If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings the warmth of home straight to your table, then you absolutely cannot miss out on Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe. This beloved casserole is a creamy, cheesy dream loaded with tender hash browns and a golden, buttery cornflake crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in food form, perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or any day you want a little taste of nostalgia and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet perfect blend of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s adding richness, creaminess, or that irresistible crispy topping.
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty flavor that binds the casserole beautifully.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: The secret creamy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup melted butter, divided: Essential for richness and creating the golden crust on top.
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream: Gives the casserole its tangy creaminess and tender texture.
- 1 (2 pound) bag of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed: The hearty main ingredient that holds the whole casserole together.
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes: For that nostalgic crunch that perfectly complements the soft filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). It’s important to gather all your ingredients at this step to make the mixing process smooth and stress-free. Preheating ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden top.
Step 2: Combine the Mixture
In a large bowl, toss together the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter, chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until the ingredients are well incorporated. This step is all about layering flavors and making sure every bite is deliciously balanced.
Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the mixture inside. Smooth it out so that it bakes uniformly; this helps the casserole cook through perfectly and develop that beautiful, even crust later.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the top of the mixture for that signature crispy finish. Then, drizzle the remaining melted butter over the cornflakes—this butter is what gives it that rich, golden hue and irresistible crunch you’ll love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot around the edges—this means it’s creamy inside and beautifully textured on top.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, take the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes. This brief cooling helps the dish set so that when you serve, portions hold their shape and the casserole’s flavors mellow into perfection.
How to Serve Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives makes a lovely, vibrant garnish that adds freshness and color. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on the side complements the casserole’s creaminess perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a hearty holiday spread, try serving it alongside roasted turkey or ham—it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch or potluck, bake the casserole in individual ramekins and top each serving with a sprinkle of cornflakes and cheese before baking. This adds a personal touch and makes serving a delight. You can also add cooked bacon crumbles or diced bell peppers into the mix for exciting flavor twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen with time.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it has been cooked and cooled. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes; this will help restore the crunchy topping. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture crispy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While you can use fresh potatoes, frozen hash browns are recommended for ease and consistent texture since they’re peeled, shredded, and partially cooked. Fresh potatoes require extra steps and may alter the final creaminess.
Is there a vegetarian version of Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken to make it vegetarian friendly without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
Can I substitute the cornflake topping?
Yes, crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed crispy fried onions make excellent alternatives, adding their own unique crunch to the dish.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Try swapping the Cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative, use a plant-based sour cream, and opt for dairy-free butter substitutes to enjoy a dairy-free version without sparing comfort.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers to maintain texture?
Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave is best. This keeps the top crunchy and the inside creamy, preserving the casserole’s original charm.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend making Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe enough—it’s a timeless dish that always brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a cozy brunch, or simply craving rich comfort food, this casserole is your go-to. Try it, share it, and enjoy every warm, cheesy bite like it’s made by Grandma herself.
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Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked dish featuring tender shredded hash browns mixed with creamy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and onions. Topped with crunchy crushed cornflakes and baked to golden perfection, this casserole makes an ideal hearty side or main for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup melted butter, divided
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
- 1 (2 pound) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all the ingredients together to have everything ready.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare baking dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top for even cooking.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of the hash brown mixture. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the cornflake topping to help it crisp up during baking.
- Bake casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- For a crispier topping, you can add additional melted butter or mix crushed nuts with cornflakes.
- This casserole reheats well and is great for meal prepping.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melty texture.
