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 (113 g); 10.25 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 16 ounces sour cream, full fat; ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion, 71 g); 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 32 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a big warm hug, this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that easy, cheesy, hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. I’ve made this casserole countless times—it’s always the star of the table and almost never lasts past the first serving. Stick with me and I’ll share all my tips to make sure your casserole turns out creamy, golden, and downright irresistible.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry, and they come together effortlessly.
Perfect Creaminess: The combo of sour cream and cream of chicken soup makes the casserole wonderfully rich without being heavy.
Golden Top: Baking it until bubbly and browned gives a satisfying texture contrast you’ll love.
Family Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike — ideal for gatherings or easy weeknight meals.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown bake, breakfast hashbrown casserole, easy hashbrown casserole, hearty brunch casserole - 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

To master this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe, it’s key to understand a bit about each ingredient and why they matter. Knowing this will help you choose the best products and even customize your version easily.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown bake, breakfast hashbrown casserole, easy hashbrown casserole, hearty brunch casserole - 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: Thawing these ensures even baking and that creamy texture — I prefer shredded for that classic, comforting feel.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind everything together without overpowering flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: This boosts the creaminess and adds subtle savory notes; you can also swap for cream of mushroom for variety.
Sour cream: Full fat is best to keep it luscious and tangy, but plain Greek yogurt works fine if you want a lighter twist.
Yellow onion: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and depth — finely chopped so it blends in perfectly.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar offers robust flavor and a beautiful melt, making it a classic in this dish.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out all the other flavors without stealing the show.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love tweaking this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe to suit different occasions or the mood of the day. It’s so forgiving that small changes won’t throw off the whole dish — you can make it your own easily.

Spice it up: I like adding a can of green chiles for a southwest kick — it instantly livens things up without overpowering.
Topping crunch: Personally, I sometimes sprinkle crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers on top for that golden, buttery crunch that everyone raves about.
Cheese swaps: Gouda or Monterey Jack work beautifully if you want a milder or smokier flavor.
Dietary swaps: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you’re looking to lighten up, or a mushroom-based soup for a vegetarian twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I like using a non-stick spray plus a thin layer of butter on top—trust me, it helps the bottom not stick at all. While the oven’s warming up, make sure your hashbrowns are completely thawed. This step is crucial for an even bake and creamier texture.

Step 2: Mix It All Up

Grab a large bowl and toss together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Once they’re blended, stir in the thawed hashbrowns until everything is evenly coated. Don’t overmix here — just enough to bring the ingredients together without breaking the potatoes down too much.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the mixture into your baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes—bake it until you see the top turn a beautiful golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. When it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This wait drips some of the excess heat and helps it set so your servings hold together nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Thaw Fully: Make sure those hashbrowns are completely thawed and squeezed dry if needed — moisture can make the casserole watery.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let it sit after baking so it firms up; otherwise, it’s hard to serve without it falling apart.
Use Sharp Cheese: Sharp cheddar makes a huge flavor difference — mild cheese can make it taste bland.
Layer Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking, because the soup and cheese already bring salt—over-seasoning is easy here.

How to Serve Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown bake, breakfast hashbrown casserole, easy hashbrown casserole, hearty brunch casserole - 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 always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle brightness that balances the richness. Sometimes, a dash of smoked paprika or a few sliced green onions work wonders, especially if you’ve added any spicy elements.

Side Dishes

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies to lighten things up. It’s also fantastic alongside breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or bacon, turning your meal into a crowd-pleasing brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or celebrations, I’ve tried serving the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a crispy cornflake crust that adds drama and crunch – guests always ask for seconds! You can also layer it with cooked sausage or ham for a heartier take that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I transfer the casserole into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

One of the best things about this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is that it freezes beautifully. I often prepare it ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking — it’s like a time-saving magic trick.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it sometimes makes the texture a bit mushy, and you want to keep that delightful baked texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

While fresh potatoes might seem like a natural swap, I don’t recommend it here because fresh potatoes hold a lot of moisture. This can make the casserole soggy and less creamy. Frozen shredded hashbrowns are drained of much of that moisture and give you the best texture, so stick with those for a foolproof casserole.
Is it okay to substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken?

Absolutely! Cream of mushroom soup works great if you want a vegetarian option or just want a different flavor profile. It still provides that creamy base without changing the texture, so feel free to swap it in without worries.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
How do I make the casserole gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, double-check the soup you buy — many cream soups contain gluten, but there are gluten-free versions available in stores. Also, skip the crunchy topping or use gluten-free crackers or cornflakes if you like added texture on top.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I always keep in my back pocket for easy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever I want pure comfort. The cheesy, creamy goodness paired with that golden crust is a blend you really can’t beat. I hope you give it a try and find it as soul-satisfying as I do — it’s reliable, simple, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let me know how it turns out for you, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!