The Ultimate Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole: An Easy & Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Recipe
This Hash Brown Potato Casserole is a true culinary delight, offering a perfect blend of cheesy, creamy goodness on the inside, beautifully complemented by a irresistibly crunchy topping. It’s the kind of dish that consistently earns rave reviews and leaves your guests eager for a second helping!
Our beloved Easy Cheesy Potatoes with Ore-Ida Hash Browns recipe holds a special place in our family’s culinary traditions. It’s the quintessential go-to dish for every holiday gathering, celebratory potluck, and whenever we simply crave comforting, hearty fare. This particular version, adapted from my Mom’s original recipe, has become an absolute favorite. My husband, in particular, looks forward to it as the highlight of our Christmas meal, and his excitement is palpable whenever it makes an appearance on the menu. A testament to its popularity, leftovers of this incredibly delicious casserole are a rare phenomenon!
Often affectionately known as “Funeral Potatoes,” this casserole has transcended its humble origins to become synonymous with ultimate comfort food. This deeply satisfying, cheesy, au gratin potato dish is particularly prevalent in communities associated with the Church of Latter-Day Saints, where it earned its distinctive name. “Funeral Potatoes” refers to its frequent serving as a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish at after-funeral luncheons and receptions, offering solace and sustenance during difficult times. However, its appeal is universal; anyone who enjoys rich, creamy potatoes with a delightful cheesy crust will quickly understand why this dish is so cherished.
If you’re a fan of savory potato dishes and looking to expand your home cooking repertoire, you’ll love exploring other hearty options. Consider trying my Beef & Kraut Tater Tot Casserole for a robust meal, the satisfying Sausage & Potato Casserole, or the indulgent Loaded Baked Potato Casserole. Each offers a unique twist on the classic potato theme, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Hash Browns vs. Shredded Potatoes: Understanding the Difference
While frozen hash browns offer unparalleled convenience, you certainly have the option to use fresh potatoes if you prefer. The key is to prepare them correctly to achieve a similar texture. You’ll need to either finely shred or dice your fresh potatoes to mimic the consistency of commercial hash browns. Once shredded or diced, place the potato pieces in a bowl of cold water. This step is crucial for removing excess starch. You’ll then stir, drain, add more fresh cold water, and repeat this process a few times until the water runs mostly clear. This meticulous starch removal prevents the casserole from becoming gummy and ensures a lighter, fluffier texture in the finished dish.
Using frozen hash browns, whether shredded or diced, effectively eliminates all that extra effort. They come pre-peeled, perfectly shredded or diced, and frozen, ready for your recipe. This convenience is a major time-saver, especially when preparing for holidays or larger gatherings. Furthermore, frozen hash browns boast an extremely long shelf life in the freezer, making them a fantastic staple to keep on hand without requiring any immediate additional preparation. They are specifically processed to reduce starch content, contributing to a better final product.
To ensure your cheesy hash brown casserole achieves that coveted creamy-yet-firm consistency and avoids being soggy, it’s vital to drain any excess moisture from thawed frozen hash browns. Simply press them gently in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to extract as much liquid as possible. This small step makes a significant difference in the texture. For meal planning flexibility, this casserole can be prepared and frozen either before or after baking. Freezing it beforehand is an excellent way to prep the meal well in advance of serving, and rest assured, this process will not result in a soggy casserole when it’s thawed and baked.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Hash Brown Casserole
Crafting the perfect cheesy hash brown casserole requires a harmonious blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital to this comforting dish:
- Hash Brown Potatoes: The star of our casserole! You have the flexibility to use either diced or shredded frozen hash browns. Ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained before mixing to prevent a watery casserole. The type you choose will slightly alter the texture – shredded offers a more uniform, integrated feel, while diced provides distinct potato chunks.
- Salt: An absolute necessity for seasoning, salt brings out the natural flavors of the potatoes and balances the richness of the dairy and cheese. Don’t skip it!
- Butter: Divided for a reason, butter contributes a luxurious, rich flavor throughout the dish and is essential for achieving that golden, crispy topping. Use unsalted butter to control the overall sodium content.
- Onion: Commonly used in many hash brown and potato recipes, dried minced onion or finely diced fresh onion provides a foundational aromatic flavor that perfectly compliments the earthy taste of the potatoes. It adds depth without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the savory profile of the casserole. Adjust to your preference for a mild kick.
- Parsley Flakes: More than just a garnish, parsley flakes introduce a fresh, herbaceous note that helps to balance the richness of this savory dish. It adds a pop of color and a hint of garden freshness.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This condensed soup is the secret to the casserole’s incredibly creamy and velvety texture. It provides a savory base and helps bind all the ingredients together, creating that signature gooey interior. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be substituted for a vegetarian option or different flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: Pairing beautifully with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream adds a delightful tang and contributes significantly to the casserole’s rich, smooth texture. It also helps to keep the potatoes moist during baking. Full-fat sour cream will yield the creamiest results.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of the “cheesy” in cheesy potatoes! Sharp or mild, cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, flavorful interior. We reserve some for the top to ensure a gorgeous, bubbly cheese crust. Other great cheese options include Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of your favorites.
- Corn Flake Crumbs: This ingredient is crucial for creating the iconic crunchy, golden-brown topping that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. For a different texture or flavor, you can easily substitute crushed Ritz crackers or even Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little Parmesan cheese.
