Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring shredded hash browns mixed with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and a crispy buttery cornflake topping. Perfect for family gatherings or as a hearty side, this casserole combines creamy textures and a golden crust that delivers classic homestyle flavor.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main 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
Topping
- 1 ½ cups (75 g) crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ½ cup of melted butter, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add potatoes: Fold in the thawed shredded hash browns until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for an extra cheesy layer.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, stir together the crushed cornflakes and 3 tablespoons of melted butter until the flakes are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crunchy, buttery crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after removing it from the oven to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole freezes well; freeze before baking and bake from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
Keywords: hash brown casserole, cheesy hash browns, comfort food, baked potato casserole, family recipe, side dish, cheesy casserole