Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side. With crispy cornflake topping and a creamy, cheesy interior, this casserole brings simple ingredients together for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz package refrigerated hash browns
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup minced white onion
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups corn flakes cereal, roughly crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, minced white onion, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Use a spatula to stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Step 2: Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the hash brown mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with 2 tablespoons melted butter until well combined to make the topping.
- Step 4: Evenly spread the corn flake topping over the casserole. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra flavor and protein.
- Mix in chopped green onions or bell peppers to add freshness and color.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor, or a blend of cheeses for richness.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the corn flake topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
Can I freeze the cheesy hash brown casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
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Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy hash browns baked in a creamy mixture of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and onions, topped with a crunchy corn flakes and butter topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it delivers a nostalgic, cheesy flavor with a golden, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Hash Brown Mixture
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated hash browns
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup minced white onion
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Corn Flake Topping
- 1 1/2 cups corn flakes cereal, roughly crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Combine Hash Brown Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the refrigerated hash browns, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, minced white onion, and melted butter. Use a spatula to stir until everything is evenly combined, creating a creamy hash brown mixture.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Mix Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the roughly crushed corn flakes and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir together until the corn flakes are evenly coated with butter.
- Apply Topping and Bake: Spread the corn flake topping evenly over the hash brown mixture in the casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 10 minutes to baking time if starting cold from the fridge.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Use gluten-free corn flakes and soup to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped green onions or cooked bacon bits to the topping.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy hash brown casserole, hash browns recipe, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy potato bake, corn flakes topping
