With a rich, creamy texture and a crunchy cornflake topping, this dish is simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner extra special, this casserole hits all the right notes. And the best part? It’s versatile enough to pair with almost any meal.
You’ll love how the melty cheese, crispy top, and buttery potatoes create a combination that’s both indulgent and comforting. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients Breakdown for the Ultimate Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
To create this rich and indulgent casserole, you’ll need just a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together perfectly for a dish that’s always a hit.
- 1 (2 lb) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed: These are the foundation of the dish, providing a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy ingredients. Thawing them beforehand ensures even cooking.
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: The sharpness of the Cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor that complements the creamy base. For best results, shred the cheese yourself for maximum meltiness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup: This canned soup is a classic choice for casseroles, giving the dish its signature creamy texture. It binds the ingredients together, making every bite rich and flavorful.
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances out the sharpness of the cheese and the savoriness of the soup. It makes the casserole extra creamy without being too heavy.
- ¾ cup butter, melted, divided: Butter is used in two parts of this recipe. It adds luxurious richness to the casserole base and creates that irresistible crispy cornflake topping.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion: A touch of finely chopped onion adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle crunch, boosting the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A little bit of black pepper adds the perfect touch of warmth and spice, balancing the creaminess.
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes: These buttery, crispy cornflakes are the secret to a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole. It’s the finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level.
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The result is a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and a crispy topping. - Prepare Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. - Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Thawed hash browns
- Sharp Cheddar cheese
- Condensed cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- Finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper
- Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Transfer to Casserole Dish
- Grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the cheesy mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top for uniform baking.
- Prepare the Topping
- Heat the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add crushed cornflakes and stir gently until fully coated in butter.
- Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the casserole for a crunchy, golden finish.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for about 40 minutes.
- Look for a golden, crispy top and a rich aroma to confirm it’s ready.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
- Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mix before baking for an extra flavor boost!
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole With Crunchy Cornflakes Topping (Just 9 Ingredients)
With a rich, creamy texture and a crunchy cornflake topping, this dish is simple to prepare but packed with flavor. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just making dinner extra special, this casserole hits all the right notes. And the best part? It’s versatile enough to pair with almost any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all your ingredients to make this crowd-pleasing casserole!
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded Cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, ½ cup of the melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
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Transfer the cheesy hash brown mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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In a small saucepan, heat the remaining ¼ cup melted butter over medium heat. Add the crushed cornflakes and gently stir until they’re fully coated in the butter.
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Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes over the top of the casserole for a delicious, crunchy finish.
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Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top is golden and crispy.
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Serve and enjoy! This warm, cheesy comfort dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering.
Note
For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce into the mix!