Hashbrown Casserole

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Craving something cheesy, comforting, and irresistibly crispy on the edges? This Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of side dish that turns any meal into a cozy gathering. With golden hashbrowns baked to perfection and infused with creamy goodness, it’s one of those recipes that disappears fast at potlucks and brunch tables.

Whether you’re prepping it for a holiday spread or just need a hearty companion to roasted meats, this casserole delivers all the savory satisfaction of Southern comfort food with minimal fuss. You’ll get tender potatoes on the inside, a crispy top layer, and melty cheese throughout. It’s a winning combination every time.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making this dish is incredibly simple, but a few essential kitchen tools make it seamless:

• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary to combine all your ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: This is the perfect size to hold your casserole without overflowing, allowing it to cook evenly.
• Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring everything together without scratching your bowls or damaging ingredients.
• Oven Mitts: Since the baking dish comes out piping hot, always have thick mitts or pot holders on hand.
• Grater (if using fresh cheese): Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives a richer texture than pre-shredded blends.

Having these tools in place before starting speeds up the process and helps you avoid any scrambling mid-recipe.

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Ingredients for the Hashbrown Casserole

• Frozen Hashbrowns: These are the star of the show—shredded or diced, they provide the classic potato base with a soft interior and crispy baked edges.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy richness and slight tang that balances the heaviness of the cheese.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates a luscious sauce that binds the casserole and brings a savory depth.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous helping melts through the layers, giving gooey texture and sharp flavor.
• Onion (chopped): Adds a bit of bite and sweetness that cuts through the richness.
• Butter: It enriches the casserole and helps achieve that crave-worthy golden top.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.

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How To Make the Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and allows for easy serving later.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onion, shredded cheddar, and seasonings. Once combined, fold in the frozen hashbrowns until everything is well coated.

Step 3: Transfer and Spread

Pour the hashbrown mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula so that it bakes uniformly.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers with that irresistible crisp topping.

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How to Serve and Store Your Hashbrown Casserole

This casserole shines brightest when served hot and fresh out of the oven. The top layer is at its crispiest and the interior is perfectly creamy. It pairs well with everything from baked ham and roasted chicken to brunch staples like scrambled eggs and fruit salad.

If you’re serving for a crowd, consider placing the dish on a warming tray or covered in foil to keep the heat. It’s also excellent as a breakfast-for-dinner option or reheated as leftovers with a fried egg on top.

To store, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this ahead of time?

You can mix all the ingredients, spread them into your baking dish, and cover it. Store in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, uncover and follow the baking instructions as usual.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, just shred your potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth. Keep in mind this adds a little prep time.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a vegetarian version, or make your own roux-based sauce with broth and milk for a from-scratch alternative.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Absolutely! Cooked bacon, diced ham, or crumbled sausage mix in well and make it even heartier.

How do I get the top extra crispy?

Add a few extra pats of butter on top or sprinkle with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before baking.

Is it gluten-free?

If you’re using a gluten-free cream soup and double-checking your hashbrowns and seasonings, then yes—this dish can be easily made gluten-free.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you’re loving the golden crunch and creamy center of this Hashbrown Casserole, there’s a whole world of cozy bakes you can try next.

You might also love the Sloppy Joe Casserole, a hearty, tangy option layered with cheesy goodness. Or go for something more vegetable-forward with the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s both rich and family-friendly.

For a spicy twist, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe—a creamy, fiery comfort dish layered with bold flavors. Another delicious route? The Pepperoni Pizza Casserole brings pizza night into casserole form.

For seafood lovers, don’t miss the Easy Seafood Casserole – it’s creamy, indulgent, and perfect for something a little different on weeknights.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food board or dinner board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you try it, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add bacon? Go for extra cheese? Drop a comment and let’s swap notes. You can also check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

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