Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Introduction

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, also known as “Funeral Potatoes” or “Hash Brown Bake,” is a beloved comfort food, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals.

This dish combines tender shredded potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce and plenty of melted cheese, then tops it all off with a crunchy golden layer.

The casserole is easy to prepare and versatile, often featuring ingredients like sour cream, condensed soup, and even a crispy topping of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for added texture.

Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, this casserole is guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

Its combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying crunch on top makes it a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, gather the following ingredients:

1 (32 oz) package of frozen hash browns, thawed (you can also use fresh shredded potatoes if preferred)

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor)

1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)

1 cup of sour cream

1/2 cup of melted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for color and mild spice)

Optional Topping:

1 cup of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup of melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onion. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the creamy mixture over the hash browns, cheese, and onion, then stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the hash browns to stay somewhat intact.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the hash brown mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure a consistent bake.
2. If you like a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle paprika over the top of the casserole for a hint of color and spice.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. For a crunchy topping, combine the crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl, stirring until well coated.
2. Evenly sprinkle the buttered topping over the hash brown mixture in the baking dish. This will create a crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
2. If the top isn’t browning to your liking, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to add a bit of extra color and crispness. Watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the creamy mixture to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and a crunchy topping that everyone loves.

Its easy, crowd-pleasing nature makes it perfect for holiday meals, family dinners, or potlucks, where it’s sure to be one of the first dishes to disappear.

The creamy, cheesy interior contrasts wonderfully with the crispy topping, creating a rich, satisfying experience with each bite.

Whether enjoyed as a side to roasted meats, a hearty breakfast dish, or even a cozy dinner, this casserole brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!