Hashbrown Casserole
The ultimate comfort food, Hashbrown Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for any gathering. This easy dish combines frozen hashbrowns, rich cheese, and savory flavors into a delightful casserole that makes for a satisfying meal. Whip it up tonight and enjoy its heartwarming goodness!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 30 oz Frozen Shredded Hashbrown Potatoes
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme optional
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 10.75 oz Cream of Chicken Soup canned
- 1 cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. While the oven is heating, take a moment to spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hashbrowns, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed. Make sure the hashbrowns are evenly coated with the spices and cheese for full flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, add the butter and cream of chicken soup. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the butter melts. This mixture will add a creamy texture that is vital for the casserole.
- Once the butter has melted, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the sour cream. This step is crucial as it adds that luscious, creamy quality to your casserole.
- Now, pour the creamy mixture over the hash brown mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want every bite to be flavorful and creamy!
- Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that it fills the dish without leaving any gaps.
- Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Keep an eye on the casserole; it should be hot and bubbly when done. The cheese should be golden and slightly crispy.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set up a bit, making it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of Hashbrown Casserole with your loved ones!
Notes
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun variations to try with your Hashbrown Casserole:
- Cheesy Veggie Version: Add a cup of steamed broccoli or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked diced chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Herbed Up: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a fresh flavor profile.
- Breakfast Twist: Serve it alongside eggs for a fun breakfast option, or even add beaten eggs into the mix before baking.
- Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of freshness before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.