Cheesy hash brown casserole recipe has always reminded me why I started this blog in the first place to make home cooking joyful, simple, and filled with flavor. Years ago, on a quiet Saturday morning, I found myself craving something warm and hearty that I could share with my family. I opened the fridge, pulled out some frozen hash browns, a block of cheddar, and a few pantry staples and what came out of the oven 45 minutes later was magic. That golden, bubbly top, the creamy center, and the smiles around the table it was everything I love about cooking.
At Recipe Inspired, this dish is one I hold close to my heart. It’s not fancy, but it’s deeply comforting. Whether you’re gathering friends for brunch, prepping a side for a holiday meal, or just need something warm at the end of a long day, this cheesy casserole delivers. I created this blog to share the recipes that bring joy to my kitchen and this one is a true classic. Let’s dive in.
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Table of Contents
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Cooking spray or butter
Ingredients
- 30 oz Frozen hash browns Thawed slightly for easier mixing.
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese For a rich cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup Sour cream Adds creaminess to the casserole.
- 10.5 oz Cream of chicken soup Provides flavor and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup Melted butter For richness and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds depth of flavor.
- to taste Salt For seasoning.
- to taste Pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw the frozen hash browns slightly by leaving them out for about 15 minutes, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the hash brown mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
What Makes Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole So Comforting?
The beauty of a cheesy hash brown casserole recipe lies in its familiar simplicity. At its core, it’s a heartwarming blend of shredded potatoes, melty cheese, and creamy sauce baked into golden perfection. The crispy top layer offers a satisfying crunch, while the soft interior is indulgently rich. Whether served as a cozy breakfast, hearty brunch, or a satisfying dinner side, it’s a dish that never fails to bring comfort to the table.
This recipe is beloved for a reason it comes together quickly with pantry-friendly ingredients and adapts easily to your taste. Add vegetables, toss in some protein, or experiment with different cheeses. It’s as flexible as it is flavorful. Just like my easy breakfast bakes or my go-to hearty potato sides, this casserole brings the same homey goodness with minimal effort.
Craving more comfort food? Don’t miss our Tuna Casserole Recipe packed with creamy goodness.
Why the Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
There’s something magical about a dish that brings everyone back for seconds. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that works for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a group or cooking ahead for the week, it offers the kind of warm, filling comfort that leaves people smiling. The cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is easy to prep ahead, stores well, and tastes even better the next day.
What sets it apart from other casseroles is its perfect balance of texture and flavor. The crispy hash brown edges, the creamy center, the melted cheddar on top it’s comfort food at its finest. If you’ve enjoyed dishes like my classic mac and cheese bake or Sunday skillet potatoes, you’ll love how this casserole fits right into your cozy meal rotation.
Ingredients that Make This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Irresistible
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
When making a cheesy hash brown casserole recipe, every ingredient plays a role in building that creamy, golden perfection we all crave. This dish begins with frozen hash browns, which save time while giving the casserole its beloved crispy edge. Combined with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, the base becomes creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
The beauty of this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is how adaptable it is. The shredded cheddar melts into gooey layers, while the soup and sour cream add moisture and rich texture. A bit of onion and garlic powder brings in subtle flavor depth without overpowering the star ingredients. And of course, butter brings that unmistakable home-cooked warmth. It’s a lot like my classic broccoli cheese casserole familiar, indulgent, and always a favorite.
If you’re craving more comfort food goodness, be sure to explore our hearty casseroles and family-friendly recipes on the site. They’re packed with flavors you’ll want to revisit all season long.
Want more cozy inspiration? Try our Homemade Loaded Potato Soup for a creamy, filling option.
Ingredient List for Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
To make this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 30 oz frozen hash browns, thawed slightly
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, for that signature cheesy flavor
- 1 cup sour cream, to add creaminess
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, for savory depth
- 1/2 cup melted butter, for richness
- 1/2 tsp onion powder, for a savory boost
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, for added depth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins to Customize Your Casserole:
- Crumbled bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage
- Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli
- Sliced green onions or jalapeños
- Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for variety
Whether you’re making this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe for Sunday brunch, holiday dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these ingredients combine to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. The mix of textures from crispy hash browns to melty cheese makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
Want more recipes that keep weeknights easy and delicious? Don’t miss our easy weeknight sides and oven-baked favorites, like the cheesy goodness in this satisfying casserole.
How to Prepare This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Creating the perfect cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is simpler than it looks. With just one bowl and one pan, this process becomes an effortless part of your meal prep routine. It’s a no-fuss, dependable dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction every time. Whether you’re planning for a brunch gathering or need a go-to side dish for dinner, this one is always a hit.
