Forget bland side dishes! This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole recipe takes humble potatoes to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any night you need a comforting side.

Let’s face it, sometimes the side dishes are the stars of the show, and this casserole is here to steal the spotlight. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m betting you’ll get requests for the recipe every time you make it.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make: Seriously, if you can mix ingredients in a bowl and spread them in a dish, you’ve got this!
• Minimal ingredients: This recipe calls for pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
• Ultimate comfort food: Cheesy, potato-y goodness? It’s a warm hug in a casserole dish.
• Crowd-pleasing guaranteed: From potlucks to holiday gatherings, this dish always disappears fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cheesy Hash Brown Base:

• 1 (20 ounce) package Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns (or your favorite brand)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups Crystal Farms® Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or your favorite cheddar)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted

For the Crunchy, Buttery Topping:

• 1 ½ cups corn flakes, coarsely crushed
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 2-quart glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, and melted butter. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Spread in the Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy hash brown mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Make the Crunchy Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes and melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated.
5. Top It Off: Sprinkle the corn flake mixture evenly over the hash brown base.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
7. Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set slightly and prevent burns.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Hash Brown Perfection

• For extra cheesy flavor: Use a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
• Add some veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen chopped broccoli or a handful of chopped green onions for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole mixture for a touch of heat.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• The Classic Side: This cheesy hash brown casserole is the perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham.
• Brunch Time: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a satisfying brunch spread.
• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken soup and use vegetable broth or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Storing and Reheating Your Casserole

• Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.

FAQs: Your Cheesy Hash Brown Questions, Answered

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can grate about 4 cups of peeled russet potatoes. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may release more moisture, so you might need to bake the casserole a bit longer.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade version.

Conclusion: Time to Dig In!

This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy recipe that will become a family favorite. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this simple yet delicious casserole.

High Trust External URLs:

• Simply Potatoes
• Crystal Farms Cheese
• Food Safety Tips for Casseroles