Name: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485248H49M4S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 oz frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup crushed cornflakes (optional); 1/4 cup melted butter (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey, comfort food buddy! Get ready to dive into this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole—a warm, gooey hug of a dish that’s like your favorite diner breakfast in a pan. Picture crispy hashbrowns, smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection with a crunchy topping. It’s the ultimate side dish for brunch, potlucks, or any time you need a little soul-warming goodness. Trust me, this casserole is about to become your go-to for cozy gatherings and happy bellies!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

This casserole isn’t just food—it’s a crowd-pleasing, feel-good classic that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dinner, or a holiday spread, it’s a guaranteed hit. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

Versatile: Perfect as a breakfast side, dinner companion, or even a main dish with some added protein. It shines at any meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like frozen hashbrowns and cheese—no fancy ingredients needed.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps that come together fast, even if you’re not a kitchen pro. It’s practically foolproof!
Customizable: Add bacon, veggies, or extra spices to make it your own. It’s a blank canvas for flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: That cheesy, creamy, crunchy combo? It’s a universal favorite for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients in Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

This casserole is all about hearty, familiar ingredients that pack a comfort-food punch. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:

Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns

The star of the dish—crisp, shredded potatoes that soak up the creamy sauce and bake up tender.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp and melty, it brings that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.

Sour Cream

Adds tangy creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese.

Cream of Chicken Soup

The secret to that velvety, savory base. It ties all the flavors together effortlessly.

Unsalted Butter

Melted butter in the casserole adds richness, and more on top helps the topping get golden and crispy.

Onion

Finely diced for a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the potatoes.

Cornflakes

Crushed cornflakes create a crunchy, golden topping that’s the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.

Garlic Powder

A pinch adds savory warmth to the casserole, enhancing all the flavors.

Salt

Just a touch brings out the best in every ingredient.

Fresh Parsley

A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh, colorful finish.

Instructions

Let’s whip up this cheesy, dreamy casserole in just a few steps:

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly to bubbly perfection.

Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, combine thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well-coated and creamy.

Spread in the Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for consistent cooking.

Add the Crunchy Topping

Crush cornflakes into coarse crumbs and mix with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for that golden, crispy finish.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil.

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

This casserole is a star side dish, but it can also steal the show as a main. Here’s how to serve it up:

With Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty brunch spread.
As a Dinner Side: Serve alongside roasted chicken, ham, or meatloaf for a comforting meal.
With a Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to make it a one-dish meal.
As a Standalone: Scoop it straight from the pan for a cozy, satisfying dish on its own.
Presentation tip: Serve in a colorful ceramic baking dish and garnish with extra parsley for a vibrant, inviting look.

Additional Tips

Here’s how to make this casserole even more awesome:

Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) a day ahead and refrigerate. Add cornflakes and bake when ready.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the mix for a subtle kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free cornflakes for a GF version. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Double the Batch: Make two casseroles and freeze one (unbaked, without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
A1: Yes, but shred them and squeeze out excess moisture with a towel to avoid a soggy casserole.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cornflake topping just before baking.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yup! Freeze unbaked (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add topping, and bake.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and double the ingredients. Bake as directed.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
A7: Sure! Try mozzarella, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy vibe.

Q8: What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?
A8: Crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips work great.

Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?
A9: Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup, and double-check your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Q10: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A10: Totally! Stir in sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food hero—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a satisfying crunch that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up for a family breakfast, a holiday feast, or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies. With simple ingredients and endless ways to make it your own, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. So grab those hashbrowns, crank up the oven, and get ready to bask in the cheesy, comforting glory—you’re in for a real treat!