Hashbrown Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Hashbrown Casserole is the definition of comfort food bliss—warm, cheesy, creamy, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it up for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side at dinner, this dish hits all the right notes. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a deliciously satisfying casserole that people will rave about every time.

This cozy casserole has earned its place at holiday dinners, potlucks, and Sunday breakfasts alike. It’s a Southern staple that’s gone nationwide—and for good reason! This version is a Cracker Barrel-style hashbrown casserole that you can make at home, and it tastes even better than the original.

If you’re curious about the roots of this popular dish, Southern Living has a great article exploring its history and variations across the South.

And here’s the best part—it’s incredibly customizable. From add-ins like ham or bacon to topping swaps like buttery cornflakes or crispy onions, this dish molds itself to your cravings. Taste of Home also shares helpful reader-tested versions that highlight its versatility.

Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy, creamy, and ultra-satisfying
Takes less than 10 minutes of prep
Made with easy pantry-friendly ingredients
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or holiday gatherings

Ingredients You’ll Need

To keep things simple and flavorful, this recipe uses readily available ingredients:

1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup melted butter
1 small onion, finely diced
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter
French fried onions
Extra shredded cheese

How to Make Hashbrown Casserole

Follow these simple steps for fail-proof, golden, cheesy goodness every time:

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.

2. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine:
- Thawed hashbrowns
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Melted butter
- Diced onion
- Garlic powder, salt & pepper

Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

3. Spread and Top

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Smooth out the top with a spatula.
If using a topping (like crushed cornflakes), sprinkle it over evenly.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until:
- Hot and bubbly
- Golden brown on top
- Edges are slightly crispy

5. Cool Slightly and Serve

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly for perfect scoops.

️ Serving Suggestions

Hashbrown casserole is one of those all-day dishes that can swing from brunch to dinner with no effort at all. Here are some popular pairings:

Breakfast or Brunch

Scrambled eggs or an omelet station
Crispy bacon or sausage links
Fresh fruit salad
Buttermilk biscuits or toast

Lunch or Dinner

Fried chicken or baked ham
BBQ ribs or grilled pork chops
Green beans or collard greens
A crisp side salad with vinaigrette

It’s also a popular choice for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas brunch tables!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

One of the best things about this dish is how well it stores and reheats. Perfect for busy weeks or prepping ahead for guests.

To Refrigerate:

Assemble the casserole (uncooked), cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior to take the chill off.

❄️ To Freeze:

Freeze unbaked casserole (no toppings) tightly wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding extra time if needed.

To Reheat:

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.
A quick zap in the microwave works too (just cover it to avoid drying out).

Thank you for following me on Facebook & pinterest
for more recipes click here