Introduction

Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, old-fashioned favorite. Creamy hash browns baked with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery topping create a rich and crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.

A close-up view of a thick square slice of creamy baked casserole on a white plate, showing two main layers: a bottom layer of soft, pale, cheesy curds with a moist and fluffy texture, and a top layer of golden brown, slightly charred, bubbly cheese with a rich, glossy finish sprinkled with small green herb flakes. The casserole edges are slightly crispy, and some herbs are scattered on the white plate around the food, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag (30 oz / 850 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup (115 g) melted butter
½ cup (80 g) finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups (75 g) crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (for topping)
3 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ½ cup melted butter, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Fold in the thawed hash browns gently until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with 3 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole for a buttery crunch.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It pairs perfectly with ham, roasted chicken, or breakfast eggs.

Tips & Variations

Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a vegetarian version.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to add protein while keeping creaminess.
For extra crunch, top with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers instead of cornflakes.
Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or crumbled sausage for a heartier meal.
Include sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie twist.
Try spicy variations by mixing in diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese.
To crisp the top more, finish the bake under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.

Storage

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for convenience. You can also freeze baked casserole portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up photo of a piece of baked macaroni and cheese on a white plate, showing three main layers: the top golden-brown crispy cheese layer with small green herb bits sprinkled on it, a middle creamy and slightly browned macaroni layer with visible pasta tubes, and a bottom layer of very creamy, white cheesy sauce. The edges are slightly browned and the texture looks smooth and gooey inside. The white plate rests on a wooden surface with some scattered green herb pieces around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the casserole mixture, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold when entering the oven.

Can I freeze Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the unbaked casserole, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.