Name: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen hashbrowns, thawed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g); 10.25 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 16 ounces sour cream, full fat; ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion, about 1 small onion (71 g); 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 75 reviews

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big cozy hug, then you’ve got to try this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to because it’s insanely easy, packed with gooey cheese, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your casserole turns out golden, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Every element is affordable and easy to find, making it stress-free to whip up whenever you crave comfort food.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The blend of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just irresistible.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want it spicy, topped with crunchy bits, or dairy-free, this recipe adapts beautifully to what you love.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s always the first dish to disappear at gatherings — trust me, your friends and family will thank you!

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, easy hashbrown casserole, comfort food casserole, cheesy potato bake - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown hash brown casserole topped with small green herb pieces scattered unevenly on the surface. The casserole has a crispy, textured top layer with visible shredded potatoes that have browned edges. The dish is placed on a soft beige cloth and set on a white marbled surface. Around the dish, there are white speckled side plates and a black-handled knife visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together in a harmonious way to give you that perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and savory flavor. I usually recommend grabbing a good-quality cheddar cheese and don’t skip on the sour cream – it adds that tang that makes this casserole unforgettable.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, easy hashbrown casserole, comfort food casserole, cheesy potato bake - Flat lay of a mound of thawed shredded frozen hashbrowns, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of thick full-fat sour cream, finely chopped yellow onion scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of white granulated salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen hashbrowns: Using thawed frozen hashbrowns is key for consistent texture, plus it saves you the time peeling potatoes!
Unsalted butter: Melting it first ensures even mixing and adds richness without overpowering flavors.
Cream of chicken soup: It’s the secret sauce that keeps the casserole creamy – cream of mushroom works too if you’re not into chicken flavor.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess; I suggest full-fat for best taste, but Greek yogurt is a good swap.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped onion builds a subtle sweetness and depth without being too sharp.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar both work; I prefer sharp for that punch, but feel free to mix cheeses based on what you have.
Salt and black pepper: Basic but necessary to bring out all the flavors beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe my own by mixing in different cheeses or adding a little kick. Don’t hesitate to play around and make it yours — that’s part of the fun in the kitchen!

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring in a can of diced green chiles to add some southwestern flavor and a gentle heat that wakes up the dish.
Crunchy Topping: If you want some texture contrast, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with melted butter on top before baking — it turns into those beloved “funeral potatoes” my family begs for.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives for a similar creamy vibe without the dairy.
Extra Veggies: Add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms if you want to sneak in more veggies without changing the cozy feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. I usually use butter because it adds a nice touch of richness to the casserole edges as it bakes. This prep sets you up for an easy clean-up later, too!

Step 2: Mix the Magic

In a large bowl, toss together your thawed hashbrowns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely chopped onion, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. I find using a big spoon or spatula helps mix everything evenly without breaking up the hashbrowns too much. The key is to have all ingredients combined so each bite is cheesy, creamy, and flavorful.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes — you want a bubbly, golden-brown top that smells absolutely heavenly. Keep an eye in the last 10 minutes to avoid over-browning; every oven is a little different. When done, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the casserole set up nicely so it slices neatly on your plate.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Thaw Your Hashbrowns: Don’t rush this step — thaw them thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole.
Use Sharp Cheddar: A sharper cheese really lifts the flavor and balances the creaminess beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole sit after baking helps it firm up, making serving a breeze and keeping it neat.
Customize Your Crunch: If adding crunchy topping, apply it halfway through baking for perfect golden texture without burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, easy hashbrown casserole, comfort food casserole, cheesy potato bake - A square piece of cheesy baked dish sits on a white speckled plate, showing about three layers: the bottom creamy white layer with soft texture, a middle layer of tender yellow potato slices, and the top layer covered with melted golden orange cheese and small green parsley pieces scattered on top. The edges are slightly browned, giving a crispy look. The plate rests on another similar white speckled plate, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving – it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that complements all the richness. A little crispy bacon or thinly sliced green onions are also fantastic if you want to dress it up further.

Side Dishes

This cheesy casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For family dinners, I often serve it alongside simple baked chicken or slow-cooked meats for a complete, hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a dollop of sour cream – it looks fancy but takes hardly any extra effort. Another fun idea is layering it in a trifle-style glass for brunch, pairing it with fresh fruit and crispy bacon on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They usually last about 4 days for me, and I find the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just make sure to keep it well covered to avoid drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking with great results. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen — you may need to add a bit more time to get it bubbly. After baking, wrap it well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the casserole back into a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, usually 20-25 minutes. Giving it a tent of foil helps keep moisture in. I avoid microwaving if I can because reheated cheese sometimes gets a little rubbery, but it’s a handy shortcut in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

While fresh potatoes might seem like a good substitute, they usually release too much moisture and can make the casserole watery. Frozen hashbrowns are partially dried and provide the best texture here.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option or make your own simple white sauce if you prefer homemade — just keep the creamy consistency to maintain the casserole’s structure.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. It’s perfect for prepping meals ahead.
How do I get a crunchy topping on my cheesy hashbrown casserole?

Try sprinkling crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter on top before baking. Apply this topping halfway through baking to get it golden but not burnt.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both nostalgic and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy weekday dinner, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to comfort dish too — so grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some cheesy magic happen!