Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy, golden-brown casserole that transports you straight to the cozy warmth of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. This irresistible Hash Brown Casserole isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Whether you're looking to recreate a restaurant favorite or impress your dinner guests with a mouthwatering comfort food classic, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (30 ounces) frozen hash browns
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or additional butter to prevent sticking.
- Remove the frozen hash browns from the package and let them thaw slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make them easier to mix and ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
- Add the partially thawed hash browns to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold the hash browns into the creamy mixture, ensuring that every potato strand is evenly coated.
- Transfer the hash brown mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is heated through completely.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional shredded cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, let your hash browns thaw slightly before mixing to ensure even coating and perfect texture.
- Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for the richest, most indulgent result.
- Don't overmix the ingredients – gently fold to maintain the hash browns' texture.
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle some additional cheese or breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat sour cream and cheese, though the texture might be slightly different.
- This dish is perfect for make-ahead meal prep – it reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
