Hashbrown Casserole

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Golden, cheesy, and comfortingly creamy—Hashbrown Casserole is the definition of cozy food. This iconic side dish takes simple shredded potatoes and transforms them into a bubbly, rich, and deeply satisfying bake that’s hard to resist. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of soft, tender hashbrowns and crispy, caramelized cheese on top, making it a favorite at potlucks, holiday dinners, or even as a main dish with a fresh salad.

Whether you’re craving something warm and indulgent for a weekend brunch or looking to bring a guaranteed crowd-pleaser to your next gathering, this Hashbrown Casserole checks every box. It’s easy to assemble, incredibly versatile, and delivers comfort by the forkful. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy those cheesy layers all over again the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole

• It’s made with basic pantry ingredients, yet packs huge flavor.
• Bakes into a golden, creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
• Can be prepped ahead for stress-free gatherings.
• Versatile: serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly, and always a hit.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Hashbrown Casserole, a few essential kitchen tools will set you up for success:

• Mixing Bowl – A large one is key for combining the potatoes, cheese, and creamy base evenly.
• Rubber Spatula – Ideal for folding the ingredients together gently without overmixing.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Provides the ideal depth and surface area for even baking.
• Box Grater (if using fresh potatoes) – Useful if you’re shredding potatoes from scratch.
• Oven – Consistent heat is essential to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese top.

Each of these tools ensures your casserole is evenly mixed, cooked through, and perfectly golden on top.

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Preparation Tips

Let your hashbrowns thaw completely before mixing to prevent excess moisture, which can make your casserole runny. Drain any liquid well. For deeper flavor, consider sautéing a bit of onion or garlic before mixing it in. When adding cheese, combine different varieties—sharp cheddar for tang, Monterey Jack for meltability—for next-level flavor. Finally, let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking so it sets up beautifully for slicing.

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Ingredients for this Hashbrown Casserole

• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Make sure your frozen hashbrowns are fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture.

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Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until smooth. Then add the garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

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Step 3: Add Cheese and Onion

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped onions. Mixing the cheese into the wet base ensures it melts evenly throughout the casserole.

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Step 4: Combine with Hashbrowns

Add the thawed and well-drained hashbrowns to the bowl and mix gently using a rubber spatula until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Take care not to mash the hashbrowns while stirring.

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Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, pressing lightly to level the top.

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Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates that irresistible golden-brown crust when baked.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it holds together when sliced.

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Notes

This Hashbrown Casserole is incredibly adaptable. You can switch out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery to suit dietary preferences. Adding a bit of hot sauce or diced green chiles can give the dish a spicy twist. Want a protein boost? Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken before baking. For a crispier topping, try sprinkling crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the cheese.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not thawing the hashbrowns fully: This can lead to a watery or unevenly baked casserole.
• Skipping the seasoning: Without proper seasoning, the dish can taste bland despite the cheese and soup.
• Overmixing: Stir gently to keep the hashbrowns from breaking down into mush.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Too high and the edges will burn before the center is heated; too low and it may turn soggy.
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting the casserole immediately after baking can lead to a runny texture instead of clean slices.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover casserole, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. To freeze, tightly wrap the unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 330
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 8g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Absolutely. Just peel and shred them, then soak in water to remove excess starch and pat dry thoroughly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes, use cream of mushroom soup and omit any meat-based additions.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Choose a gluten-free condensed soup and check that your hashbrowns are labeled gluten-free.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for delicious variations.

Can I add meat to make it a full meal?

Yes! Diced ham, cooked ground sausage, or rotisserie chicken make great additions.

Why is my casserole watery?

This usually happens if the hashbrowns weren’t thawed and drained properly before mixing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two 9×13-inch pans or one deep roasting pan and increase baking time slightly.

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Conclusion

Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of dish that never fails to impress. Its creamy, cheesy layers and crisp, golden top make it a classic comfort food favorite that fits any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy brunch, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. With endless options to customize, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again.

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