Hashbrown casserole is a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy goodness that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish for dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this easy and satisfying casserole from scratch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (30 oz) of frozen hashbrowns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the chopped onion if you enjoy a little extra flavor, but it’s optional. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and cheesy.
3. Season to Taste
Now, it’s time to season your casserole. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also customize this dish with additional seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder if you’d like to enhance the flavor even more. Be sure to mix the seasonings well into the hashbrowns.
4. Pour into the Baking Dish
Once your mixture is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Press it down lightly to ensure that the casserole is compact and evenly distributed.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping
For that signature crunchy finish, sprinkle the top of the casserole with crushed cornflakes. The cornflakes will bake into a crispy topping that adds an irresistible texture to the dish. You can substitute cornflakes with other cereals if desired, but cornflakes are the traditional choice.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The edges should be slightly bubbling and the cheese melted through. The casserole will be hot, cheesy, and delicious when it comes out of the oven.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once your casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and added flavor. You can now slice it into squares and serve!
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Lovers: For an even cheesier dish, feel free to add more shredded cheese into the mixture before baking or sprinkle some extra cheese on top.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick that complements the creamy cheese and crispy potatoes.
- Vegetarian Version: If you want to make a vegetarian version of the hashbrown casserole, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a can of cream of mushroom soup or another vegetable-based soup.
- Add Meat: To make it heartier, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage to the casserole for extra protein.
- Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and cook as directed.
Why You’ll Love Hashbrown Casserole
Hashbrown casserole is a versatile dish that is perfect for all occasions. It’s comforting, easy to make, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a holiday feast, or simply making a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
This casserole combines the crispy texture of hashbrowns with the creamy, cheesy goodness of sour cream and melted cheese. The cornflake topping gives it the perfect crunch, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also customizable! You can add or subtract ingredients based on your taste preferences, making it a dish that can be tailored to suit everyone’s liking. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Serving Suggestions
This Hashbrown Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:
- Eggs: Serve with scrambled eggs or an omelette for a complete breakfast or brunch.
- Meats: It goes well with breakfast meats like sausage, bacon, or ham. You could also serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or steak.
- Vegetables: Add a healthy touch to your meal by serving the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Salad: A light, fresh salad can balance the richness of the casserole, adding a refreshing touch to your meal.
Nutritional Information
While this Hashbrown Casserole is undeniably delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The casserole contains a good amount of calories and fats due to the cheese, butter, and sour cream, but it’s also packed with flavor. To make it a bit lighter, you can opt for reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
A serving of this dish (around 1/8 of the casserole) provides approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 6-8g
Remember to pair it with plenty of vegetables or lean proteins to make your meal even more nutritious.
Conclusion
Hashbrown casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy flavors with a crispy, golden-brown finish. It’s a versatile and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish, breakfast, or a main course, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. Your friends and family will love it, and you might even have some leftovers to enjoy the next day!