Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Delight

This cheesy hashbrown potato casserole has been my family's go-to side dish for holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners for as long as I can remember. The creamy, cheesy comfort food that perfectly balances crispy edges with a soft, gooey center never fails to bring everyone back for seconds.

I first made this casserole when I needed something quick to bring to a potluck dinner. It was such a hit that someone actually scraped the dish clean and I came home with nothing but compliments. Now it's requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Frozen hash browns Provides the perfect potato base without all the peeling and shredding
• Cream of chicken soup Creates that creamy texture and rich flavor that holds everything together
• Sour cream Adds tanginess and creaminess that makes this casserole special
• Chopped onion Provides essential flavor foundation when it cooks down into the casserole
• Shredded cheddar cheese Use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor experience
• Melted butter Adds richness and helps create those irresistible crispy edges
• Corn flakes Optional but highly recommended for the perfect crunchy topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F to ensure even cooking throughout. Taking this step first gives your oven plenty of time to reach the proper temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. An oven thermometer can help verify your oven is actually at the temperature it claims.

Mix the Ingredients

Combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, half the cheese, butter, salt and pepper in a large bowl. When mixing, use folding motions rather than aggressive stirring to keep the hash browns from breaking down too much. The mixture should look creamy but still have texture from the potatoes.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. For easier cleanup, consider lining the dish with foil first, then greasing. Spread the mixture with the back of a spoon, pressing gently into the corners for even cooking.

Add More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the top. For best results, grate your own cheese rather than using pre shredded as it melts more smoothly without anti caking agents.

Optional Crunchy Topping

If using corn flakes, gently crush them while still in their bag using your hands. You want pieces, not powder. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer. Some people prefer to mix their corn flakes with a bit of melted butter first for extra flavor.

Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set up and makes serving neater. Use a large spoon to scoop generous portions.

Pin

My favorite part of this casserole is how the edges get slightly crispy while the inside stays creamy and soft. My grandmother used to make a version of this every Christmas morning, and the smell of it baking still brings back those wonderful holiday memories.

Make It Your Own

This casserole welcomes customization based on your preferences. Try adding diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even browned sausage for a protein boost that turns this side dish into a complete meal. For vegetarians, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.

Storage and Reheating

Once cooled, leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer safe containers where it will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat refrigerated portions, microwave on medium power until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the defrost function on your microwave followed by regular heating.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats like ham, turkey, or beef. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. It also makes an excellent brunch dish when paired with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs. The rich, creamy texture works well with foods that provide contrast, either in texture or flavor profile.

Pin

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this hashbrown casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it's still cold from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for similar results. For a homemade alternative, make a roux with 2 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of milk until thick and creamy.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, though it requires extra preparation. Grate fresh potatoes, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry with paper towels before using. This prevents excess moisture in your casserole. You'll need about 6-7 medium potatoes to equal 2 pounds.

→ What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?

Crushed potato chips, crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or french fried onions all make excellent crunchy toppings. For a more decadent option, try mixing 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling on top.

→ What main dishes pair well with this hashbrown casserole?

This versatile casserole pairs wonderfully with ham, grilled chicken, meatloaf, or any roasted meat. It's also perfect for breakfast or brunch alongside eggs and bacon. For holiday meals, it complements turkey, prime rib, or baked ham beautifully.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the center is hot throughout, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown color. If you're using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).