Easy Hashbrown Casserole

Easy Hashbrown Casserole: 5-Step Amazing Recipe

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Easy Hashbrown Casserole: 5-Step Amazing Recipe

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both delicious and simple to make, look no further. This easy hashbrown casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or lazy weekend brunches. It’s a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

This recipe transforms a simple bag of frozen hashbrowns into a rich and creamy masterpiece. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a memorable side dish or main course that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Let’s get cooking!

1. Craving Comfort Food? Meet the Easy Hashbrown Casserole!

There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug, and this easy hashbrown casserole is one of them. Often called “funeral potatoes” due to their popularity at potlucks and gatherings, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a classic for a reason: the combination of tender potatoes, a savory cream sauce, and melted cheese is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity. It’s a reliable recipe that never fails to please a crowd.

2. Why You’ll Love This Easy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

This isn’t just another potato recipe; it’s destined to become a staple in your cooking rotation. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish.

2.1. Quick and Simple

With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for any skill level. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just mix, pour, and bake! It’s the ideal dish when you need something impressive without all the fuss.

2.2. Perfect for Potlucks

Heading to a party? This potluck recipe is a guaranteed winner. It travels well, can be made ahead of time, and is loved by both kids and adults. You’ll be everyone’s favorite guest when you show up with a warm pan of these cheesy potatoes.

2.3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The flavor profile is pure comfort. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, every bite is a delight. The crispy topping provides a wonderful textural contrast to the soft, tender potatoes beneath. It’s a savory experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

3. Ingredients for Your 5-Step Easy Hashbrown Casserole

You only need a few simple ingredients to create this fantastic casserole. Most of these might already be in your pantry and fridge!

  • 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can of condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 pint (16 oz) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter, divided
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for topping

4. How to Make Easy Hashbrown Casserole: A 5-Step Amazing Recipe

Follow these five simple steps to create the most delicious hashbrown casserole you’ve ever had. It’s practically foolproof!

4.1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Make sure your frozen hashbrowns are thawed to ensure even cooking and prevent a watery casserole.

4.2. Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter (1/4 cup), diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well-blended and creamy. This mixture is the secret to incredibly flavorful cheesy potatoes.

4.3. Step 3: Mix in the Hashbrowns

Gently fold the thawed hashbrowns into the creamy mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to coat the potatoes evenly without breaking them down too much. Ensure every shred of potato is covered in that delicious sauce.

4.4. Step 4: Assemble and Top the Casserole

Pour the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or panko with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden-brown crust.

4.5. Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. The edges should be sizzling and the center should be hot. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

5. Hashbrown Casserole Variations and Helpful Tips

While this easy hashbrown casserole is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Add Protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken to make it a hearty main course.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, a can of diced green chiles, or some chopped jalapeños for a little kick.
  • Change the Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Colby Jack, Gruyère, or a Monterey Jack blend. Understanding how different cheeses melt can elevate your dish. For more on this, America’s Test Kitchen explains the science behind creamy casseroles.
  • Veggie Power: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.

6. Serving Suggestions for Your Hashbrown Casserole

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s a fantastic addition to a holiday feast alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham. For a weekend brunch, serve it with scrambled eggs and sausage links.

It’s also a perfect partner for weeknight dinners like meatloaf, grilled chicken, or pork chops. Honestly, it’s so good, you might just want to eat it on its own! See others recipes here to find the perfect main dish to pair with this casserole.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make this easy hashbrown casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole (without the topping) up to two days in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, add the buttery cornflake topping, and bake as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold temperature.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions or place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. The topping may not be as crispy, but it will still be delicious!

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you have several options. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cheddar cheese soup all work wonderfully as substitutes and will add their own unique flavor. For a homemade alternative, you can create a simple cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.

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