The Ultimate Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Are you looking for a side dish that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends? Look no further than this ultimate hash brown casserole recipe! This recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown hash browns baked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's the perfect complement to any holiday meal or weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. Here's what you'll need:
-
For the Hash Brown Layer:
- 2 pounds frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (Important: Make sure to thaw completely for best results. This prevents a soggy casserole.)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
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 your favorite cheese!)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple instructions for a perfectly baked hash brown casserole:
1. Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, gently combine the thawed hash browns, chopped onion, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix; you want to keep the hash browns relatively intact.
2. 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.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the hash brown mixture and stir gently to combine. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips and Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize your casserole! Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for extra flavor and protein. Chopped green onions or chives make a great garnish.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorites will all work well.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and bake it the next day. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions:
This delicious hash brown casserole is a perfect side dish for:
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing for any holiday meal.
- Steak or Pork Chops: A hearty and comforting side for a weeknight dinner.
- BBQ Ribs: The creamy cheese sauce complements the smoky flavor of the ribs beautifully.
This ultimate hash brown casserole recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Don't forget to share your culinary creations using #HashBrownCasserole and tag us! (You can add a fictional social media tag here if you want).
