A Golden, Gooey, and Irresistibly Comforting Side Dish!
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a crispy layer of hash browns topped with creamy cheese, savory seasonings, and a hint of buttery goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish at dinner, this recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Hash Browns
- 2 (32 oz) bags shredded frozen hash browns, thawed and drained well
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Optional Toppings
- Freshly chopped chives or green onions
- Diced cooked bacon (for added crunch and flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Drain the thawed hash browns thoroughly by squeezing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step ensures a crispier texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- If desired, sprinkle additional grated cheese on top for an extra gooey finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes during the last few minutes of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions and diced bacon if desired.
- Slice into squares and serve warm alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, or roasted vegetables.
