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; 10.25 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 16 ounces full fat sour cream; ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion); 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 24 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall hard and fast for this **Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe** — it’s warm, comforting, and downright addictive. Picture a golden, bubbling blanket of cheesy goodness with tender hashbrowns at its core. This dish has been my go-to for family gatherings and lazy Sunday brunches because it’s so easy to throw together but tastes like a million bucks. Stick with me here, and I’ll share all my best tips and tricks so your casserole comes out perfectly every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, straightforward ingredients: Uses pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
Perfect cheesy ratio: Creamy sour cream and cheddar balance flavors beautifully without overwhelming.
Foolproof texture: Thawed hashbrowns bake up tender and not soggy, thanks to proper prep and baking time.
Versatility: Easy to customize with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste or occasion.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, baked hashbrown casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy brunch casserole, cheesy breakfast 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

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe works so well because each ingredient brings something special to the table — richness, creaminess, or that irresistible classic comfort-food texture. You don’t need fancy things to get garlic-buttery, cheesy magic here. Just good-quality basics, and a little love when mixing everything together.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, baked hashbrown casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy brunch casserole, cheesy breakfast 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: Thaw them first to avoid watery casserole; shredded is classic but diced works too.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps meld flavors without overpowering your salt balance.
Cream of chicken soup: This gives the casserole creaminess, but you can swap for cream of mushroom for a veggie twist.
Full-fat sour cream: Gives tang and creaminess; full-fat ensures the texture stays luscious rather than watery.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle savory sweetness and freshness; finely chopping helps it blend in just right.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for bold flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that make all the difference in bringing the flavors forward.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often sneak in extras or switch up cheese combos depending on what I have on hand. It’s your recipe just as much as mine, so don’t be shy about adding personal touches!

Turn it into funeral potatoes: I love adding a crunchy topping of crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers—such a nostalgic touch that adds ultimate texture.
Add some heat: A can of drained green chiles stirred in gives it a fun southwest kick that I always get compliments on.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt: For a lighter version I’ve tried, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works great and keeps things creamy.
Change cheeses: Mixing gouda or Monterey Jack in with cheddar can add a mellow, smoky touch—perfect if you want to impress guests.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Base

First things first, thaw your frozen hashbrowns completely and make sure to drain any excess moisture. I usually spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and gently press to absorb water—this little trick keeps your casserole from turning soggy. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish so everything bakes up with a nicely browned crust.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, melt that butter, then stir in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Add your onion, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Finally, fold in the thawed hashbrowns making sure they’re evenly coated with the mixture. I’ve found using a big spoon or even clean hands helps get everything thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and bubbly cheese to know it’s ready. I like to let it rest about 10 minutes before serving — it gives everything time to set up nicely and makes scooping a dream.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Thawing: From my mistakes, frozen potatoes straight in the mix lead to a watery mess; always thaw and drain well.
Mix by Hand: Using your hands to mix means you can really feel all ingredients evenly blended without mashing the potatoes.
Rest Before Serving: Waiting 10 minutes after baking helps the casserole firm up so it slices cleanly and holds its shape.
Customize Cheese Cautiously: Strong-flavored cheeses can overpower; start with cheddar then add small amounts of other cheeses for balance.

How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, baked hashbrown casserole, cheesy potato casserole, easy brunch casserole, cheesy breakfast 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 love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that contrasts with all that creamy, cheesy richness. Plus, the herbs brighten things up visually, making the casserole look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add some crunch and freshness. For brunch, I’m always tempted to set it alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty spread everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special family meals, I’ve served the casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions—everyone just loves the personalized touch. Sometimes I bake it in a cast iron skillet to get those crispy edges, then bring it straight to the table for a warm and inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your casserole has cooled, I recommend transferring leftovers into an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 4 days. This recipe reheats well, making it a great weekday breakfast or easy side dish.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before baking and after, and both ways work fine. Just make sure to wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To keep the cheese melty and the hashbrowns fluffy, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes. You could also microwave, but the oven keeps the texture closest to freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Fresh potatoes tend to contain too much moisture, which can make the casserole watery and affect the texture. If you must use fresh, be sure to grate them finely and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing. But honestly, frozen shredded hashbrowns are the easiest way to guarantee the perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or any vegetarian creamy soup alternative. This change keeps the dish tasty without losing that creamy richness.
What cheese works best in a cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice since it adds great flavor and melts beautifully. That said, mixing in mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda can add subtle depth and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with what you love!
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix everything and assemble it in your baking dish, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe holds a special place on my table because it’s that comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving something cozy on your own, it’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this simple casserole became a must-have in my kitchen (and hopefully in yours too!). Enjoy every cheesy bite!