Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort! Our Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the crispy goodness of hash browns with the creamy, zesty kick of jalapenos and cheese. Perfect for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or even a cozy dinner, this recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll create a cheesy, savory masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Are you ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hash browns
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapenos
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapenos, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, take the frozen hash browns and thaw them slightly. You can do this by letting them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or microwaving them for a short time. Once they are slightly thawed, add them to the cheese mixture and fold gently until the hash browns are coated with the cheese mixture.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking. Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the initial baking phase. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Casserole!
Tips
- Thawing Hash Browns: For best results, allow your frozen hash browns to thaw slightly at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate better into the creamy mixture and ensures even cooking.
- Customize Your Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more diced jalapenos or even some diced serrano peppers for an extra kick. Conversely, you can reduce the jalapenos or use mild ones if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier version or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional chopped green onions or even crispy bacon bits on top before serving for an added crunch and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
