Easy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
This easy hash brown casserole recipe is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. It's creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This recipe is optimized for search engines, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and shredded (about 6-8 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
- Shred the potatoes: Use a box grater or food processor to shred the potatoes. It's crucial to get them relatively fine for even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Remove excess moisture: This step is vital! Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This prevents a soggy casserole.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
- Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter until softened. This adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk (or half-and-half), eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine everything: Add the shredded potatoes, sautéed onion, and melted butter to the wet ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine.
Step 3: Baking the Casserole
- Grease the baking dish: Choose a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the casserole: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Add cheese and sour cream (optional): Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using, dollop the sour cream over the cheese. This creates a beautiful, creamy topping.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm as a delicious side dish with your favorite main course.
Tips and Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like bacon bits, cooked sausage, or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses all work well.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen shredded potatoes? While you can, it's best to use freshly shredded potatoes for the best texture. Frozen potatoes tend to release more moisture.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
This easy hash brown casserole recipe is a guaranteed hit! Enjoy!
