Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
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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.
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.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling
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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
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Stir everything together until well combined.
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.
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.
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!
Notes
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.