Pin it
Let me share my absolute favorite comfort food recipe this Hashbrown Casserole has been my family's go to dish for years. I first made it for a holiday brunch and now it's requested at every gathering. The combination of crispy potatoes creamy soup and two kinds of melty cheese creates something so incredibly delicious that the pan is always scraped clean.
Why We Can't Get Enough
There's something magical about how these simple ingredients come together. When that cheese gets all melty and the top turns golden brown it's pure comfort food perfection. Plus it's so versatile we enjoy it for everything from lazy weekend breakfasts to holiday dinners. My guests always ask for the recipe.
What You'll Need
- Hashbrown Potatoes: 2 pounds, frozen or fresh, thawed if frozen, for a crispy and hearty base.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded, for sharp, tangy flavor.
- Colby Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded, for creamy richness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces), store-bought or homemade for a creamy texture.
- Butter: ½ cup, melted, to bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; caramelized for extra flavor, if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional: 1 cup crushed cornflakes for a crispy topping.
Let's Get Cooking
- Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix 2 pounds of hashbrown potatoes, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup melted butter, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer and Top
- Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed cornflakes on top for added crunch.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
My Kitchen Secrets
Here's what I've learned from countless casseroles take the time to caramelize those onions it adds incredible depth. Sometimes I'll stir in a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. And that cornflake topping? Don't skip it the crunch is everything.
Pin it
Perfect Partners
We love serving this casserole with all sorts of dishes. For breakfast it's amazing with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. During the holidays it steals the show next to ham or turkey. And honestly? Sometimes we just have it on its own with a fresh green salad on the side.
Make It Ahead
This is my go to recipe for busy mornings because I can prep it the night before. Just assemble everything cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. The next day it goes straight into the oven. Leftovers if you ever have any reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to experiment with this recipe. Sometimes I'll add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for kick. You can swap out the cheeses try different soups or even add leftover ham or bacon. The base recipe is so good you really can't go wrong with any additions.
Pin it
Why You'll Love This
This hashbrown casserole has become my signature dish for good reason. It's comforting reliable and always gets rave reviews. That moment when you pull it out of the oven all golden and bubbly? Pure kitchen magic. Once you try it you'll understand why it's earned a permanent spot in my recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Should I thaw the hashbrowns?
Yes, thaw hashbrowns completely for best texture and even cooking.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add extra time when baking from cold.
- → Why soften the onions first?
Pre-cooking onions gives milder flavor and better texture, though optional for convenience.
- → How can I add crunch?
Top with crushed corn flakes before baking for crispy texture.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Conclusion
A delicious and easy-to-make hashbrown casserole that combines creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dish.