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This cheesy hashbrown casserole is creamy, comforting, and one of the easiest potato casseroles you can make at home. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients and bakes into a rich, golden casserole that tastes wonderfully familiar if you’ve ever loved the famous hashbrown casserole served at country-style restaurants.
Tender shredded hash browns bake with butter, onion, creamy soup, and plenty of cheese to create a soft, savory casserole with lightly crisp edges. It’s simple comfort food at its best — perfect for family dinners, holiday breakfasts, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy crowd-pleasing side dish.
Even better, this recipe starts with frozen shredded hash browns, so it’s quick to assemble and almost effortless to make.
If you love hearty breakfast casseroles, try my Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, Croissant Breakfast Casserole, Bisquick Breakfast Casserole, or Pioneer Woman Breakfast Casserole!
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Use shredded hash browns: Shredded potatoes create the best creamy texture and allow the casserole to bake evenly.
✨ Thaw the potatoes first: Frozen hash browns release extra moisture. Letting them thaw helps the casserole set properly.
✨ Shred your own cheese if possible: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
✨ Don’t overmix: Stir just until everything is combined so the casserole stays fluffy instead of dense.
✨ Bake uncovered for crisp edges: Leaving the dish uncovered helps the top turn golden and creates those delicious crispy bits around the edges.
Hashbrown Casserole Ingredients + Key Notes
- Hashbrowns: Hashbrowns come in all shapes and sizes. I prefer the shredded ones for this recipe, but you can experiment with different kinds. You can even try the ones with frozen peppers for an extra kick! The only adjustment you might need to make is cooking slightly longer if the hashbrowns are really chunky!
- Butter: I use unsalted butter.
- Salt + Pepper: Table salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Onion: I use yellow onions.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This is used straight out of the can as an ingredient. No water is added! You can also use cream of mushroom soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Try shredding your own cheese. The pre-shredded bag stuff contains anti-caking agents that are just gross!
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Toppings
You can top your hash brown breakfast casserole in a variety of ways. Let your imagination run wild. Other popular toppings include crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or Panko bread crumbs. Any of these will give your hash brown breakfast casserole a nice crunch.
- Optional Topping:
- I often top this with the following cornflake topping:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes
- Instructions: Melt butter in a skillet. Stir in crushed cornflakes and coat with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole after topping it with cheese.
- I often top this with the following cornflake topping:
🥣 How To Make Hashbrown Casserole
Stir the potatoes, melted butter, onion, soup, salt, pepper, and cheese together in a large bowl until everything is well combined.
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top into an even layer so it bakes evenly.
Bake until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly golden around the edges.
See the recipe card below for the full instructions.
⭐ Pro Tips
⭐ Control the moisture level
If you prefer a casserole that holds together tightly, bake it uncovered so moisture evaporates. Covering the dish will create a softer, creamier texture.
⭐ Add meat for a heartier casserole
Cubed ham, cooked ground beef, or shredded chicken can turn this side dish into a full meal. Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked meat before baking.
⭐ Toast crunchy toppings
If using cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or panko, toss them with melted butter before sprinkling on top so they bake up crisp and golden.
⭐ Use freshly grated potatoes if needed
If you’re using fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, squeeze out as much moisture as possible so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
Easy Hashbrown Casserole Variations
Change the Cheese
Cheddar is classic, but you can easily switch up the flavor by using other cheeses. Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, or Muenster for a slightly different twist. You can also add an extra ½–1 cup of cheese if you want an extra cheesy casserole.
Add Meat
To turn this casserole into a complete meal, stir in 1–2 cups of cooked meat before baking. Cubed ham works especially well, and it’s a great way to use holiday leftovers. Cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken are also delicious options.
Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen
If you don’t have frozen hash browns, fresh potatoes can work too. The key is removing as much moisture as possible so the casserole sets properly.
Start by parboiling whole potatoes for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to cold water to cool. Once cool, grate the potatoes and rinse them to remove excess starch. Dry the shredded potatoes thoroughly using a salad spinner or by squeezing them inside a clean kitchen towel until no more moisture comes out.
Then continue assembling the casserole as directed.
What to Serve With Hashbrown Casserole
Savory Breakfast Favorites
Hashbrown casserole pairs perfectly with classic breakfast proteins. Serve it alongside Bisquick Sausage Balls, Million Dollar Bacon, or Bacon Wrapped Smokies for a hearty and satisfying brunch spread.
Sweet Brunch Treats
A sweet baked treat balances the rich, savory flavors of the casserole. Try Blueberry Coffee Cake, Bisquick Blueberry Muffins, or Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins for a cozy brunch pairing.
Brunch Crowd-Pleasers
If you’re serving brunch for a group, round out the meal with Croissant Breakfast Casserole or Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
Storage + Freezing + Make-Ahead
How Long Can You Keep This In The Refrigerator?
You can store this in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze This?
