Nothing feels more like a warm hug from the past than diving into a comforting dish that’s been loved for generations. Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying classics that brings together creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures in every bite. It’s the perfect side for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want a dish that tastes like home. This recipe captures all the magic of those golden memories with simple ingredients and an irresistibly crispy topping that’s bound to have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where you’ll find a handful of straightforward, trusted ingredients that come together beautifully to create the luscious flavors and rich textures of this casserole. Each element has its role to play, from the creamy base to the crispy, buttery topping that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, melty richness that holds the casserole together.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a slight bite, balancing the creaminess.
- Cream of chicken soup: Brings moisture and that classic creamy texture essential to the casserole.
- Melted butter, divided: Offers richness; half for binding ingredients and half for a golden, crunchy topping.
- Sour cream: Gives tanginess and smoothness, making the casserole extra luscious.
- Frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed: The star of the show, they create that tender potato base everyone loves.
- Crushed cornflakes: The secret to a satisfyingly crispy topping with a hint of buttery crunch.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory notes in the dish perfectly.
How to Make Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures a slow, even bake that melds all the flavors together beautifully while creating that golden crust you’ll love. As the oven warms, gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Magical Base
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded Cheddar, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir these until they’re well incorporated. This mixture is where all those creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors blend to create the heart of the casserole.
Step 3: Spread Into the Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it evenly so every bite cooks consistently. This even layer is key for the texture and appearance after baking.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly on top. Then drizzle the remaining melted butter over them—this step is what transforms the topping, giving you that irresistible golden crispiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Patience is your friend here as the casserole bubbles up and develops a beautiful golden top—an unmistakable sign that it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes. This cooling time helps it set, making serving easier and keeping all the layers intact. Then, dig in and enjoy the comforting goodness!
How to Serve Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this classic, consider sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving. Not only do they add a pop of color, but their fresh flavor complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside roasted vegetables, juicy baked chicken, or even a crisp green salad. These pairings bring balance, adding freshness or protein to round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This personalizes the experience and makes it perfect for gatherings. You can also layer it in a trifle dish for a fun presentation that shows off all those layers of cheesy, creamy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious casserole, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor those comforting flavors all over again.
Freezing
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in an oven set to 350°F until heated evenly. This helps keep the crispy topping while warming the creamy center perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can be used, frozen hash browns are preferred because they save time and maintain the right texture and moisture level for this casserole. If using fresh, make sure to shred and cook them slightly before mixing.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! You can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to keep the dish vegetarian while maintaining that creamy richness.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, check that your cream of chicken soup and crushed cornflakes are gluten-free, or substitute the topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Yes! Many people love adding cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach to boost flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful to adjust seasoning accordingly.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
Drizzling melted butter over the crushed cornflakes before baking is the secret to getting that beautifully golden and crispy topping that makes Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that truly tastes like comfort and tradition wrapped into one, Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is your best bet. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavors that warm the heart and soul. Get ready to create new memories with this cherished classic that never goes out of style.
Print
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish featuring tender hash brown potatoes mixed with Cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a crispy cornflake topping. This classic casserole makes a perfect hearty side or main dish suitable for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup melted butter, divided
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
- 1 (2 pound) bag of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all the ingredients together to have everything ready for assembly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded Cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter, finely chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure the layer is uniform for even cooking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of the potato mixture. Then drizzle the remaining melted butter over the cornflake topping to help it crisp up and turn golden during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm as a hearty side or main dish.
Notes
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a vegetable-based soup.
- Crushed cornflakes add a crunchy topping; you can substitute with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs if preferred.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and adjust salt accordingly.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated unbaked. Bake it fresh just before serving, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
