Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Comfort Food Done Right

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of comfort food, eh? Ever wondered how to make a cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe that's like a warm hug? Well, buckle up! This hashbrown casserole is pure magic.

It's creamy, cheesy, and downright addictive.

Why This Hashbrown Casserole Rocks

This isn't just any potato dish. It's comfort food casserole elevated. Originating from the American South, it's become a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.

I reckon it's got a bit of "funeral potatoes" vibe, but hey, we’re celebrating spuds here! This recipe is easy peasy, taking about an hour overall.

You'll get 8-10 servings.

Goodness in Every Bite

Potatoes are packed with vitamin C, so you can tell yourself it's practically health food, right? Seriously though, it’s perfect for a Sunday roast side or a casual get-together.

What makes this hashbrown casserole special? Honestly, it’s the melt-in-your mouth texture and the satisfaction it brings. Plus, it can be an easy casserole recipe to save the day.

Right, let’s get to the good stuff. You will need:

• 30 ounces of thawed frozen hashbrown casserole base
• Half a cup of melted butter, don't be shy, the good stuff is needed!
• One finely diced medium yellow onion,
• A teaspoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of both black pepper and salt.
• One can of cream of chicken soup, also cream of chicken soup casserole
• And 16 ounces of sour cream
• Finallly a couple cups of that nice cheddar cheese.

There you have it, time to get cracking and bake the best potato side dish recipes you will have eaten in your life.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need to make this cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. This comfort food casserole is super forgiving.

Main Ingredients

Alright, here's the shopping list for our frozen hashbrown casserole . Don't stress too much about exactness. We're not baking a soufflé, are we?

• 30 ounces (850g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. Make sure they aren't rock solid, or it will take ages to bake.
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted. Quality butter makes a big difference here, trust me.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced. No big chunks, please!
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder. Adds that oomph!
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper. Freshly ground is always better.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt. Sea salt or kosher salt for the win.
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can (305g) condensed cream of chicken soup. I sometimes use cream of mushroom if I'm feeling fancy.
• 16 ounces (450g) sour cream. Full fat is the way to go. You know?
• 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Sharp cheddar gives it that extra zing.
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish). Makes it look all posh.
• Optional Topping:
  • 1 cup (100g) crushed cornflakes. Gives it a nice crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, melted. Helps the cornflakes get golden.

I remember once I tried to skip thawing the hash browns. Big mistake! Ended up with a watery mess. Thaw them thoroughly .

Seasoning Notes

This cream of chicken soup casserole is all about the creamy, cheesy goodness. But a few little things can really elevate it.

• Essential spice combo: garlic powder and black pepper. Simple but effective.
• Flavor enhancers: A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a little kick, if you're into that.
• Aromatics: Sautéing the onion in butter is key. It releases all the flavour.
• Substitutions: If you don't have garlic powder, use fresh minced garlic. Just sauté it with the onion.
• A good friend uses taco seasoning instead of the above, it is up to your preference to experiment and evolve this easy casserole recipes to your liking.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gadgets for this potluck casserole ideas . Just the basics.

• 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or ceramic works best.
• Large mixing bowl. Big enough to hold all the ingredients.
• Small bowl (for topping, if using).
• Measuring cups and spoons. Get it right.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For mixing it all together.
• A good serving spoon, so that all your guests can enjoy this delicious potato side dish recipes .

A baking dish is a must have. But if you don't have a 9x13 inch, use something similar. The baking time might need adjusting.

Making this hashbrown casserole will be fun. Don't be afraid to try to make-ahead casserole .

Cooking Method: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Magic

Fancy a bit of comfort food ? Let's talk cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe . Honestly, it's a hug in a baking dish.

Perfect for a Sunday roast or a cheeky potluck casserole ideas . My nan used to make this, and it always vanished! It’s proper easy casserole recipes .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place . That's fancy talk for getting everything ready. You'll need 30 ounces (850g) of thawed frozen hash browns.

Melt 1/2 cup (115g) of butter. Dice one medium yellow onion. Grab your seasonings, soup, sour cream, and cheese. It's important you have all the ingredients to avoid any problems.

Time saving tip? Thaw those hash browns overnight in the fridge. Honestly, it will prevent a soggy bottom.

step-by-step: From Zero to Casserole Hero

1. Heat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Don't skip the greasing, unless you like scraping!
2. Sauté that diced onion in the melted butter. Cook it till it's soft. About 5- 7 minutes .
3. In a large bowl, chuck in those hash browns, sautéed onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
4. Add 1 (10.75 ounce) can (305g) cream of chicken soup, 16 ounces (450g) sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it all up.
5. Pour this mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
6. Bake for 45- 50 minutes . Keep an eye on it. You want golden brown and bubbly. If it browns too fast, cover with foil.
7. Let it cool for a bit before serving. Garnish with chives if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Want to make it even better? Try browning the top under the grill (broiler) for the last 2- 3 minutes .

Watch it like a hawk! Don't burn it. A good make-ahead casserole option is to assemble it the day before.

Just bake it when needed. Also the cream of chicken soup casserole is classic. This will become a delicious and classic potato side dish recipes.

You can even call it funeral potatoes .

Recipe Notes for Your Epic Hashbrown Casserole

Right, before you get cracking on this cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe , here are a few bits and bobs to keep in mind.

Honestly, these tips are what take it from "meh" to "OMG, give me more!". I’ve made this dish countless times, so trust me on this one, yeah?

Serving it Up - Plating and Presentation Ideas

Listen, presentation does matter, even for comfort food casserole . Dollop a generous helping of this funeral potatoes style delight onto a plate.

Sprinkle with extra chives for a bit of colour. Feeling fancy? A sprig of parsley never hurt anyone. This easy casserole recipes goes brilliantly with some grilled sausages or even a roast chicken.

And a crisp green salad? Chef's kiss! For drinks, think a chilled glass of white wine or even just a cuppa tea! I'm not judging.

Storage Sorted - Refrigeration Guidelines

So, you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop your frozen hashbrown casserole into an airtight container and whack it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days, no worries.

Storage Sorted - Freezing Options

You can freeze this make-ahead casserole too! Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it well in cling film and foil (or an airtight container).

It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Then bake it as normal. Make sure it's piping hot all the way through.

Storage Sorted - Reheating Instructions

Reheating is a doddle. Stick it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it’s hot and bubbly again.

Microwaving works in a pinch, but it won’t be as crispy.

Mix it Up - Dietary Adaptations

Fancy a change? Use sweet potato hash browns for a slightly sweeter twist! Or swap out the cream of chicken soup casserole with cream of mushroom for a veggie version.

Easy peasy! For my dairy-free mates, there are some decent vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives out there. It might not be exactly the same, but it’ll still be ruddy delicious!

Mix it Up - Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Come autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash. In spring, some asparagus spears would be lovely. This potato side dish recipes is surprisingly adaptable.

It is a proper crowd pleaser potluck casserole ideas .

Know Your Nosh - Simplified Nutrition Information

Okay, quick and dirty nutrition facts: Each serving is roughly 350-400 calories, 12-15g protein, 25-30g fat, and 20-25g carbs. It's not exactly health food.

This breakfast casserole is a soul soother. You know? Just enjoy it in moderation! The cheese gives you calcium, though, so that's a win!

Honestly, this hashbrown casserole is such a simple recipe. It’s almost foolproof. Don’t be afraid to have a go. You will impress yourself! Get in the kitchen and start cooking!.