Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Why This is the Best Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole!

If you've ever had Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, funeral potatoes, or even Grandma's hash brown casserole, this dish will feel deliciously familiar. It's the ultimate comfort food classic - rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy.

My version includes all the favorite ingredients - shredded potatoes, creamy soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese - just like my Make a Casserole Chart outlines. But instead of the usual buttery cornflake topping, I finish it with crispy fried onions for even more flavor and crunch (and a little time saved!).

Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or alongside a classic roast dinner, this cheesy hash brown casserole is comfort in every bite - and it might just steal the spotlight from the main dish.

So, let's cook!

Ingredient Notes

Here's what you need to make this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe:

• Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes - Frozen hash browns are the heart of this casserole. Be sure to completely thaw the hash browns and let them come to room temperature before assembling the casserole.
• Melted Butter - I prefer to use salted butter. If you use unsalted butter add ½ teaspoon of salt when mixing the soup with the sour cream and black pepper.
• Yellow Onion - Yellow onion brings savory notes. I grate the onion on a box grater which makes very thin slices and softens the texture of the onion.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup - Cream of chicken soup is the base for the sauce in this casserole. You will need one regular-sized can.
• Sour Cream - Used in many casseroles, sour cream adds a creamy richness to the sauce.
• Black Pepper - Freshly ground black pepper is always best. It is spicey, but not hot, and has a flowery aroma when freshly ground.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese - I prefer to shred my cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains a coating that keeps it from melting well.
• Crispy Fried Onions - A favorite for mixing into and topping casseroles, these are the crispy fried onions from a can. They are called "French fried onions" and also "crispy fried onions".

Please see the recipe card for the exact quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

• Substitute Cream of Mushroom Soup. Make it a vegetarian side dish by substituting mushroom soup for the chicken soup.
• Substitute Cream of Celery Soup. For a different flavor substitute celery soup for the chicken soup.
• Substitute Different Cheeses. You can also use your favorite melted cheeses in this casserole. Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Gruyère are great choices.
• Substitute Potato Chips. For another crunchy topping try 2 cups of potato chips.
• Top with Buttered Cornflakes. Add ¼ cup of melted butter to 2 cups of cornflakes in a medium bowl and stir well. Sprinkle on top of the casserole for a traditional look and taste.

How to Make the Best Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

1. Preheat and Prepare. Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13" x 9" baking dish.

2. Whisk Together. In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, and black pepper. Set aside for later.

3. Mix. Combine hash browns and grated onion in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and mix well.

4. Stir In. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest of the cheese for later.

5. Combine. Add the soup and sour cream mixture, and fold and stir until all is well combined.

6. Bake. Spoon the casserole into the prepared baking dish, smooth the top with the back of a spoon, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until hot and bubbling.

7. Topping. Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and crispy fried onions. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown.