Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cozy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: A Crispy, Golden Delight

Comfort shines through in this hearty hashbrown casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Crispy potato pieces mingle with melted cheese, creating a delightful harmony of textures.

Family gatherings always spark excitement when this dish arrives at the table.

Creamy and golden, each spoonful carries memories of weekend brunches and lazy mornings.

Weeknight dinners feel special with such a simple yet incredible side dish.

Crisp edges and soft centers make every bite irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this classic comfort food.

Cheesy Potato Classic Flavor Twists To Explore

  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace cream soup with homemade béchamel sauce using gluten-free flour for celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
  • Vegetarian Herb Blend: Use vegetable soup instead of cream soup and add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor without meat products.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a zesty kick.

Serving Cheesy Potato Classic For Family Meals

  • Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty potato dish with grilled chicken breasts or roasted pork tenderloin for a complete meal that satisfies everyone.
  • Comfort Side Sensation: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy potatoes.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this recipe into a weekend breakfast star by adding crumbled bacon or diced ham, making it perfect for lazy morning gatherings.
  • Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing side to community events or family gatherings, knowing it travels well and reheats beautifully.

Storing Cheesy Potato Classic For Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keeps fresh for 2-3 months. Label with date.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add splash of milk to restore moisture.
  • Place single serving in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Add small amount of milk to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, thawed frozen hash browns work perfectly and save time prepping.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The cream soup typically contains gluten, so look for gluten-free cream soup alternatives if needed.

  • What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but mild cheddar or a cheese blend can also work well.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Cheesy Potato Classic That’s Creamy And Comforting

  • Whip Up Comfort: Creamy, cheesy potatoes deliver ultimate comfort food that hugs your taste buds with rich, warm flavors everyone loves.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Just mix ingredients and layer in a dish, making this recipe super simple for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you need a reliable side dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its classic, hearty appeal.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Easily customizable by adding extra toppings like crispy bacon bits or green onions, allowing you to personalize the dish to match different meal styles and preferences.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Potato Classic Bliss

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that provides a hearty foundation for the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that adds rich, tangy taste to the dish.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, crispy cheese layer.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Butter: Creamy elements that help bind the ingredients and add moisture.
  • Onion, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the potato casserole.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Herbs: Fresh green herbs that provide a bright, aromatic finishing touch to the dish.

Steps For Cheesy Potato Classic Made Easy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab your trusty 9×13 baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, bring together your delightful cast of ingredients:
  • Shredded potatoes
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Creamy condensed soup
  • Melted butter
  • Diced onions
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until they become best friends, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Build Your Cheesy Masterpiece

Transfer the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly like a warm blanket.

Sprinkle a luxurious layer of Colby Jack cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness.

For an extra touch of elegance, scatter some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the top before serving.

Tips For Gooey Cheesy Potato Classic Perfection

  • Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over cheese for delightful crunch.
  • Use low-sodium cream soup and cut salt amount for heart-healthy version.
  • Replace cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss for different flavor profile.
  • Prepare entire dish night before, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
  • Substitute cream soup with homemade white sauce for plant-based alternative.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cheesy hashbrown casserole delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens, promising pure potato perfection. Crispy edges, creamy center, and irresistible flavor invite you to savor this classic crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 28 ounces (794 grams) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together shredded potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, diced onions, salt, and black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.
  4. Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese across the top of the potato mixture, creating a uniform cheese coverage.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges turn golden brown with a crispy texture.
  6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
  7. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and a burst of fresh flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable soup for a vegetarian twist.
  • Dice onions finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large raw onion chunks.
  • Add crispy bacon bits or chopped ham on top for extra protein and texture variation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 378
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star