Easy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Hash Brown Casserole is a dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. It is a perfect comfort food that can be served at any event, be it a potluck, a big party or a group gathering. This recipe is easy to make, comes together in a snap, and can be made ahead and baked the next day. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make this delicious dish.

How To Make Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Prep Work

The first step in making this dish is preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Once the oven is hot, it’s time to start prepping. Begin by chopping a small onion. If you have a large onion, only use a portion of it. Make small vertical cuts on the onion, and then chop it into small pieces.

Next, shred three cups of cheddar cheese. It’s better to freshly grate the cheese instead of using pre-packaged shredded cheese because the latter usually contains wood pulp to keep it separate.

Melt half a cup of butter in a casserole dish and swirl it around so it coats everything. This will give the dish a heavenly aroma.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, add two cups of sour cream, which will give the dish a creamy consistency, lots of tang, and good body. Add a 10 and a half-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and mix it well.

Add the finely chopped onion, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. You can add sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or any other ingredients of your choice to give the dish a unique flavor.

Add two cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and mix it well. It’s now time to add the star ingredient- frozen hash browns. If the hash browns are stuck together, separate them using a tool. Add the hash browns to the mixture and fold it in.

Sprinkle some garlic powder for an extra kick. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish and work it into a flat, even layer. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.

Baking the Dish

Bake the dish in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until it’s golden and bubbly. If you want to make the dish ahead of time, cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

Once the casserole is golden and bubbling, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes. This will prevent it from being too hot when served.

List of Required Kitchen Tools or Equipment:

• Oven
• Casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Grater
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Tips and Variations:

• Add in your favorite protein like cooked sausage, bacon, or ham to make it heartier.
• Mix in different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for added flavor.
• Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for a different taste.
• Instead of cream of chicken soup, use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.
• Top with crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
• For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking?

A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking it.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

A: Yes, you can use fresh potatoes but you will need to shred them and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the mixture.

Q: Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken soup?

A: Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup or any other cream soup of your choice.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer or a mix of different cheeses.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking it. If freezing before baking, make sure to thaw it completely before baking. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing it.

Conclusion

Hash Brown Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be served as a side dish or a main dish. This dish can be made ahead of time and baked the next day, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or any event. Play around with different ingredients to give the dish a unique flavor. The cheesy, creamy potato magic of this dish will leave everyone wanting more.

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