Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy hashbrown casserole to bring comfort and joy to any meal! 🥰 Let’s dive into this ooey-gooey goodness that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Detailed Ingredients with measures

1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅

1 tablespoon olive oil

28-32 ounces frozen hash browns, thawed

1 stick melted butter 🧈

10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup or cream of cheddar

16 ounces sour cream

2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀

1/3 teaspoon pepper

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield in French

Temps de cuisson : 55 minutes

Temps total : 1 heure 25 minutes

Rendement : 8 portions

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get cooking! Follow the steps carefully and enjoy the delightful experience of creating this delicious cheesy hashbrown casserole. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking, my friends! Enjoy every cheesy bite! 💖

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and toasty for our delicious casserole!

Step 2: Sauté Onions

In a small skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and aromatic. Set that aside for now; it’s going to add such a lovely flavor!

Step 3: Prepare Hash Browns

Pat those thawed hash browns dry with some paper towels to ensure our casserole isn’t too soggy. No one wants that!

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and dump in the hash browns. Save about 1 cup of your shredded cheddar cheese for later. Add in the remaining cheese, your sautéed onions, the melted butter, cream of chicken soup or cream of cheddar, sour cream, and the pepper. Give everything a good mix until it’s combined beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare Casserole Dish

Now it’s time to grease up a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the deliciously mixed hash brown mixture evenly in the dish, and don’t forget to sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top!

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for a cozy 45 minutes.

Step 7: Final Bake

Once those 45 minutes are up, carefully remove the foil and crank up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Let it bake for another 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye so it gets that perfect golden brown and crispy top.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

When it looks all crispy and delicious, take it out and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, but totally worth the wait!

Notes

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy hash brown casserole is perfect as a side dish or even as a main course. It’s great for family dinners or potlucks.

Storage Tips

Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Adjusting Ingredients

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own!

Cook techniques

Preheating the Oven

Preheating your oven is essential for achieving the perfect bake. Make sure to set it to 350°F (175°C) before you start preparing your casserole to ensure even cooking.

Sautéing Onions

Sautéing the onions in olive oil softens them and enhances their flavor. Cook them for about 5 minutes over medium heat until they’re aromatic and translucent.

Drying Hash Browns

Patting the thawed hash browns dry with paper towels helps prevent your casserole from becoming soggy. Removing excess moisture ensures a crispy texture.

Mixing Ingredients

Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously cohesive dish.

Baking with Foil

Covering the casserole with aluminum foil traps moisture and heat, allowing it to cook through properly during the initial baking phase at 350°F.

Final Bake for Crispiness

After baking for 45 minutes, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This step creates that desired golden-brown, crispy top.

FAQ

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but make sure to cook them briefly until they are tender before mixing them with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom soup or any creamy soup of your choice if you want a vegetarian option.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add some extra baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What types of cheese work best?

While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for added flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for better texture.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about a warm, cheesy hashbrown casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to your dining experience. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish is not just a side; it can easily steal the spotlight as a main course! With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite for all who try it. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and the smiles it brings to your table!

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Combine cooked broccoli with your hashbrown mixture for an added nutritious twist and a burst of color!

Meat Lovers’ Hashbrown Casserole

Add cooked sausage or crumbled bacon to the mix for a hearty, protein-packed version that meat lovers will adore.

Southwest Hashbrown Casserole

Incorporate black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for a zesty and flavorful Southwestern take on this classic dish.

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Mix in bits of cooked bacon, green onions, and dollops of cream cheese for a taste reminiscent of loaded baked potatoes.

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Stir in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts along with your other ingredients for a delicious twist inspired by the classic dip.

Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

Add scrambled eggs and diced bell peppers to the hashbrown mixture for a delightful breakfast casserole option that’s perfect for brunch!

Buffalo Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Mix cooked, shredded chicken with buffalo sauce into the hashbrown casserole for a spicy kick that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!