The Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Why I Dumped the Can: The Ultimate Cheesy Potatoes With Hashbrowns

Oh my gosh, who doesn't have a specific memory tied to the mighty Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole ? For me, this dish is pure, unadulterated comfort food.

It tastes exactly like Christmas morning and Sunday lunch combined. We are talking about the ultimate creamy, tangy, and satisfying side dish.

This recipe is the definitive Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole Recipe you'll ever need.

You might know this legendary comfort food by its other, slightly heavier name: Funeral Potatoes Recipe . Honestly, that title just proves how essential and soul soothing this dish is, you know? It’s a Midwest and Southern classic, absolutely perfect for feeding a massive crowd.

This casserole is the king of Potluck Hash Brown Casserole dishes. It always disappears first.

The best part about making my version is that it is ridiculously easy. You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, tops.

This standard 9x13 dish yields 10 to 12 generous servings easily. It’s perfect for the holidays or when you just need a huge batch of happiness.

Now, let's talk about the big upgrade. My recipe is a true Hash Brown Casserole No Canned Soup champion. We skip the processed stuff entirely for a silky, homemade cream base.

This switch gives you a richer, cleaner flavour that is honestly fresher. The amazing tang from using sour cream creates a beautiful Sour Cream Hash Brown Casserole texture.

It's just heaven.

Plus, this is a total lifesaver for busy hosts. This whole amazing Cheese Hash Brown Casserole can be completely mixed and assembled ahead of time.

Just cover it tightly and keep it chilled overnight. Hello, easy make-ahead Hash Brown Casserole ! It saves so much stress on the day you need it.

We also insist on that iconic crunch on top. If you aren't using the buttery, crispy topping, are you even living? We’ll make sure to get the perfect Hash Brown Casserole Cornflake Topping that seals the deal.

Get ready for the creamiest, tangiest Cheesy Shredded Hash Brown Casserole you’ve ever baked! Let’s dive into what you need.

Ingredients & Kit: The Secrets to Skipping the Canned Soup

Honestly, making the perfect Cheesy Shredded Hash Brown Casserole starts at the grocery store. This isn't just any side dish.

This is a Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole Recipe . We ditch the cans for a richer flavour. Trust me, the extra five minutes is worth it.

Your Essential Shopping List

First, the spuds. Grab one 32 oz (900 g) package of frozen shredded hash browns. They must be completely thawed.

That is key to success. Wet potatoes equal a watery casserole. Nobody wants that!

For the creamy base, we are making a quick roux. You will need 4 Tbsp (57 g) of unsalted butter and 3 Tbsp (25 g) of all-purpose flour.

Then, 1 cup (240 mL) of whole milk and a half cup of stock. Use chicken stock if you have it.

Now, for the glorious cheese factor. Freshly grate your cheddar. Seriously, buy a block! Pre-shredded cheese has powders that make the sauce grainy.

We need 2 cups (225 g) of sharp cheddar. Save half a cup for the topping later. The addition of 1 cup (240 g) of full fat Sour Cream Hash Brown Casserole gives that perfect tang.

This homemade cream sauce means we are doing a Hash Brown Casserole No Canned Soup . It's miles better.

Spices and Flavor Power Ups

We keep the seasonings simple. They enhance the dairy, not hide it. I use 1 tsp of garlic powder and 1/2 tsp of onion powder.

That duo is magic. Add a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper. Adjust the salt based on your stock.

You are aiming for a highly flavourful sauce. This is what makes it the best Cheese Hash Brown Casserole for any Potluck Hash Brown Casserole .

If you need a substitution, plain Greek yogurt works fine instead of sour cream. It maintains that essential acidity. This acidity cuts through the richness of the Cheesy Potatoes With Hashbrowns .

Tools of the Trade

You don't need fancy gadgets here. Every kitchen has these items.

The essentials are a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish. You need that size for the right thickness.

You also need a medium saucepan for the cream sauce. A whisk is crucial for whisking the roux. My biggest challenge when I first made Funeral Potatoes Recipe was getting rid of the potato moisture.

The absolute essential item? A clean kitchen towel. That is how you squeeze those potatoes dry! This step is non-negotiable for a perfect texture.

If you plan to make a batch for freezing, squeeze extra hard for your make-ahead Hash Brown Casserole .

Don't forget the Hash Brown Casserole Cornflake Topping ingredients. You need a small bowl to mix the crushed flakes and melted butter.

That crunch is absolutely essential. Bake this beautiful thing at 350° F ( 175° C) until golden brown.

The Real Secret to the Ultimate Hash Brown Casserole

Honestly, I used to think the only way to make a great Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole was using a can of condensed soup.

Nope! This Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole Recipe skips that step entirely. We are making a ridiculously rich sauce from scratch.

It’s what transforms this humble Funeral Potatoes Recipe into a potluck legend. Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Prep Steps: Drying the Spuds is Non-Negotiable

This is the key to preventing a watery mess. I learned this the hard way at a Christmas brunch. Soggy Cheesy Shredded Hash Brown Casserole is just tragic, you know?

First, ensure your 32 ounces of hash browns are completely thawed . If they aren't, you’re just inviting trouble. Get your colander ready.

