If comfort had a smell, it would be the scent of this bubbling, golden Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole coming out of the oven. The edges crisp to perfection while the center stays luxuriously creamy — rich with cheddar, butter, and just a hint of garlic. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with warmth before you even take the first bite.
I’m always so grateful for recipes like this — simple, cozy, and full of heart. The kind that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just real, feel-good food that brings everyone to the table.
💌 Before we dive in, make sure to subscribe to receive my best family-style recipes straight to your inbox — perfect for weeknights, weekends, and everything in between!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 Cheesy, creamy, and crispy — all the best textures in one bite.
- 🍽️ Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- 💛 Comfort classic: Perfect balance of flavor and nostalgia.
- ⏱️ Quick to prepare: Minimal prep, maximum payoff.
- 🌿 Customizable: Add bacon, ham, or veggies to make it your own!
This casserole has a special place in my heart — it reminds me of Sunday mornings growing up, when my mom would pull something just like this from the oven and the whole house smelled like melted cheese and butter. Anything but boring!!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing casserole:
- 20 ounces refrigerated shredded hash browns – the base that gives a creamy yet crispy texture.
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup – adds rich, savory depth.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter – for that unmistakable comfort flavor.
- 1¼ cup sour cream – keeps it tangy and creamy.
- ⅓ cup sweet onion, chopped – mild flavor that balances the richness.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional but oh-so-good: a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh chives on top for extra flair.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Nonstick spray
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your baking dish with nonstick spray — this makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix It All Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, sour cream, chopped onion, and seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly coated in creamy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over it. This is where the magic happens — that golden bubbly layer!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving (I know it’s hard to wait!) — this helps the casserole set for perfect slices.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is endlessly versatile. Serve it with:
- A crisp green salad for balance
- Garlic bread or buttery rolls
- Glazed ham or roast chicken for a full meal
- Or simply enjoy it on its own for a cozy breakfast-for-dinner moment
Variations & Add-Ons
Make it your own with these delicious twists:
- 🥓 Add bacon or diced ham for a savory, meaty bite.
- 🍄 Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for an earthy, colorful twist.
- 🌶️ Spice it up with hot sauce, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- 🧈 Top it off with crushed cornflakes, panko, or potato chips for extra crunch.
- 🧀 Try new cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for fun flavor swaps.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Don’t overmix — gentle stirring keeps your hashbrowns fluffy, not gummy.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- For crispier edges, bake a few extra minutes.
- If making ahead, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel for 2–3 minutes, or warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Freeze: Cool and wrap tightly — freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Absolutely — just thaw them first and pat dry to remove extra moisture.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cream soup and double-check your seasoning labels.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a 9×13-inch dish and increase baking time by about 10 minutes.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gruyère or Colby Jack also melt beautifully.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
Calories: 380 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Carbs: 25g | Sodium: 640mg
Leave a Reply