This Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is comfort food at its best! With crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheese, and a hint of onion, it’s a family favorite that everyone loves!
Making this dish is as simple as mixing a few ingredients and baking it. Perfect for breakfast or dinner, it’s a cheesy hug on a plate! I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls while it bakes—can you?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen hashbrowns make this recipe super easy! If you don’t have them, you can grate fresh potatoes. Just soak and rinse them in water to remove excess starch before using.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a rich flavor to the casserole. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have this on hand, try using cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version using milk, flour, and broth.
Sour Cream: This ingredient gives a creamy texture. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if you need a healthier option. It works well and adds a hint of tanginess!
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor. However, feel free to mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or even some pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Diced Onion: While optional, onions add great flavor. If you’re not a fan, skip them or substitute with chopped green onions or even garlic powder for a different twist.
Cornflakes: They add a crunchy topping. You can substitute with crushed potato chips or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. You can skip the topping if you prefer a more classic casserole feel.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Creamy and Well-Mixed?
Getting the perfect blend in your casserole is key for that creamy goodness. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, make sure the hashbrowns are thawed completely. This ensures even cooking.
- In a big bowl, combine your cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter before adding the hashbrowns. This helps everything mix together better.
- Add the diced onions and the dry seasonings (salt and pepper) at this stage. Mix until it’s all combined, but don’t overmix, as this can break down the hashbrowns.
- Remember to fold in half of the cheddar gently. Don’t stir too harshly; you want the cheese to distribute but also keep some texture from the hashbrowns.
With these steps, your casserole will turn out creamy and delightful! Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 45-50 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes to have it ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so your casserole cooks evenly and turns out perfectly golden brown!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and the optional diced onion. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic begins!
3. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the hashbrown mixture. This will add that cheesy goodness we all love. Make sure it’s mixed in evenly.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Next, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Then, transfer the hashbrown mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Let’s get this ready for baking!
5. Top with Cheese and Cornflakes:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your casserole mixture. If you want a little extra crunch, feel free to add the crushed cornflakes on top as well. Yummy!
6. Bake Away:
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the whole dish is bubbling with deliciousness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes. It’ll be hot, so be careful! Then, serve it up and enjoy your cheesy hashbrown casserole! Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If using fresh hashbrowns, make sure to par-cook them lightly before mixing them with the other ingredients. You can briefly steam or boil them to soften, then follow the recipe as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you have dietary restrictions or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or any cream-based soup. For a homemade alternative, mix equal parts of heavy cream and chicken broth, thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
How to Store Leftover Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