Freezing is a great option. Assemble as directed and freeze in a baking dish. You can bake directly from frozen or allow it to thaw before baking.
- If baking from frozen, allow for additional cooking time. Leftovers- if there are any- freeze well too! Freeze in single servings for a great snack or midweek breakfast!
- This can be frozen for 4-6 months.
Make-Ahead Tips:
When deciding whether to make this ahead of time, remember that this dish assembles in literally five minutes. However, if you need to have it at the ready, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. Bake as directed.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
✦ Can I make hashbrown casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
✦ Do I need to thaw frozen hashbrowns first?
Yes. Thawing prevents excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
✦ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes. Parboil whole potatoes for about 5 minutes, cool, shred, rinse to remove starch, and dry thoroughly before using.
✦ Why did my hashbrown casserole turn out watery?
This usually happens when frozen potatoes aren’t thawed or when freshly shredded potatoes weren’t dried well.
✦ Can I freeze hashbrown casserole?
Yes. Bake the casserole first, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
More Cozy Potato Recipes
If you love cozy potato casseroles like this one, here are a few more comforting potato dishes that are perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Funeral Potatoes
- Au Gratin Potatoes
- Ranch Potatoes
- Boursin Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
- Ham and Potato Casserole
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Tried This Recipe?
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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (2-pound package) frozen hashbrown thawed
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Combine potatoes (1 package), butter (1/2 cup), onions (1/2 cup), soup (1 can), salt (1 teaspoon), pepper (1/2 teaspoon), and cheese (2 cups) in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined and pour into the pan.
- Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 45-50 minutes.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Meat Variation: You can add meat to this casserole recipe to make it a complete meal on its own. Use cubed ham to create a hashbrown casserole with ham. It’s a perfect way to do it after a holiday meal! Leftover chicken can transform into chicken hashbrown casserole. Add 1-2 cups of meat to the mixture and prepare as directed.
- Cutting Onions: Onions can be a pain to deal with, but the flavor they bring to a dish makes it well worth the effort. There are several ways to make chopping onions less obnoxious. Of course, you can always ‘cheat’ and use the food processor! I won’t tell!
- HashBrown Options: Hashbrowns come in all shapes and sizes. I prefer the shredded ones, but you can experiment with different kinds. You can even try the ones with frozen peppers for an extra kick! The only adjustment you might need to make is cooking slightly longer if the hashbrowns are really chunky! You can also use refrigerated hashbrowns.
- Controlling The Moisture Level: I like this casserole to bind together tightly and have a low moisture level. That’s why I cook it uncovered. It also gives you those crunch bits around the edges! However, if you like it more on the saucy side, cover it with aluminum foil to trap the moisture.
GREAT job, Kathleen. Thank you. I enjoy your . recipes all the time, and this one is a real winner!
Most of what I make is from scratch, so next time perhaps I’ll grate the potatoes myself instead of buying the pre-made frozen ones. In the interests of health, I substituted olive oil for some of the butter, used low-fat cheese, and added some chopped celery and fresh parsley to the mix.
Just a comment about re-inventing… it never bothers me when people change, add to, or omit stuff from recipes because I love to “tweak” them and enjoy hearing from others’ experiences what works or doesn’t work. It’s actually one of my favorite parts of reading recipes and we can all learn from each other. I read so often about readers criticizing fellow commenters who post these changes and think this rather unkind.
What I don’t like/learn anything from is when people post comments like “I’m going to try this tonight for our dinner.” or “This looks really good and I can’t wait to make it after I go to the grocery store this afternoon and buy _______.” Just my opinion, but it seems rather unnecessary.
Delicious I added 1 roll pork sausage y to o the recipe.
That sounds even better! Thanks, Nichele! 🙂
I made this a few nights ago. I didn’t have any cream of chicken soup, but I still made it. I also added polish sausage and it was so good. But next time I’m gonna make sure I have the soup on hand.
Hi Crystal! YAY! So glad you like it and thank you for sharing with us how this turned out for you! ? Love the polish sausage idea ❤️
This looks AMAZING Kathleen, and SO easy!!!
Thank you so much, Lindsey! <3
I have been making this delicious “Cheesy Potato” Casserole for years and it is a family favorite. ….. it is ummexpected to be served at Christmas dinner with our Baked Ham. Yummy for sure !
Hi, Scarlet! Thank you! Yes, you can’t go wrong with a potato casserole 🙂
How many hash browns? I’m reading 12 pound package!!?
Hi, Lucrezia, it’s One 2-pound package frozen hashbrown. I added the hyphen. Thanks!
I made it for our brunch after Chapel and hoped for leftovers but not a shred left. So twas a huge success. Now I have to make another for us as were at the end of the line and didn’t even get to lick the pan. 🙂 I did use cream of cheddar soup instead and that really put it over the top. Thanks so much for sharing so many wonderful recipes.
Hi, Jeannine! Wow, so happy you all like it! This means you need an extra batch next time! Your tweak sounds perfect! 🙂 <3