Crispy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Crispy Hash Brown Delight Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this irresistible hash brown delight casserole that promises to warm hearts and satisfy hungry souls.

Golden, crispy potatoes mingle with creamy cheese and savory seasonings in a dish that screams pure indulgence.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Hearty and filling, this casserole works magic for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying dinner side.

Generous layers of tender potatoes create a rich, comforting experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you serve this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch as it becomes an instant favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Hash Brown Casserole Ingredient

For Vegetable Base:
  • Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic foundation to enhance overall flavor profile, choose firm and glossy bulbs without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, pungent undertone, select plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum zestiness.
For Creamy Binding:
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich, smooth texture and adds subtle savory depth, opt for low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps bind ingredients, select full-fat variety for most decadent results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty complexity, choose freshly grated for most robust flavor experience.
For Potato and Cheese Components:
  • Hash Brown Potatoes: Delivers hearty, comforting base, ensure completely thawed and patted dry for best crispy texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp cheesy goodness, select medium or sharp for maximum flavor punch.
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds luxurious undertone, use unsalted for better control of dish's saltiness.
  • Fresh Chives: Offers bright, oniony garnish with vibrant color, select bright green stems without wilting.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for most aromatic results.

Tools You’ll Need for Hash Brown Casserole

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
  • Small Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic with precision.
  • 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for creating a perfectly sized casserole.
  • Cheese Grater: Needed to shred fresh cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients without damaging their texture.
  • Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and mincing garlic.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Assemble and Bake Hash Brown Casserole

  • Oven Warmup

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for your cheesy potato adventure.

  • Flavor Foundation

Gently sauté chopped onions in butter until they turn soft and translucent, then add garlic for a quick dance in the pan. These aromatic friends will create a delicious base for your casserole.

  • Creamy Blend

In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, chicken soup, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. This magical combination will transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

  • Potato Party

Introduce thawed hash browns to your creamy mixture, folding them in gently. Sprinkle in some cheddar cheese to add a delightful gooey factor that’ll make taste buds sing.

  • Baking Magic

Transfer the potato mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Crown the top with an extra layer of cheese, promising a golden, crispy finish.

  • Transformation Time

Slide the casserole into the warm oven and let it bake for about an hour. Watch for a bubbling, golden-brown surface that signals culinary perfection.

  • Final Touch

Garnish with fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor that elevates this comforting dish from good to extraordinary.

Tips for Cheesy Hash Brown

  • Mix diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the base for a protein-packed twist that transforms the dish into a complete meal.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add diced jalapeños, or stir in a dash of smoked paprika to give the casserole a warming kick that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery, and add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to create a hearty vegetable-focused version of the casserole.
  • Crush cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or potato chips and mix with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese for an extra crunchy golden-brown surface that adds delightful texture.
  • Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through completely.

Serving That Casserole Hot and Ready

  • Brunch Buddy: Pair this cheesy hash brown casserole with crispy bacon strips, scrambled eggs, or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying morning meal.
  • Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations where guests love hearty, comforting side dishes that everyone can enjoy.
  • Protein Power-Up: Enhance the casserole by adding cooked diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or ham to transform it into a more substantial main course perfect for dinner.
  • Simple Side Kick: Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish to complement the main protein with a rich and creamy potato accompaniment.

Storing and Reheating Hash Browns

  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerating until ready to cook.
  • Quick Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead meal option.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
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Crispy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Crispy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Midwestern hash brown delight casserole celebrates comfort with crispy potato layers and creamy cheese sauce. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering pure satisfaction for home cooks seeking classic midwestern comfort on their dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 package (30 oz/850 g) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • 1 large white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (10-½ oz/298 ml) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Snipped fresh chives, optional

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), establishing the optimal baking environment.
  2. Sauté Base: Melt butter in a skillet, introducing finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, developing a rich aromatic foundation.
  3. Sauce Creation: Transfer the onion-garlic blend to a mixing bowl, whisking in condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Potato Integration: Fold thawed hash brown potatoes and one cup of cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough and even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Assembly: Generously coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, spread the potato mixture evenly, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese to create a golden, crispy surface.
  6. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 50-60 minutes until edges bubble and the top transforms into a rich, golden-brown crust.
  7. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow setting, then garnish with freshly snipped chives before serving.

Notes

  • Potato Perfection: Ensure hash browns are completely thawed and excess moisture is removed to prevent a soggy casserole.
  • Cheese Melt Mastery: Shred cheese fresh for optimal melting and most vibrant flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
  • Temperature Tip: Let casserole rest after baking to help ingredients bind and improve overall texture and slice-ability.
  • Flavor Boost: Consider adding crumbled bacon, diced ham, or green onions for extra depth and personalized touch to the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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