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