Are you ready to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Easy Hash Brown Casserole is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen! Imagine a creamy, cheesy, golden-brown dish that combines the crispy goodness of hash browns with a rich, comforting blend of flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family brunch, looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish, or simply craving some serious comfort food, this recipe is your ticket to instant kitchen hero status!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little extra melted butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake the casserole for 30 minutes covered. This allows the ingredients to heat through and meld together.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set up a bit for easier serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Easy Hash Brown Casserole as a delicious side dish or main course!
Tips
- For extra crispiness, consider spreading the casserole in a slightly larger baking dish to create more surface area.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil cover in the first part of baking - this helps the casserole cook evenly and prevents burning.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and more consistent texture.
- For a protein boost, try adding crumbled bacon or diced ham to the mixture before baking.
- If you want a crunchier top, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese without losing much flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
