Cheesy Hash Brown Delight Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Crispy hash brown casseroles bring comfort and warmth to any gathering, elevateing simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Hearty potato strands intertwine with savory cheese and creamy textures, creating a mouthwatering experience that delights taste buds.

Families and friends eagerly anticipate this classic dish that bridges traditional cooking with modern culinary creativity.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of golden-brown crispiness and rich, melted ingredients that dance across your palate.

Home cooks love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.

Weekend brunches and potluck dinners become extraordinary moments when this comforting casserole takes center stage.

Unexpected guests will feel instantly welcomed by the irresistible aroma and inviting presentation.

Ingredients for Hash Brown Casserole

• Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen shredded potatoes that form the hearty foundation of the casserole, providing a satisfying texture and classic comfort food feel.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binding ingredient that adds rich flavor and helps hold the casserole together.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a smooth, creamy consistency to the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping and adds rich, sharp flavor.

• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the base mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a subtle, aromatic background note to the dish.
• Butter: Used for sautéing aromatics and adding richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Chives: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion-like flavor and bright visual appeal.

How to Make Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven Fire up your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders Grab a skillet and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and translucent (about 4-6 minutes). Sprinkle in minced garlic and give it another minute of love, stirring constantly. Transfer this fragrant mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Creamy Magic In the bowl with sautéed onions and garlic, add:

• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they become a smooth, creamy symphony.

Step 4: Marry Potatoes and Cream Gently fold thawed hash brown potatoes into the creamy mixture. Stir in of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring every potato is hugged by cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking Lovingly spread the hash brown mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Create an even layer, then crown the top with the remaining of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Let it bubble and transform for 50-60 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden top that screams “eat me!”

Step 7: Finish with Flair Sprinkle fresh chives over the top for a burst of color and an extra flavor kick. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Top Tips for Hash Brown Casserole

• Prep Potatoes Perfectly: Ensure hash browns are completely thawed and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier, creating cleaner, more appealing servings.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack to add depth and personalize the dish's taste profile.
• Crispy Top Secret: For an extra-crunchy golden surface, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, making meal prep a breeze.

Storing and Reheating Hash Brown Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the container to track storage time and ensure optimal quality.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Pairing Hash Brown Casserole with Sides

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Serve alongside a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's rich, creamy texture and cut through its heaviness.
• Complement with Chilled White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to refresh the palate and enhance the dish's cheesy, savory notes.
• Match with Smoky Protein: Add grilled chicken or bacon on the side to provide a protein boost and introduce a smoky contrast to the creamy hash brown casserole.
• Finish with Zesty Condiment: Offer a side of spicy mustard or hot sauce for those who want an extra kick of flavor to brighten the dish's richness.

Hash Brown Casserole Variations to Try

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Bacon Breakfast Boost: Crisp and crumble bacon pieces throughout the mixture, then top the casserole with additional bacon bits for extra smokiness and crunch.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Incorporate chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom, then finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Loaded Potato Style: Mix in diced cooked ham, green onions, and top with a dollop of sour cream after baking to mimic loaded baked potato flavors.

Hash Brown Casserole for Breakfast Bliss

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This hash brown casserole delivers rich, velvety textures that wrap you in pure comfort food bliss. The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted cheese creates an incredibly smooth and indulgent eating experience.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this dish in under 30 minutes of active cooking time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up a delicious meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or side dishes alongside grilled meats. The golden cheesy top and crispy edges make this casserole a guaranteed hit that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary hash browns into an extraordinary meal.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adapt the recipe by adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or swapping cheeses. The base recipe provides a delicious canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.

Hash Brown Delight Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Hash Brown Delight Casserole brings comfort straight from midwestern kitchens. Crispy potato layers mingle with creamy cheese and savory ham, creating a satisfying meal that welcomes you to the table with warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 large white onion, finely chopped

Dairy and Soup Base:

• 1 can (10-½ ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Snipped fresh chives, optional

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C), creating an ideal temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become slightly foamy and fragrant.
3. Sauté finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, developing a sweet, mellow flavor.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the onion mixture, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
5. Transfer the golden onion and garlic blend to a spacious mixing bowl, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
6. Incorporate condensed cream of chicken soup, velvety sour cream, sharp Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the bowl.
7. Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy sauce with a consistent texture.
8. Gently fold thawed hash brown potatoes into the rich mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
9. Blend in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, creating pockets of melty goodness throughout the casserole.
10. Coat a 13×9-inch (33×23 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
11. Spread the potato mixture evenly across the prepared dish, creating a uniform layer.
12. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top, forming a golden, crispy crust.
13. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
14. Optional: Garnish with freshly snipped chives just before serving to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
15. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Prep ahead by thawing hash browns completely to ensure even mixing and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Sautéing onions and garlic beforehand builds a rich, deep flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose full-fat sour cream and condensed soup for maximum creaminess and authentic comfort food texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese creates a golden, crispy top layer that adds delightful crunch and extra cheesy goodness.
• Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes after baking so it sets properly and becomes easier to serve without falling apart.
• Fresh chives provide a bright, oniony garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg