🥔 Hashbrown Casserole (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
Servings
8–10 people
Great for holidays, potlucks, brunch, or “I need comfort food now” nights.
🛒 Ingredients
1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is best)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
or cream of mushroom for vegetarian
1 cup sour cream
½ cup melted butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional but recommended)
½ tsp onion powder or ¼ cup finely diced onion
1½–2 cups cornflakes or Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
🔥 Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix:
Hash browns
Cheese
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
½ cup melted butter
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
Spread mixture evenly into baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes (or crackers) with 2 tbsp melted butter.
Sprinkle topping evenly over casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving (it thickens as it cools).
⭐ Optional Add-Ins (Highly Encouraged)
Cooked bacon bits 🥓
Diced ham
Green onions or chives
Jalapeños for heat 🌶
Mozzarella or Colby Jack mixed with cheddar
A pinch of smoked paprika
❓ Hashbrown Casserole Q&A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Add topping right before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely.
Before baking: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add topping, bake.
After baking: Freeze portions and reheat in oven or air fryer.
Do I have to thaw the hash browns?
Yes — thaw and drain excess moisture.
If they’re icy, the casserole can turn watery.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yep.
Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
Double-check cheese for vegetarian rennet if needed
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes!
Use gluten-free soup
Swap cornflakes/Ritz for GF crackers or crushed pork rinds
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add ½ cup cream cheese, softened
Or an extra ¼ cup sour cream
How do I make it crispier on top?
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely)
Use panko + butter instead of cornflakes
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes.
Use an 8×8 dish
Bake ~35–40 minutes
What goes well with hashbrown casserole?
Scrambled eggs or ham (brunch vibes)
Roast chicken
Steak
Green salad to balance the richness
