Of course! Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and has a deliciously crispy top. It goes by many names—Funeral Potatoes, Cheesy Potato Casserole—but it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Here is a classic, foolproof recipe along with tips and variations.
Classic Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
This is the beloved version often found at potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients:
· 1 (32 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed*
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
· 2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
· 1 ½ cups (about 6 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted, divided
· ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ½ teaspoon salt (taste first, as the soup and cheese are salty)
· Topping: 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs) mixed with 3 tablespoons of the melted butter.
Important: Thaw the hash browns in the fridge overnight or spread them on a baking sheet for an hour at room temperature. Using them frozen will make the casserole watery and increase the baking time significantly.
Instructions:
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Sauce: In a very large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, ½ cup of the melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Combine: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and then the thawed hash browns. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to scoop.
Why This Recipe Works (The Key Elements):
· Creamy Base: The combination of condensed soup and sour cream creates a rich, creamy, and stable sauce that doesn’t separate.
· Thawed Hash Browns: This is the most important step for the right texture and baking time.
· Crispy Topping: The buttery cornflake topping provides the essential crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.
Tips for the Best Casserole:
· Cheese: Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy and less smooth.
· Sauté the Onions: For a deeper flavor, lightly sauté the diced onions in a little butter until soft and translucent before adding them to the sauce. This removes the raw onion bite.
· Make it a Main Dish: Add 1-2 cups of diced cooked ham, crumbled cooked bacon, or browned breakfast sausage for a hearty one-dish meal.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, add the topping, and bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Popular Variations & Dietary Tweaks:
· Vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
· Lighter Version: Use low-fat sour cream, low-fat condensed soup, and reduce the butter. You can also use a plain Greek yogurt in place of half the sour cream.
· Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free condensed soup (like Pacific Foods brand) and ensure your hash browns are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
· Different Toppings:
· French Fried Onions: Use a 6 oz can of French fried onions mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter for the topping.
· Cheesy Top: Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of cheese over the top for the last 5 minutes of baking.
· Ritz Cracker Topping: Use 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers mixed with ¼ cup melted butter.
· Extra Flavor: Add 1-2 cups of thawed frozen peas or corn, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting hashbrown casserole! It’s the perfect side for Easter ham, a holiday brunch, or a weeknight dinner.