Mastering the Cheesy Potatoes Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this indulgent hash brown casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable dish:
PREPARE THE OVEN AND BAKING DISH
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving and cleanup.
THAW AND DRAIN HASH BROWNS
Place your fully thawed hash browns into a large mixing bowl. It’s imperative that the hash browns are completely thawed and, more importantly, well-drained. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can using a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. This prevents the final casserole from becoming watery or soggy.
PREPARE THE CREAMY MIXTURE
In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping), dried minced onion, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Whisk or stir these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, creamy binder for your potatoes. Once smooth, pour this luscious mixture over the thawed hash browns in the large bowl and gently stir until the potatoes are evenly coated.
ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE LAYERS
Carefully pour the hash brown mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. In a small separate bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs and the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter, mixing them until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. This creates our signature crunchy topping. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cornflake mixture over the top of the hash brown mixture in the baking dish, then scatter the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cornflake topping.
BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
Finally, place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling, heated through, and the cornflake topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the topping during the last 15-20 minutes to prevent over-browning; if it’s getting too dark, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
To ensure your casserole is a resounding success every time, consider these additional tips:
- Don’t Rush the Thaw: Make sure your frozen hash browns are completely thawed. If they’re still partially frozen, they will release water during baking, leading to a soggy casserole. Thawing them overnight in the fridge is ideal.
- Drain, Drain, Drain: This cannot be stressed enough. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy, creamy casserole. After thawing, press the hash browns between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Even Spreading: When combining the hash browns with the creamy mixture, ensure everything is evenly distributed. This guarantees every bite is packed with flavor and consistent texture.
- Topping Variations: While cornflake crumbs are classic, feel free to experiment. Crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips can create different crunchy textures. For extra flavor, you can mix a little garlic powder or paprika into your chosen topping.
- Cheese Choice: While cheddar is a classic, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a sharp white cheddar can all lend delicious nuances to your casserole.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is fantastic for making ahead. Assemble the entire dish (without the cornflake topping) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking to maintain its crispness.
- Freezing for Later: For longer storage, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. You can freeze it unbaked (without the topping) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t forget where you found this incredibly tasty, versatile recipe! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it for your next family meal or potluck. Sharing is caring, and this is a dish everyone will want to make!
Cheesy Potatoes and Ham: A Classic Pairing
In my humble opinion, nothing complements a perfectly cooked ham better than a generous serving of cheesy potato casserole! It’s a match made in culinary heaven, a pairing that graces our holiday tables year after year. For the past few years, we’ve found immense joy in preparing our Easter ham on the Traeger grill. The smoky flavor infused into the ham is absolutely irresistible, and a major bonus is that it frees up precious oven space. This allows me to dedicate the oven to this fantastic hash brown potato casserole recipe and my equally cherished Mom’s Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole – another holiday favorite that’s simply a must-have!
If you’re looking for another clever way to liberate your oven during busy holiday cooking, consider preparing your ham in a slow cooker! This Slow Cooker Glazed Ham recipe is a phenomenal keeper, yielding tender, flavorful ham with minimal fuss, making it ideal for complementing your cheesy potato casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hash Brown Casserole
While famously paired with ham, this versatile cheesy hash brown casserole shines as a side dish for a wide array of meals. It’s truly a chameleon of comfort food!
- Breakfast & Brunch: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or a quiche for an elevated breakfast or brunch spread. It’s a fantastic alternative to plain fried potatoes.
- Holiday Feasts: Beyond Easter ham, it’s a staple for Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas roast, or any special occasion meal. It holds up well on a buffet.
- Weeknight Dinners: Pair it with roasted chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or even a simple grilled steak for a comforting and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it perfect for potlucks, family reunions, or neighborhood barbecues. It travels well and is always a hit!
Other Delicious Recipes You Will Enjoy
If you loved this cheesy hash brown casserole, you’re sure to find new favorites among these other fantastic recipes:
- Breakfast Hash Brown Pizza: A fun and flavorful way to start your day.
- Egg & Hash Brown Breakfast Pie: Perfect for a hearty brunch.
- Pork Chop & Potato Bake: A complete and comforting one-dish meal.
- Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: A sweet treat for dessert.
- Copy Cat – Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole (with BACON!): For those who crave a smoky, savory twist.
- Tater Tot Casserole: Another family-friendly potato casserole using crispy tater tots.
- Reuben Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls: A unique and delicious breakfast option.
- Sophisticated Green Bean Casserole (pictured above): An elegant take on a classic side dish.
- Spicy Tater Tot Casserole with Sausage & Mushrooms: For those who like a little heat in their comfort food.
Go ahead, make my MOST favorite Cheesy Potatoes! You won’t regret it. 
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Print Recipe
Hash Brown Potato Casserole
Equipment
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes thawed and well-drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/4 cup finely diced fresh onion)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery)
- 2 cups sour cream (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
- 2 cups corn flakes crumbled, or can substitute crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are lightly coated.
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Place fully thawed hash browns in a large bowl. Ensure they are well-drained by pressing out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
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In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, dried minced onion, black pepper, and parsley flakes. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the hash browns and stir gently until the potatoes are completely coated.
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Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs and the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix well. Sprinkle this buttery cornflake topping and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hash brown mixture.
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Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, heated through, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, you may lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Notes
Nutrition
This delightful recipe for Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole was originally shared on March 30, 2016. It has been thoroughly updated and re-shared on April 8, 2022, to enhance user experience, improve clarity, and provide additional valuable information.