Like many of my baked favorites from the brunch collection, this casserole comes together in under an hour and fills your kitchen with cozy, cheesy aroma.
Follow These Steps for Cheesy Hash Brown Perfection
Step 1: Set the oven temperature
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. This gives the casserole a chance to bake evenly and develop that bubbly top layer we all love.
Step 2: Prep the potatoes
Let your frozen hash browns sit out to soften for 15–20 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can microwave them in short bursts just enough to loosen, not cook.
Step 3: Mix your base ingredients
Combine the softened hash browns with sour cream, condensed soup, melted butter, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir well to create a creamy, well-blended mixture. This is the flavorful base of your cheesy hash brown casserole recipe.
Step 4: Fill your dish and top it off
Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or use a light coat of butter. Spread the potato mixture into the dish evenly from corner to corner. Sprinkle the top with plenty of shredded cheddar for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake until golden and crisp
Place the dish in the oven and cook for 45 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the edges slightly browned. If you notice the top darkening too quickly, you can gently lay a piece of foil on top for the last 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool before cutting and serving
Take the dish out and let it sit for around 10 minutes before slicing. This gives it time to settle so each piece lifts out neatly, with all the rich flavors intact.
With this approach, your cheesy hash brown casserole recipe turns out perfectly every single time crispy around the edges, rich in the middle, and deeply comforting. It’s a dish you’ll want to serve again and again. For more dishes that deliver on both ease and flavor, don’t miss our one-pan wonders and baked family favorites.
Looking for easy potato sides? These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are crisp and flavorful.
Make This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Your Own
Variations to Fit Any Occasion
The beauty of this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can stick with the classic version or change it up based on what you have in your kitchen. Want to add more nutrition or stretch it into a full meal? Toss in some vegetables or protein-rich ingredients. One of my favorite spins is folding in some cooked sausage and finely chopped bell peppers. It adds color, texture, and just the right amount of spice.
You could also go vegetarian by including chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli. These additions bring freshness and a pop of color that brightens up the dish. For a little heat, jalapeños or red pepper flakes work wonders. Much like I do in my loaded breakfast bakes, don’t be afraid to play with what you love.
Try pairing this with something from our holiday brunch mains or explore ideas in our vegetarian side dish round-up for the perfect match.
Serving Suggestions and Pro Tips
This dish shines any time of day. For breakfast, serve it with scrambled eggs or a slice of fruit-studded quick bread. If you’re preparing dinner, a crisp garden salad or grilled chicken breast balances the richness perfectly. Add a side of roasted green beans or a dollop of applesauce for contrast. This cheesy hash brown casserole recipe always finds its place on my brunch buffet or next to a juicy baked ham during holidays.
To serve it perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- To get that ultra-creamy texture and bold flavor, don’t skip the full-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Let it rest before slicing cutting it too soon makes it messy.
- If making ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
- You can also divide it into two smaller dishes if you’re feeding fewer people or want to freeze one batch.
Need more crowd-pleasing ideas? Visit our easy freezer meals section or browse the top-rated casserole dinners to fill your table with variety and flavor.
Before wrapping up, let’s take a moment to answer some frequently asked questions about this classic dish.
If you enjoy hearty casseroles, our Tuna Noodle Casserole is another family favorite.
Conclusion
A Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe to Keep in Your Rotation
If you’re searching for a dish that checks every box easy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is it. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, dinner, or your next potluck, it delivers creamy texture and satisfying flavor in every bite.
The best part? You can make it your own with simple swaps or additions like veggies, meats, or alternate cheeses. With the flexibility to prepare ahead and freeze leftovers, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
If you loved this one, check out our other comfort food classics and easy oven-baked meals to keep your recipe box full of family favorites.
Pair your cheesy bake with this buttery Garlic Bread for a complete cozy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Can I make cheesy hash brown casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can mix and assemble everything the night before, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5–10 minutes since it’s starting cold. It’s a huge time-saver for holidays and busy mornings.
What can I serve with cheesy hash brown casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with almost anything. For breakfast or brunch, try serving it alongside scrambled eggs or bacon. At dinner, it complements grilled chicken, pork chops, or even roasted veggies. The creamy richness of this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe also goes well with light, crunchy sides like green salad or coleslaw.
How do I store leftovers of cheesy hash brown casserole?
Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to four days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in a 300°F oven until hot. This cheesy hash brown casserole recipe reheats beautifully and maintains its creamy texture.
Can I freeze cheesy hash brown casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Already-baked leftovers can also be frozen just store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.