Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns (shredded or diced, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins & Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky touch)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or Ritz crackers (for a crispy topping)
- ½ cup cooked bacon or sausage (for a meaty version)
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms (for a veggie boost)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
3️⃣ In a large bowl, combine hashbrowns, shredded cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onion, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
5️⃣ Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ If using a topping, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or extra cheese on top.
7️⃣ Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
8️⃣ Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
9️⃣ Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
🔟 Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
✅ Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge before baking.
✅ Freezing Instructions: Wrap the assembled (unbaked) casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
✅ Serving Ideas: Serve with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh side salad.
✅ Crispy Topping Trick: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a crispier top.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free cheese, plant-based butter, and coconut milk yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg