This cozy casserole is packed with crispy hash browns, creamy cheese, and a crunchy topping that brings smiles all around the table. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and yum!
Whenever I make it, the house smells amazing and everyone moves closer to the kitchen, hoping for a taste. Just a heads-up, it might disappear faster than you think! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are a time-saver and give great texture. If you prefer, you can shred fresh potatoes, but they require some pre-cooking to soften up.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delicious kick. If you want something milder, use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: It provides creaminess and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds richness and a touch of tang. Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Onion: A small onion adds a nice flavor boost. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can skip it or add a sprinkle of onion powder.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Creamy and Not Dry?
To keep your hash brown casserole creamy, focus on the mixing and baking time:
- Mix the soup, sour cream, and melted butter thoroughly to create a uniform sauce, making sure it fully coats the hash browns.
- Avoid overbaking! Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes. It should be bubbly and the top golden brown.
- If you find it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil until it’s cooked through.
Let it cool for about 5 minutes after baking; this will help the casserole set up and make it easier to serve!
How to Make Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint (16 oz) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and will bake for 45 to 55 minutes. So in total, you’ll need around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes to get this delightful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Mix the Hash Browns and Onions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns and finely chopped onion. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the onion is evenly distributed throughout the hash browns.
3. Add the Cheeses:
Next, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the bowl. If you’re feeling cheesy, throw in the grated mozzarella cheese too! It adds a creamy texture that many love.
4. Create the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is smooth and well combined. This will be the delicious sauce that brings everything together!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the hash browns and cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together until it’s evenly coated. This step is key to making sure every bite is delicious!
6. Spread in the Baking Dish:
Transfer the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks evenly. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a little rustic look is charming!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Rest and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This makes it easier to serve. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top for a lovely finishing touch!
9. Enjoy!
Serve warm and watch how quickly it disappears! This casserole is perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Enjoy and savor every cheesy, comforting bite! 😊
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hash browns, just make sure to pre-cook them until slightly tender before adding them to the mixture. This helps them soften during baking and ensures even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you need a substitute, you can use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option or even a homemade white sauce. Just ensure the consistency is similar for the best results!
Can I Make This Hash Brown Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Assemble it as directed, but cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for quick reheating.
