Hashbrown Casserole

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Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting—Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate side dish that deserves a permanent spot on your table. Whether you’re prepping for a family brunch, holiday feast, or just craving some homestyle goodness on a weeknight, this dish delivers with crispy edges, a creamy interior, and that savory blend of cheese and potatoes everyone loves.

This easy-to-make casserole is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with everything from glazed ham to scrambled eggs. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again—warm, nostalgic, and always satisfying. Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it an ideal go-to when you want something hearty without the fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole

• Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults both love the cheesy, creamy texture.
• Freezer-friendly: Can be made ahead and reheated beautifully.
• Customizable: Add proteins like ham or bacon, or spice it up with jalapeños.
• One-dish wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect hashbrown casserole, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment. Each plays a role in making this dish seamless to prepare:

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients evenly without a mess.
• 9×13″ baking dish: The ideal size to get that golden crust without overflowing.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix and spread ingredients smoothly in the baking dish.
• Box grater (if shredding your own potatoes): For those who prefer fresh over frozen.
• Aluminum foil (optional): Useful for covering the casserole to prevent over-browning during baking.

With these tools ready, the preparation is simple and straightforward. Now you’re just steps away from a bubbling, cheesy delight that will steal the spotlight at any meal.

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Ingredients for the Hashbrown Casserole

• Frozen Hashbrowns: The heart of the dish, offering that comforting shredded potato base.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor to every bite.
• Sour Cream: Balances the richness and makes the texture perfectly silky.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers that essential melty, golden topping.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and helps crisp up the top layer.
• Chopped Onion: Gives a mild bite and aromatic balance.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to round out the dish.

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How To Make the Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13” baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, melted butter, and chopped onions. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture and stir again. If you’re adding optional ingredients like cooked bacon or diced peppers, fold them in now.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Add a Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for a beautiful, melty crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

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How to Serve and Store Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole is incredibly versatile and can shine in various mealtime settings:

• Serving Suggestions: Pair it with eggs and bacon for breakfast, serve alongside a juicy steak or roasted chicken for dinner, or bring it as a hearty side dish to potlucks and holidays.
• Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions to brighten up the plate.

Storing:

• Let the casserole cool completely before storing.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, portion into individual servings or freeze the whole casserole tightly wrapped. It will keep up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes).
• For quick servings, microwave on medium power until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of hashbrowns should I use?

Frozen shredded hashbrowns are best, but you can also use diced or freshly grated potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture if using fresh.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even cooked sausage make great additions to bulk up the dish.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a vegetarian version.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, feel free to use reduced-fat sour cream or cheese, but note that the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Why is my casserole watery?

If you didn’t thaw or drain your hashbrowns properly, extra moisture may seep out during baking. Be sure to pat them dry beforehand.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this creamy Hashbrown Casserole hit the spot, here are a few more hearty dishes worth trying:

• Try this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a cheesy twist on pasta night.
• This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings bold flavors in one pan.
• Enjoy comfort in a bowl with this Hearty Italian Sausage Soup.
• For an easy dinner win, the Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a must.
• Or indulge in a Cheesesteak Tortellini Bliss that combines two fan favorites in one.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food or casserole board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add bacon? Try it with jalapeños? Or make it meatless?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more cozy recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart for daily deliciousness from Kitchen By Kate.

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