The Ultimate Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: A Crowd-Pleaser for Every Occasion
Are you looking for a comforting, delicious, and crowd-pleasing side dish that's perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This ultimate hash brown casserole recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. It's creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy – everything you want in a hash brown casserole.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy day.
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For the Hash Brown Layer:
- 2 pounds frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry (This step is crucial for a crispy casserole!)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or any cheese you prefer!)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions for Hash Brown Casserole Perfection:
Let's get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward and delivers exceptional results.
Step 1: Prep the Hash Browns
First, thaw your frozen hash browns completely. This is essential to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Once thawed, thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is often overlooked but drastically affects the final outcome.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onions in the melted butter until softened. This adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Hash Browns and Onions
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed hash browns, sautéed onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the hash browns and gently stir to combine.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Tips and Variations for Your Hash Brown Casserole:
- For extra crispy edges: Use a broiler for the last few minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
- Add some bacon: Crumble some cooked bacon into the hash brown mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Pepper jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole the day before and bake it the next day. Just cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serve and Enjoy!
This hash brown casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it hot alongside your favorite main course for a complete and satisfying meal. It's perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. Enjoy!
