Hashbrown Casserole: A Cheesy, Comforting Classic

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Hashbrown Casserole is the answer! It’s creamy, cheesy, and crispy on the outside, with a soft, tender potato center that melts in your mouth. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, holidays, or a side dish for any meal.

Made with simple ingredients like hash brown potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese, this casserole is easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole

✅ Super Easy to Make – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
✅ Loaded with Cheese & Flavor – A perfect balance of garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese.
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Serve it for breakfast, dinner, or holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
✅ Crispy & Creamy in One Bite – A golden, cheesy crust with a soft, flavorful center.
✅ Customizable – Add bacon, sausage, or extra veggies for a unique twist!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 30 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little spice)
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping, optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

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Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the diced onions and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Thawed hash browns
  • Sautéed onion and garlic
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper
• Stir everything together until well combined.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• If using the crunchy topping, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

• Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and crispy.
• If you want extra crunch, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

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Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.

Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, creamy, and crispy goodness!

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What to Serve with Hashbrown Casserole

🥓 With Breakfast Meats – Serve with bacon, sausage, or ham for a complete meal.
🥚 With Eggs – A perfect pairing with scrambled, fried, or poached eggs.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – Balance the richness with a light green salad.
🥩 As a Side Dish for Dinner – Goes well with steak, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

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Tips for the Best Hashbrown Casserole

🔹 Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
🔹 Thaw the Hash Browns – Ensures even baking and a soft, creamy texture.
🔹 Make It Spicier – Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne for heat.
🔹 Make It Meatier – Add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra protein.
🔹 Make It Extra Crispy – Broil the last 2-3 minutes for a crunchy cheese top.

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Fun Variations to Try

🔥 Bacon & Cheese Hashbrown Casserole – Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
🌶 Southwestern Hashbrown Casserole – Add chopped green chilies, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
🍗 Chicken Hashbrown Casserole – Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish.
🍄 Vegetarian Version – Use cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version – Add cream cheese or Monterey Jack cheese for more creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I Freeze Hashbrown Casserole?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

How Do I Reheat Leftovers?

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?

Yes! Shred 3-4 large russet potatoes, soak in cold water for 10 minutes, drain well, and pat dry before using.

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Final Thoughts

This cheesy, creamy, and crispy Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, a potluck, or a holiday meal, it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a hit!

With its golden-brown crust, gooey cheese, and soft, flavorful potatoes, this dish is irresistible. Try this easy and classic recipe today, and enjoy a dish that everyone will love!

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