Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary comfort food experience with the ultimate Hash Brown Cheesy Casserole! Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown dish that combines crispy hash browns, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This mouthwatering recipe is not just a side dish - it's a crowd-pleasing sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking for the perfect comfort food to warm up a chilly evening, this Hash Brown Cheesy Casserole is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped onion. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Mix again to incorporate the seasonings.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while it bakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld together.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set up a bit.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish or main course, and enjoy your Hash Brown Cheesy Casserole!
Tips
- For extra crispiness, consider thawing and slightly draining the frozen hash browns before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Experiment with cheese varieties - try mixing cheddar with pepper jack or adding some parmesan for depth of flavor.
- To make this dish even more indulgent, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or crushed cornflakes on top before the final 10 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup, and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
- Prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
