Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
A Rich, Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole Everyone Will Love
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, cheesy Hashbrown Casserole fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a holiday feast, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it for a cozy family dinner, this dish is always a guaranteed hit. Creamy, savory, and perfectly cheesy, this casserole combines shredded hash browns with a luscious, homemade cheese sauce that’s baked to bubbling perfection.
Forget the canned soups—this version uses real, wholesome ingredients to create a rich, flavorful base with just the right balance of creaminess and bite. Let’s dive into what makes this Hashbrown Casserole so irresistible and how you can make it perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
✔️ Ultra Creamy Texture
Thanks to whole milk, sour cream, and a rich homemade roux, this casserole is creamy without being soupy.
✔️ Loaded with Cheese
We use sharp cheddar cheese in both the filling and topping for maximum cheesy goodness and that signature golden crust.
✔️ Made From Scratch
No condensed soup here! This version uses real ingredients for a deeper, more satisfying flavor.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion
From brunches and BBQs to holiday dinners and weeknight meals, this dish fits in anywhere.
✔️ Easy to Make Ahead
Prep it a day in advance, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Here’s everything you need to create this indulgent, flavor-packed dish:
- 2 cups whole milk (reduced fat can be used, but whole milk gives the richest flavor)
- 1 cup chicken stock (adds savory depth to the base)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (melts beautifully into the sauce)
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste (essential for balancing flavors)
- 1 cup additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping
- 1 small onion, diced (adds flavor and texture to the sauce)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced (enhances the overall aroma and taste)
- 2 tbsp oil or butter for sautéing
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (used to thicken the cheese sauce)
- 1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a medium pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until golden and soft—about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Let the flour cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flavor.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the milk, continuing to stir as the mixture begins to thicken into a smooth sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream, 8 oz shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Let the cheese melt completely, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in parsley and remove from heat.
Step 4: Mix with Hash Browns
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the cheese sauce. Mix until well coated and evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, and the casserole is hot throughout.
Expert Tips for Hashbrown Casserole Success
- Use Thawed Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns will release too much water and make the casserole soggy. Thaw and pat dry before mixing.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese makes a creamier sauce.
- Customize It: Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers for a heartier dish.
- Make It Spicy: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover with foil if needed to prevent the top from over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Pair it with:
- Grilled or Roasted Meats – Steak, chicken, pork chops, or ribs.
- Brunch Favorites – Serve alongside scrambled eggs, sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad.
- Holiday Dinners – A perfect addition to Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas spreads.
- Vegetarian Pairings – Pair with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze hashbrown casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 60–75 minutes, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche are great substitutes if you want a lighter option or different flavor.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but shred them using a box grater and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel before mixing into the cheese sauce.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a timeless comfort food classic that checks every box—creamy, cheesy, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner, this casserole brings people together around the table with every bite.
With its golden-brown crust and melt-in-your-mouth filling, this is the ultimate side dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Try it today and experience the rich, cheesy flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.