The Ultimate Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets creativity in this irresistible cheesy hash brown casserole that promises to become your new favorite side dish.

Crispy potato edges blend perfectly with a creamy, melted cheese interior.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like special occasions when this golden-brown masterpiece emerges from the oven.

Midwest families have long treasured similar recipes, passing them through generations with love and warmth.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical on your plate.

Creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious, you’ll want to make this dish again and again.

Dive into a culinary experience that transforms ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary celebration of flavor.

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole That’s Always a Hit

• A hearty dish that brings families together, packed with cheesy goodness and satisfying flavors everyone will love.
• Easily customize with optional protein like chicken or ham, making it perfect for using up leftovers or creating a complete one-dish meal.
• Quick to assemble and bake, this casserole saves precious time while delivering maximum flavor and comfort for busy households.

Ingredients in Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

• Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that create the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Shredded Chicken, Ham: Optional protein additions that make the casserole more substantial and filling.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Melted Butter, Chopped Onion, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings and ingredients that boost the overall flavor profile and create a creamy, savory taste.

• Cooking Spray or Butter, Aluminum Foil: Essential for preparing the baking dish and covering the casserole during cooking.

How to Prepare Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Casserole Base

• Thawed hash browns
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Melted butter
• Chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Add Protein Option

If you want extra protein, fold in shredded chicken or ham and mix thoroughly into the casserole base.

Step 4: Transfer and Spread

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, keeping the foil on to help steam and cook the casserole.

Step 6: Crisp the Top

Remove the foil after 45 minutes.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Look for a golden, crispy top that’s slightly bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and serve hot.

Tips for Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

• Pat thawed hash browns with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and not soggy casserole texture.
• Replace chicken or ham with cooked bacon bits, pulled pork, or keep it vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for more complex flavor profiles.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this comforting dish.

Store and Reheat Hash Brown Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring crispy top and heated through completely.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Cut through the casserole's richness with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette that refreshes the palate.
• Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy, cheesy texture of the hash brown casserole and cleanse the taste buds.
• Match with Smoky BBQ Chicken Wings: Add a protein-packed side with spicy, smoky chicken wings that provide a contrasting flavor profile and enhance the overall meal experience.
• Serve alongside Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus with olive oil and herbs to add nutritional balance and a light, fresh element to the hearty casserole.

Easy Upgrades for Hash Brown Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken or ham with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a plant-based version packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut cream instead of sour cream, and plant-based butter to create a lactose-free casserole that everyone can enjoy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed ones?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce as an alternative.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. It reheats well and tastes great the next day.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken or ham, and replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian cream soup or mushroom-based alternative.

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth to any table. Creamy potatoes and melted cheese combine for a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (30 ounces / 850 grams) frozen hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian option)

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Protein:

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or ham

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the thawed hash browns with shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken or ham into the mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the casserole base.
4. Carefully transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a smooth, uniform layer.
5. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, creating a moist interior.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the surface to transform into a crispy, golden-brown crust.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
8. Slice and serve the hot, cheesy casserole, enjoying the rich blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Freeze surplus hash browns in individual portions for quick weeknight meal prep.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian twist that maintains creamy texture.
• Use low-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and a spicy kick that elevates the classic comfort dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg