Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a golden, bubbling dish packed with crispy hashbrowns, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for the perfect side dish or a crowd-pleasing comfort food that screams home-cooked deliciousness, this recipe is your ultimate ticket to culinary happiness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped onions. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a smooth, creamy base.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture, stirring until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
- Gently fold the frozen hashbrowns into the cheese and soup mixture, ensuring that the hashbrowns are completely coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish or comforting main course. Optional: Garnish with chopped chives or additional shredded cheese if desired.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, let the hashbrowns thaw slightly before mixing to help them absorb the creamy sauce better.
- Don't skip greasing the baking dish - it ensures easy serving and prevents sticking.
- For a flavor boost, consider adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham to the mixture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more melty texture.
- If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes over the casserole before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg