Introduction
Hashbrown casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive holiday gathering.
This hearty dish combines creamy, cheesy sauce with crispy shredded potatoes for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.
With its blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients, hashbrown casserole is an easy-to-make dish that can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving
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 milk)
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup sour cream
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking. Set the prepared dish aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Once the onions and garlic are aromatic and tender, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to create a roux.
Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the oils and cook through, forming a slightly thick paste. This step will help thicken your cheese sauce later.
Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken stock while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth sauce, which should take about 5 minutes.
Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and minced parsley. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Now, add the thawed hashbrowns to the cheese sauce, making sure they are well-coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure all the potatoes are covered with the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously cheesy and golden crust when baked.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set and make it easier to slice and serve.
How to Make
To make hashbrown casserole, start by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil to create a flavorful base for the cheese sauce.
Once the onions become soft and fragrant, add flour to form a roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually incorporate milk and chicken stock, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
Next, stir in the sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce and create a smooth.
velvety texture. Add minced parsley for a touch of freshness and seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Once the sauce is prepared, mix it with the thawed hashbrowns to ensure the potatoes are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish, top with more shredded cheddar cheese, and bake until the casserole is golden and bubbly.
Finally, allow the casserole to rest before serving so the flavors can meld and the texture can firm up, making it easier to slice.
Serve the casserole as a side dish or as the star of the meal, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of variations to try with hashbrown casserole.
For a spicier version, you can add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
For those who love bacon, crumbled cooked bacon can be mixed into the casserole before baking, adding a smoky, savory flavor.
To make the casserole a bit lighter, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, which offers.
the same creamy texture but with fewer calories. You can also opt for reduced-fat cheese or milk to cut down on the richness without sacrificing too much flavor.
For a more gourmet touch, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the casserole for added texture and flavor.
This adds a savory, earthy note that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce. If you’re looking to make it even more substantial.
you can stir in some cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef to turn it into a main dish.
For a more herby flavor, try experimenting with fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage in place of parsley.
These herbs add a fragrant touch that elevates the dish. If you prefer a less creamy dish, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a lighter taste.
If you’re preparing the casserole for a crowd, doubling the recipe is an easy way to ensure there’s plenty for everyone.
You can also try baking individual portions in ramekins for a fun and personal touch at your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
Tips
To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly, it’s essential to thaw the frozen hashbrowns completely before using them.
This prevents excess moisture from being released during baking, which could make the casserole soggy.
If you’re short on time, placing the hashbrowns in the fridge overnight will help them thaw evenly.
When making the cheese sauce, be patient while stirring in the milk and chicken stock. If the mixture is heated too quickly or stirred too little.
it may separate or become lumpy. Stirring constantly will help keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
For a beautiful, golden-brown top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning, as the cheese can brown quickly under the broiler.
To make your casserole even more flavorful, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika to the cheese sauce.
before mixing it with the hashbrowns. This adds a slight tang and smokiness that complements the richness of the dish.
If you prefer a super crispy crust, you can sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes on top before baking.
These crumbs will toast up in the oven, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.
Leftover casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again for a quick and easy meal.
Conclusion
Hashbrown casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or brunch, this casserole will satisfy everyone’s cravings and leave them coming back for seconds.
With endless variations and tips to elevate the dish, you can make this casserole your own, adding your favorite flavors and ingredients. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile dish that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.