This comforting, cheesy hashbrown casserole is a classic dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. The creamy mixture of hashbrowns, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, topped with melted cheddar cheese, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Most of the ingredients required for this hashbrown casserole are quite common and easily available in any supermarket. However, you might need to look out for the cream of chicken soup, which might not be a staple in every kitchen. It is usually located in the soup aisle.
Ingredients Needed for the Hashbrown Casserole
Hashbrowns: These are the base for your casserole and can be found in the frozen section of your supermarket.
Butter: Adds richness and helps in binding the ingredients.
Cream of chicken soup: A canned soup that adds a savory depth to the casserole.
Sour cream: Gives creaminess and tang to balance the flavors.
Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper: Brings a slight heat to the dish.
Garlic powder: Infuses the casserole with a subtle garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds extra oniony flavor without the texture.
Cheddar cheese: Melts to create a delicious cheesy top layer.
Parsley: Used for garnishing and adds a fresh element to the dish.
Cooking spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the baking pan.
One reader, Dori Ontiveros says:
This hashbrown casserole recipe is a game-changer! Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. It's the ultimate comfort food that's easy to make. The flavors blend perfectly, and it's a hit with everyone. I love how versatile it is - perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Hashbrown Casserole
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
How to coat the baking pan: Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
How to combine the ingredients: Place the hashbrowns, butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stir to combine.
How to spoon the mixture: Spoon the hashbrown mixture into the prepared pan.
How to top with cheese: Top the hashbrown mixture with the remaining cheese.
How to bake: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
How to sprinkle with parsley: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
How To Make Hashbrown Casserole
Shredded cheese, shredded potatoes, and sour cream make this hashbrown casserole an incredibly cheesy and filling dish. Try this for breakfast.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbhashbrownsbag, frozen, thawed
- ½cupbuttermelted
- 10½ozcream of chicken soupcan
- 2cupssour cream
- ⅓cuponionfinely diced
- ¾tspsalt
- ½tsppepper
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tsponion powder
- 2½cupscheddar cheeseshredded, divided use
- 2tbspparsleychopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
-
Place the hashbrowns, butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and 1 cup of cheddar cheese in a bowl. Stir to combine.
-
Spoon the hashbrown mixture into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining cheese.
-
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 732.48kcal
- Fat: 55.06g
- Saturated Fat: 24.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.89g
- Carbohydrates: 45.27g
- Fiber: 3.90g
- Sugar: 3.78g
- Protein: 15.33g
- Cholesterol: 103.97mg
- Sodium: 814.42mg
- Calcium: 370.55mg
- Potassium: 803.59mg
- Iron: 0.99mg
- Vitamin A: 335.71µg
- Vitamin C: 17.09mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Hashbrown Casserole
To ensure that your hashbrown casserole is creamy and not dry, make sure to thoroughly mix the cream of chicken soup and sour cream into the hashbrowns. This will help to evenly distribute the moisture throughout the dish. Additionally, using freshly grated cheddar cheese can make a difference in the texture and flavor of the casserole, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the cheese feel gritty and affect how it melts.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hashbrown Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the hashbrown casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This will save time on the day of serving. Use pre-shredded cheese: Buying pre-shredded cheese will save time on grating and cleanup. Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze one for later. This will save time on future meal prep. One-pot cooking: Use a single pot or pan for cooking multiple components of the dish to minimize cleanup. Organize ingredients: Gather and organize all ingredients and equipment before starting to cook to save time searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
hashbrowns - Substitute with shredded sweet potatoes: Shredded sweet potatoes can be used as a healthier alternative to hashbrowns, adding a slightly sweeter flavor to the casserole.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a different flavor profile to the dish.
cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup can be used as a vegetarian alternative to cream of chicken soup, adding a rich and savory flavor to the casserole.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, providing a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a milder alternative to onions, adding a subtle and sweet flavor to the casserole.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese can be used as a flavorful alternative to cheddar, adding a nutty and slightly sweet taste to the dish.
Presenting Your Hashbrown Casserole
Elevate the hashbrown casserole: Instead of serving the casserole in a traditional baking dish, consider using individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a more upscale presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives or dill over the golden brown top of the casserole to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate a sauce: Create a drizzle using a reduction of balsamic vinegar and honey to add a sophisticated flavor element to the dish.
Serve with a side salad: Accompany the hashbrown casserole with a refreshing mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to provide a contrast in textures and flavors.
Use high-quality cheese: Opt for an artisanal aged cheddar or a blend of gourmet cheeses to enhance the richness and depth of flavor in the casserole.
Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle a layer of homemade breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking to create a delightful crispy texture.
Essential Tools for Making Hashbrown Casserole
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly preparing the hashbrowns and onions for the casserole.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the hashbrowns, butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and other ingredients for the casserole. It allows for easy mixing and blending of the components.
Storing and Freezing Hashbrown Casserole
Let the hashbrown casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
To store in the refrigerator:
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
To freeze the entire casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Label the dish with the name of the recipe and the date it was prepared.
- Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through, about 45-60 minutes.
To freeze individual portions:
- Cut the cooled casserole into serving-sized portions.
- Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the name of the recipe and the date it was prepared.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to reheat, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Unwrap the portions and place them in a baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
How To Reheat Hashbrown Casserole Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hashbrown casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer of cheese.
For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place a serving of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe dish, and heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
For a crispy top layer, you can also reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat, add a portion of the casserole, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy on the bottom.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover casserole, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions on top before reheating. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for added richness.
Random Fact About Hashbrown Casserole
The hashbrown casserole recipe is a popular dish in the southern United States. It is often served as a side dish at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals. This casserole is known for its creamy and cheesy texture, making it a comforting and indulgent addition to any meal. It can be easily customized with additional ingredients such as bacon, ham, or vegetables to suit individual tastes. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for feeding a large group of people. Whether it's for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, the hashbrown casserole is a versatile and delicious option.
Is Making Hashbrown Casserole Economical for Home Cooking?
This hashbrown casserole recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, are affordable and readily available. The dish yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for feeding a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe would be around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, affordability, and delicious taste.
Is Hashbrown Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hashbrown casserole recipe is quite unhealthy due to its high content of saturated fats and sodium. The main culprits are:
- Butter and sour cream, which are high in saturated fats
- Cream of chicken soup, which is high in sodium and contains processed ingredients
- Cheddar cheese, which is high in saturated fats and sodium
Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fats can lead to increased risk of heart disease, while high sodium intake can contribute to hypertension and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the butter with a healthier oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Use low-fat or non-fat sour cream instead of regular sour cream
- Opt for a low-sodium cream of chicken soup or make your own using fresh ingredients
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or choose a lower-fat variety
- Increase the amount of onions and add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value
- Use low-fat or skim milk instead of cream or full-fat milk in the soup mixture
- Experiment with using half the amount of hashbrowns and replacing the other half with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Casserole
This hashbrown casserole recipe is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. The use of sour cream and cream of chicken soup adds richness, while the blend of spices enhances the overall taste. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal or a potluck gathering. The golden-brown crust and gooey cheese make it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. It's a classic comfort food that's sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
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Why trust this Hashbrown Casserole Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and true favorite, guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With a perfect balance of creamy sour cream and savory cheddar cheese, it promises a rich and indulgent flavor. The addition of butter and onions adds a depth of richness, while the hashbrowns provide a satisfying and hearty base. The use of cream of chicken soup infuses the dish with a comforting and familiar taste. With a golden-brown, cheesy topping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this casserole is a delightful addition to any meal.
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