Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (Printable)

Cheddar and creamy potatoes topped with crisp cornflakes for a hearty, comforting side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

→ Dairy

02 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup sour cream
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Aromatics

06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Condiments & Seasonings

08 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Topping

11 - 1 1/2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal after baking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, whole milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, condensed cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
03 - Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula or large spoon.
04 - In a small saucepan or bowl, toss crushed cornflakes with two tablespoons melted butter until evenly coated.
05 - Sprinkle the buttered cornflake topping uniformly across the surface.
06 - Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling throughout.
07 - Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to ensure proper portioning and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This casserole wins hearts thanks to its crispy topping and creamy potato base—like a secret hug for your plate.
  • Even picky eaters can't resist the savory blend of cheese and garlic, which became a holiday staple after rave reviews from family and friends.
02 -
  • If you don't thaw your hash browns, the casserole turns watery and unevenly cooked—I learned this after a soggy Easter brunch.
  • Crushing the cornflakes by hand makes for varied textures—some extra-crunchy bites and some softer bits that soak up butter perfectly.
03 -
  • Layering the casserole in the dish rather than simply dumping the mix prevents dry corners and uneven cheese distribution.
  • If you use salted butter, skip the added salt to avoid an overly salty result.
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