Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole delivers the ultimate comfort food. Creamy potatoes, flavorful cheddar, and the perfect amount of spice create a drool-worthy one-pot meal. A make-ahead casserole that comes together in 20 minutes for the win!
Casseroles have always been my favorite comfort food because there is solace in their creaminess and cheesiness. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they will always bring you soul-satisfying goodness, like this cheesy hash brown casserole. ❤️
It’s the perfect breakfast for the whole family to kickstart the morning. Not only is it super delicious, but it’s also fantabulously filling because it has all the healthy carbs and proteins you need to start the day. Oh yes!
What Are Hash Browns?
Hash browns, also known as hashed browned potatoes, acquired the name from the word “hacher,” a French word that translates to hack or chop. So, hashed browns are just potatoes that are chopped and fried, literally.
It is actually a famous breakfast in America and the United Kingdom made of shredded or chopped potatoes and seasonings. Shaped into patties and fried until golden and crispy. Most famous fast food chains, like McDonald’s and Burger King, serve them for breakfast.
Which Potato Is Best for Hash Browns?
Frozen hash browns save the most time and effort. But grating fresh potatoes makes it even better.
Russet potatoes are excellent because they have higher starch content and less moisture. Just give them a good squeeze after grating them to get the extra moisture out.
What’s in Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole?
- Bacon – Life is better with bacon, of course! Can you say no to its smoky, savory flavor, not to mention its lovely crunchy texture? Nuh-uh!
- Dairy – Butter, sour cream, and cheddar cheese complete the creamy base of this fantastical potato recipe.
- Veggies – Add a touch of color to your breakfast casserole with bell peppers and green onions. They also add great flavor and more nutrition.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – This ready-made soup gives this cheesy hash brown breakfast casserole a creamy and rich meaty flavor with savory umami.
- Hashed Brown Potatoes – I take a shortcut with a bag of frozen hash browns, thawing them 30 minutes before making the recipe. However, you can make your own by grating two pounds of potatoes. Cubed hash brown will also work just fine.
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Bacon – Fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and save all but a tablespoon of bacon grease for another recipe.
- Veggies – Saute the onions, garlic, and green bell pepper in bacon grease, and set aside.
- Combine everything but ¼ cup of shredded cheese in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Final Touch – Add the cheese toppings.
- Serve – Let it rest for 10 minutes and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Meaty Additions – You can add ham, sausage, or chicken for a meaty hash brown casserole.
- Flavor Swap – Cream of mushroom soup or another fave cream of soup instead of cream of chicken will be equally delicious.
- Topping Ideas – Enjoy a crispier hash brown potato casserole by adding crushed ritz crackers, cornflakes, potato chips, or breadcrumbs over the shredded cheese before putting it back in the oven for the final melt.
- Extra Cheesy – For extra gooey goodness, you can add mozzarella, Colby, Jack, Gouda, Provolone, or another cheese you like to the cheddar. More cheese is always good!
- Spice it Up – Ramp up the flavor with sliced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne or pepper flakes.
- Save the Grease – Save the extra bacon drippings for later. Anything fried in bacon grease is delicious.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
One of the finest perks of this easy hash brown breakfast casserole is that it’s a breeze to make in advance.
- Unbaked – Assemble as instructed, cover tightly with a cling wrap or foil, refrigerate, and bake per the instructions the next day.
- Baked – Cover the casserole with a cling wrap or foil once cooled. Refrigerate for 4-5 days or freeze for 3 months. When ready to reheat, cover it with foil and bake in a 350℃/177℃ oven for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Or reheat a single serving in the microwave.
More Comforting Casseroles Recipes to Try
- Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
- Southern Green Bean Casserole
- Fiesta Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper
- 1 30-ounce package frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes, thawed
- 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese grated (2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Adjust the oven's rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃. Lightly grease a 9"x13" casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Place a cast-iron skillet or pan over medium-low heat, add bacon and cook until golden and crisp, 4-6 minutes. Transfer the bacon bits to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Pour off all except 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
- Add the chopped onions, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pan and cook until the onions are translucent and softened (3-4 minutes). Remove the skillet from the stove and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, add thawed hash brown potatoes, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheese (reserve ¼ cup for the topping), cooked onion and pepper mixture, half of the bacon bits, salt, and pepper. Stir using a spatula until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the hash brown potato mixture into your prepared baking pan and press down slightly, creating an even layer. Cover it with foil, then bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it bubbles. The internal temperature should register at least 165-175°F/75-80℃.
- Remove the foil, top with the reserved shredded cheese, and bake for 15 more minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove the hash brown casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and the remaining bacon. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can add ham, sausage, or chicken for a meaty hash brown casserole.
- Enjoy a crispier hash brown potato casserole by adding crushed ritz crackers, cornflakes, potato chips, or breadcrumbs over the shredded cheese before putting it back in the oven for the final melt.
- For extra gooey goodness, you can add mozzarella, Colby, Jack, Gouda, Provolone, or another cheese you like to the cheddar. More cheese is always good!
- Save the extra bacon drippings for later. Anything fried in bacon grease is delicious.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.