Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and comforting that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Our Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is not just a side dish – it's a crowd-pleasing sensation that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! Packed with golden hash browns, melted cheddar, and a rich, creamy base, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that bridges the gap between homestyle cooking and gourmet indulgence.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thaw the frozen hash browns slightly by letting them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to mix.
- Dice the onions finely, ensuring they are uniform in size for even distribution and consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- In the same large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onions, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal taste preference. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for an extra cheesy golden crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a comforting main course. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Thaw Hash Browns Smartly: Let frozen hash browns sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before mixing to ensure easier blending and more even cooking.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Ensure your baking dish is well-greased and avoid over-mixing the ingredients to maintain a perfect texture.
- Customize Your Casserole: Add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or green chilies for extra flavor variations.
- Achieve the Perfect Golden Crust: For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
