If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that sings with cheesy goodness and makes every bite feel like a warm hug, this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of tender hashbrowns, creamy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese baked to golden bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting brunch, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole hits all the right notes with its rich texture and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each component plays an essential role, from the crispy edges to the creamy center, making the dish a delightful experience on your plate.
- Frozen Hash Browns (32 oz): Using thawed shredded or cubed potatoes gives the casserole its hearty base and perfect texture.
- Sour Cream (2 cups): Adds a rich creaminess that melds the ingredients together beautifully while adding tang.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Brings a subtle sharpness and sweetness that balances the richness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can): Acts as a velvety binder, ensuring the casserole is moist and flavorful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Delivers the iconic cheesy flavor, with some cheese inside the mix and some melted on top for a golden finish.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps everything bake up with a golden crust.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient with a perfect seasoning boost.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick to elevate the dish’s flavor complexity.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish lightly, so your casserole doesn’t stick and you get a lovely crust where the edges meet the pan.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the thawed hash browns, sour cream, finely chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Mixing well ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed—it’s the secret to a balanced dish.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and place it in the oven uncovered. Bake for 45 minutes so the casserole cooks through and the edges start to brown enticingly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
After 45 minutes, carefully pull the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a glorious golden bubbly topping that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cheesy casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh fruit salad for a bit of sweetness contrast. It also complements hearty proteins like baked chicken or pork chops perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at brunch, or keep it family-style in a large casserole dish where everyone can dig in together. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side can elevate the experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight, so leftovers taste great.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after—place it in an airtight container or wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly again, about 20 minutes, to regain that fresh-from-the-oven charm. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy top that makes this casserole so special.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If using fresh potatoes, shred them and be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a soggy casserole. Parboiling them slightly before mixing will help achieve the right texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can easily swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep it vegetarian while maintaining the creamy texture and flavor.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free sour cream, vegan butter, and a plant-based cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is classic for its flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder or creamier taste.
How long can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Add the final cheese topping just before baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table every time. I encourage you to try making it for your next meal, family gathering, or holiday feast. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy, golden goodness, I’m confident it will become a cherished favorite you turn to again and again.
PrintCheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings. Combining tender thawed hash browns with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onions, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this casserole bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) Frozen Hash Browns, thawed (cubed or shredded)
- 2 cups Sour Cream
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 can Cream Of Chicken Soup (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan to prevent the casserole from sticking; set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, finely chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly and Season: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Bake the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until the casserole is set and starting to brown on the edges.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
Notes
- For a crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor or to make it vegetarian (if using vegetarian soup).
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed and drained if needed, to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
