sensation: Combines crispy cracker topping with creamy potato base, creating a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting and delicious.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake

• Hash Browns: A classic potato ingredient that serves as the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a spicy and creamy flavor to the potato bake.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich and smooth texture to the dish.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the potato mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Butter: Helps to create a rich and golden base for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Serves as a creamy binding agent for the ingredients.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provide depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Crackers, Bacon: Creates a crunchy and savory topping for the potato bake.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color to the dish.

How to Prepare Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and give your 9x13x2-inch baking dish a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Potato Mixture

• Frozen hash browns
• Cream of chicken soup
• Pepper jack cheese
• Heavy cream
• Melted butter
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s well blended and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Spread the Potato Goodness

Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out for perfect cooking.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed crackers
• Crispy bacon bits
• Remaining Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Sprinkle this flavor-packed topping all over the potato base.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the dish cool down for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the casserole set and makes cutting and serving easier.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake

• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile or use a vegetarian alternative.
• Ensure crackers stay crispy by adding them during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent soggy topping.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyère for unique taste variations.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Use gluten-free crackers and cream soup for a celiac-friendly version, and turkey bacon for a lighter protein option.

Creative Variations for Hash Brown Potato Bake

• Vegetarian Veggie Hash Brown Bake: Replace bacon with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a meat-free version packed with colorful vegetables and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Potato Casserole: Swap crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake

• Hearty Main Course Companion: Pair this cheesy potato bake with grilled chicken or roasted pork chops for a satisfying complete meal that balances rich flavors.
• Brunch Superstar: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend brunch that will impress family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Complement barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, or grilled steak to elevate your backyard cookout with this creamy, crunchy potato casserole.
• Fresh Green Contrast: Add a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing balance to the cheesy potatoes.

Storing Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve flavors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy topping.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add splash of cream to maintain moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Are hash browns fresh or frozen?

Both work great! You can use fresh shredded potatoes or frozen hash browns that are thawed and drained. If using frozen, make sure to remove excess moisture for the best texture.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the bacon with crispy breadcrumbs or chopped nuts. Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup to keep the creamy consistency.

• What type of cheese works best?

Pepper jack adds nice heat, but you can substitute with cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses. Sharp cheddar will give more flavor depth.

• How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Cover the dish with foil if the topping browns too quickly. This helps the potatoes cook evenly without overcooking the topping.

Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Bake that blends golden crispy potatoes with melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, you’ll savor each creamy, satisfying bite of this irresistible side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• ½ cup cooked chopped bacon

Potato Base:

• 1 30 to 32-ounce (850 to 907 grams) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 1 10.5-ounce (298 grams) can unsalted cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Topping:

• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with light grease and heat the oven to 400ºF.
2. Combine hash browns with cream of chicken soup, pepper jack cheese, heavy cream, melted butter, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully spread the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
4. Create a crispy topping by blending crushed crackers, crumbled bacon, remaining Parmesan cheese, and paprika in a separate bowl.
5. Generously sprinkle the cracker and bacon mixture over the potato base, covering the entire surface.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Swap hash browns for sweet potato cubes to create a healthier alternative with more nutrients and unique flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the mixture for an extra spicy kick that elevates the dish’s complexity.
• Consider using turkey bacon or reducing bacon amount for a lighter version with less saturated fat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg