Name: Hash Brown Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (2 pound) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal; 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Hash Brown Casserole is my go-to dish for brunches, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. It blends the ease of pantry staples with the flavor of something that tastes like it took all day. With crispy edges, a soft, rich interior, and a buttery cornflake topping, it never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (2 pound) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1/2 cup melted butter

1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal

1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, I mix the thawed hash browns with 1/2 cup melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper until everything’s well combined.

I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

For the topping, I toss the crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the casserole.

I bake it for 45 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 generous servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Calories per serving: approximately 410 kcal

Variations

Swap the soup: I sometimes use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to make it vegetarian or just to change up the flavor.

Add protein: I’ve stirred in cooked diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled bacon for a heartier dish.

Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne, chopped jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick.

Make it gluten-free: I choose a gluten-free condensed soup and swap cornflakes for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.

Try different cheeses: Mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with cheddar gives it a smoother melt and new flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

When I reheat it, I prefer the oven method to bring back the crisp topping—about 15–20 minutes at 350°F. For quick reheating, the microwave works too, though the topping won’t stay as crunchy.

FAQs

How do I thaw frozen hash browns quickly?

I usually spread them out on a baking sheet at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave them in short bursts while stirring in between.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Right before baking, I add the cornflake topping so it stays crispy.

What can I use instead of cornflakes?

I’ve tried crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, or even potato chips. Each gives a different texture, but they all work well.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, but I grate and squeeze them dry first to remove moisture. It takes a little more effort, but the texture turns out great.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

It is. I just swap the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian option like cream of mushroom and make sure the toppings are meat-free.

Conclusion

This Hash Brown Casserole has earned a permanent place in my recipe rotation. It’s hearty, customizable, and brings serious comfort to the table—whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving a warm side dish. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious.

📖 Recipe:

Hash Brown Casserole

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Hash Brown Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for brunches, potlucks, or family dinners. It features a rich, soft interior and a crispy, buttery cornflake topping.