Place those spuds in it. Now, grab a clean kitchen towel. You need to squeeze them like you’re trying to ring out a soaking wet jumper.

Seriously, apply pressure! Getting rid of that excess moisture is the secret handshake to perfect Cheesy Potatoes With Hashbrowns .

Next up is organisation, or mise en place if we’re getting fancy. Dice your half yellow onion finely. Grate your cheddar cheese use 2 cups, but keep a half cup separate for the topping later.

Grease that 9x13 dish. You're ready to fly!

Whipping Up the Cream Dream

We’re making this a true Hash Brown Casserole No Canned Soup delight.

1. Sauté: Melt your 4 Tbsp of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook until it’s soft and clear, about 5 minutes.
2. Roux Time: Whisk in the 3 Tbsp of flour . Cook this paste, or roux, for about one minute . This cooks out that raw flour taste. Don't skip this!
3. Liquids In: Gradually whisk in the warm 1 cup of whole milk and the half cup of stock. Keep whisking until the sauce simmers and thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon.
4. Enrich & Flavour: Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, fold in your 1 cup of Sour Cream Hash Brown Casserole secret ingredient until the sauce is smooth.
5. Cheese Power: Stir in 1.5 cups of the grated sharp cheddar until it’s perfectly melted. This is the base for your Cheese Hash Brown Casserole .

Assembly and Bake Off

Grab that large bowl with the aggressively squeezed potatoes. Pour the rich sauce over them. Gently fold everything together. Don't overmix! We want distinct shreds, not potato mash.

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese on top. If you want that classic crunch, mix 1 cup of crushed cornflakes with 2 Tbsp melted butter and scatter that over the top (the optional Hash Brown Casserole Cornflake Topping ).

Bake the casserole in an oven preheated to 350° F ( 175° C) for 50 55 minutes . You want it bubbling and golden brown.

Let it rest for 10 minutes after it comes out. That resting time is vital so it holds its shape when you slice it.

Pro Tips for Potluck Glory

Do you need an easy win for the next gathering? This is your Potluck Hash Brown Casserole .

make-ahead Magic: You can assemble this entire dish up to Step 3 (before baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Just let it warm up on the counter for 30 minutes before baking, and add an extra 10 15 minutes to the total bake time.

Hello, make-ahead Hash Brown Casserole perfection!

Mistake to Avoid: Never put cold potatoes into the cheese sauce. You want everything at room temperature before mixing. Otherwise, the sauce seizes up and you get lumpy results.

Smoothness is happiness, folks!

Behind the Bake: My Personal Recipe Notes

Plating and Pairing: The Ultimate Comfort Lineup

This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole isn't just a side dish; it’s a full blown event! Seriously, it’s the king of Potluck Hash Brown Casserole recipes.

If you ever hear someone call it the Funeral Potatoes Recipe , just know that’s a deep compliment. It means this dish offers genuine, delicious comfort.

When I serve this, I go rustic. I just leave it right in the 9x13 dish. If you used the Hash Brown Casserole Cornflake Topping , make sure everyone sees that golden, buttery crunch! Because this Cheesy Shredded Hash Brown Casserole is so rich, you need something sharp to cut through it.

I always serve it alongside a crisp, zesty green salad. A little vinaigrette works wonders. And honestly, a good cup of coffee or a cold lager works perfectly, depending on if it's brunch or dinner!

Prepping and Stashing: The make-ahead Magic

One of the greatest benefits of this Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is how friendly it is to busy cooks.

This is a brilliant make-ahead Hash Brown Casserole . You can mix the potatoes and the whole Sour Cream Hash Brown Casserole mixture, stick it in the pan (minus the topping!), cover it tightly, and chill it for up to 24 hours .

Just pop it in the oven the next day! You might need an extra 10 15 minutes on the clock since you’re starting cold.

Leftovers? Yes, please! Keep the cooled casserole covered in the fridge for up to 3 days . Freezing is okay, too, but sometimes the texture gets a little funny.

If you do freeze, wrap it tightly in foil, then plastic wrap. Thaw overnight before reheating at 300° F ( 150° C) until bubbling hot.

Lightening Up: My Favorite Swaps

I love that we made this a rich Hash Brown Casserole No Canned Soup recipe. It gives us more control over flavour and ingredients.

If you want fewer calories, swap out the full fat sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. You get that same wonderful tang! It makes for a slightly lighter Cheese Hash Brown Casserole , without sacrificing that creamy texture.

Another simple swap for this Cheesy Potatoes With Hashbrowns is the cheese. If you want something even meltier and nuttier, replace half the cheddar with shredded Gruyère.

Oh my gosh, that is a game changer!

Quick Nutrition Basics

Let’s be honest: this is comfort food, not diet food. But it’s fantastic fuel! You’re getting hearty carbs from the spuds, and plenty of calcium and protein from all that delicious dairy and cheese.

Think of it as a celebratory dish. Sometimes, the most important benefit of food is the sheer joy and comfort it brings.

Honestly, this recipe brings people together. Give it a go. You won't regret the reaction you get!