Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together the hearty goodness of shredded potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.

The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a savory medley that complements the tender hash browns perfectly.

Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, this casserole is both comforting and delicious, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Hashbrown Casserole appeals to many due to its comforting and versatile nature. Here’s why people are sure to love it:

Comforting and Familiar: The combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender hash browns evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. It’s a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach.

Rich and Savory Flavor: The sautéed onions and garlic add depth and aroma, while the sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich, savory flavor that enhances the entire dish. Each bite offers a delightful blend of tastes that is both satisfying and indulgent.

Versatile Dish: This casserole is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. It can be served as a hearty breakfast or brunch option, a comforting side dish for dinner, or even as a main course with the addition of proteins like ham or bacon.

Simple and Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It’s a great choice for those looking to prepare a delicious dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Its ability to feed a crowd makes it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday meals.

Key Ingredients:

Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: The foundation of the casserole, these thawed, frozen potatoes offer a tender, starchy base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture in every bite.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps to develop the flavors of the aromatics.

Yellow Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a savory base. The onions add sweetness and depth, while the garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant, robust flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: Acting as a thickening agent, flour is combined with the onion mixture to form a roux, which helps create the creamy sauce that envelops the potatoes.

Whole Milk and Chicken Stock: These liquids combine to form a luscious, creamy sauce. The milk adds a rich, smooth texture, while the chicken stock imparts a savory depth of flavor.

Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a tangy richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall creaminess and balancing the flavors with a subtle tartness.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Both mixed into the casserole and used as a topping, sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, savory flavor and creates a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

Minced Parsley: This herb adds a touch of freshness and color, balancing the richness of the dish with its light, herbal notes.

Hashbrown Casserole

Ingredients:

30 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk (can use reduced fat if needed)

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup sour cream

8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (can use dried parsley if needed)

Salt

Fresh cracked black pepper

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions for Hashbrown Casserole:

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Cook the Onion and Garlic:

On the stovetop, heat a medium pot over medium heat.

Add the olive oil, allowing it to warm, then add the diced onions. Sauté until they begin to turn golden brown.

Add Garlic and Create a Roux:

Smash and mince the garlic cloves, adding them to the onions. Stir and continue to sauté until they become fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, stirring well. Cook for a few seconds, then gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring. Follow by adding the milk, ensuring to stir continuously.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Allow the mixture to heat and start thickening.

Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce cook, thickening further as the cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Mix in the parsley.

Combine and Assemble:

In a large bowl, mix the thawed hash browns with the cheese sauce until evenly combined. Spread this mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Top and Bake:

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Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Notes:

Thawing Hash Browns: Ensure the frozen hash brown potatoes are completely thawed before using them in the recipe. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from making the casserole watery.

Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Mixing different cheeses can also add depth to the flavor profile.

Add-Ins: For additional flavor and texture, consider incorporating ingredients like cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or chopped bell peppers. These can enhance the dish and make it more substantial.

Herbs and Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can give the casserole a subtle kick, while a dash of nutmeg can add warmth and complexity.

Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Hashbrown Casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside eggs and bacon for breakfast, or with roasted vegetables and a protein like grilled chicken or steak for dinner.

Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and shred them, then rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

Keep in mind that using fresh potatoes may alter the texture slightly, and you may need to adjust the cooking time.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth or additional milk.

Ensure that any additional ingredients, like bacon bits or ham, are omitted or replaced with vegetarian alternatives.

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and allow it to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

What can I do if the casserole is too runny?

If the casserole turns out too runny, it may be due to excess moisture from the potatoes or insufficient thickening of the sauce.

Ensure the hash browns are well thawed and excess moisture is removed.

If necessary, you can add a little more flour to the sauce mixture to help it thicken.

Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, this recipe is versatile and can accommodate various add-ins.

Consider incorporating cooked bacon, diced ham, or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Just be mindful of moisture content and adjust seasonings as needed.

How do I ensure my hash browns are fully thawed before using them in the recipe?

To ensure your hash browns are fully thawed, take them out of the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight.

If you’re short on time, you can spread them out on a baking sheet at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before using.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese.

While sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, you can try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a pepper jack for a bit of spice.

Mixing cheeses can also add complexity to the dish.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it by gradually adding more milk or chicken stock until you reach the desired consistency.

Stir continuously while adding liquid to ensure it incorporates smoothly.

How can I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure the sauce is adequately thickened and evenly mixed with the hash browns.

Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking can help retain moisture.

Remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown.

Is it possible to freeze the casserole, and how should I reheat it?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole.

Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Cover it with foil to prevent drying, removing it for the last few minutes to crisp the top.