Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy buttery crust. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side at holiday gatherings. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar creates a luscious, indulgent base.
• Crispy Topping: Crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers add a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy interior.
• Easy to Make: Just mix, assemble, and bake—no fancy techniques required!

 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Casserole:

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns , thawed 🥔
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup 🍲
• 1 cup sour cream 🥄
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• ½ cup melted butter , divided 🧈
• ½ cup chopped onion (optional ) 🧅
• Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or crushed Ritz crackers ) 🌾
• ¼ cup melted butter 🧈

 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 🔥

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients 🥄

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup , sour cream , ½ cup melted butter , shredded cheddar cheese , chopped onion (if using), salt , and pepper . Stir until well combined.
2. Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl and mix until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole ✋

1. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add Topping 🌟

1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers) with the remaining ¼ cup melted butter . Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake ⏳

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes , or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
2. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve 🍴

1. Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly for easier slicing.
2. Serve warm as a hearty side dish or as a main course with a side salad or green beans.

💡 Tips for Success:

• Thawing Hash Browns: For best results, thaw the hash browns overnight in the refrigerator or microwave them briefly to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
• Customize: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses. Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra flavor.

⏰ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes 10):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy masterpiece that’s sure to impress at any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, potluck, or cozy family dinner, it’s a dish that everyone will love. The crispy topping paired with the gooey, cheesy hashbrown base makes every bite irresistible. Whip it up, bake it to golden perfection, and enjoy the comforting goodness—it’s pure potato magic!