Introduction

Few dishes capture the heart of comfort food quite like a warm, cheesy casserole. Hashbrown Casserole is one of those recipes that instantly brings people together, whether it’s on a holiday morning, a potluck table, or just a cozy weeknight dinner. With golden potatoes, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s hearty, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

This dish takes the humble hash brown and transforms it into something irresistible. The creamy sauce—made from scratch with onions, garlic, milk, and sour cream—binds everything together, while sharp cheddar cheese adds that gooey, indulgent finish. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.

Best of all, this easy dinner recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you serve it as a side dish at brunch or as the star of a weeknight meal, Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of comfort food you’ll come back to again and again.

 

 

Ingredients

• 30 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or reduced fat)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ tbsp minced parsley (fresh or dried)
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

 

How to Make Hashbrown Casserole

1. Prepare the Base
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. In a medium pot over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté onions until golden. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Make the Sauce
   Sprinkle flour over onions, stir, and cook briefly. Slowly whisk in chicken stock, then milk, stirring constantly. Allow mixture to thicken.
3. Add Creaminess
   Stir in sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Let sauce cook until cheese melts and mixture thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in parsley.
4. Combine & Bake
   Mix thawed hash browns with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Spread evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the casserole is golden and bubbling around the edges. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic family comfort food that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
• Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.
• Great for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and meal prep.
• Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—everything you want in a casserole.
• Can be customized with proteins or veggies.

 

Tips for Success

• Be sure hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess liquid.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
• Add seasoning gradually—taste the sauce before mixing with potatoes.
• Let the casserole rest before cutting for neater slices.

 

 

Variations

• Loaded Style: Add crumbled bacon and green onions.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or sausage.
• Veggie Mix: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
• Slow Cooker Option: Prepare sauce, mix with hash browns, and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I make hashbrown casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
2. Can I freeze it?
   Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
3. Can I use fresh potatoes?
   Yes, just shred and squeeze out moisture before using.
4. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
   Sharp cheddar works best, but Colby Jack or mozzarella can be used too.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes—swap chicken stock for vegetable stock.
6. Do I need sour cream?
   Sour cream adds richness, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
7. Can I add meat to make it a main dish?
   Yes, chicken, ham, or sausage turn it into a filling entrée.
8. What side dishes go well with it?
   Serve with salad, roasted veggies, or grilled meat.
9. How do I reheat leftovers?
   Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave single portions.
10. Can I make it lighter?
    Use reduced-fat milk, light sour cream, and less cheese.

 

Health Benefits

This casserole provides protein, calcium, and fiber, especially if you add veggies or lean protein. Using reduced-fat dairy can lighten it up without losing flavor.

 

How to Serve

Serve hot from the oven as a side dish at brunch or pair it with roasted chicken or grilled steak for dinner. It also makes a delicious breakfast casserole with eggs and bacon on the side.

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

 

 

Conclusion

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food. With creamy sauce, crispy potatoes, and plenty of cheese, it’s hearty enough for dinner yet versatile enough for breakfast or brunch. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.