Golden, crispy hashbrowns smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to bubbly perfection—this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re whipping it up for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or a lazy dinner side, trust me, this one’s a game-changer. It’s got that creamy, gooey center with just the right amount of crispy edges, and every bite is loaded with flavor. Bonus: it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. We’re talking minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra cheesy and totally crave-worthy
- Quick to prep—just mix, dump, and bake!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd (or just yourself—no judgment)
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep wins
- The ultimate sidekick for brunch, dinner, or potlucks
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Breakfast / Side Dish |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Focus Keyword | Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole |
Ingredients
- Frozen shredded hashbrowns – The base of the casserole; go for thawed for easier mixing and even cooking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into gooey, glorious layers of flavor. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang.
- Sour cream – Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance all the richness.
- Cream of chicken soup – Brings everything together with a smooth, savory base.
- Melted butter – Helps make it indulgent and gives that golden finish.
- Chopped onion – Adds a subtle bite and aromatic depth.
- Garlic powder + black pepper – Basic seasonings that wake everything up.
- Optional topping: crushed cornflakes or buttery breadcrumbs – For that irresistible crispy topping!
💡 Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—don’t skip this step unless you like sticking drama.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything’s cozy and well blended.
Step 3: Layer It Up
Spread that creamy, cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula—it doesn’t need to be perfect, just evenly spread.
Step 4: Top It Off (Optional but Recommended!)
If you’re using a topping, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This step adds crunch, and crunch = life.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Glory
Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and beautifully golden around the edges. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—it sets up better and won’t scorch your mouth.
Pro Tips
- Let your hashbrowns thaw completely for easier mixing and even baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese if you can—it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Want a richer flavor? Add a splash of heavy cream to the mix.
- For extra crisp on top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (keep an eye on it!).
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
- Meaty Upgrade: Add cooked bacon bits, ham, or crumbled sausage.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped bell peppers or spinach for a colorful twist.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and mix in taco seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with:
- Scrambled eggs and bacon for brunch heaven
- Grilled chicken or steak as a hearty dinner side
- A fresh green salad to balance the richness
- A cozy bowl of soup for the ultimate comfort meal
Make-Ahead & Storage
To Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking.
Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully!
Freezing
You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If it looks dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, but shred them and rinse off the starch. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible!
Is there a vegetarian version?
Definitely! Just swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Use a larger pan or two 9x13s, and maybe extend the bake time a bit.
Can I skip the topping?
Sure, but it adds such a nice crunch. If you’re skipping, consider sprinkling extra cheese on top for that golden finish.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds… and thirds. It’s warm, melty, and rich with just the right hint of nostalgia. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or sneaking forkfuls straight from the fridge (no shame), it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Cozy, classic, and totally irresistible.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package frozen shredded hashbrowns thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery breadcrumbs optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix thawed hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with optional topping of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden around the edges. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.