HASH BROWN POTATO CASSEROLE
Southerners are unapologetic in their affection for hashbrown casseroles. Commonly referred to as "Funeral Casserole," this dish's creamy texture has provided solace to the grieving for many years. Moreover, it is undeniable that no other dish can transition as effortlessly from a country club breakfast buffet to a potluck church supper.
Discover how to prepare hashbrown casserole, and you will find a potato side dish that your family will request repeatedly.
How To Prepare Hashbrown Casserole
This excellent recipe is suitable for both novice and experienced cooks, requiring only about 20 minutes of active preparation time, followed by 50 minutes of baking until it is ready to serve.
Step 1. Begin by combining the first five ingredients—thawed frozen hashbrowns, a cream-based soup, one container of sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and chopped onion—with 1/2 cup of melted butter.
Step 2. Transfer this mixture into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle crushed corn flakes mixed with the remaining butter on top.
Step 3. Bake the casserole until it is bubbly and the topping achieves a golden brown color.
Ingredients for Hashbrown Casserole
This potato side dish will be beloved for its creamy, cheesy taste, but it will also be appreciated for its simplicity in preparation, which is reflected in the concise ingredient list:
Frozen hashbrown potatoes: Select a two-pound bag from the freezer aisle. Cubed potatoes are preferred over shredded hashbrowns.
Cream of chicken soup: This ingredient contributes creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
Sour cream: This adds a tangy flavor and body to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Mild Cheddar cheese is recommended, but if you prefer a sharper taste, opt for sharp Cheddar.
Onion: This ingredient enhances each bite with savory, umami flavor.
Butter: This adds richness to the filling and aids in achieving a golden brown topping.
Cornflakes cereal: It is advised by casserole enthusiasts to avoid using generic cornflakes for the topping.
Parsley: An optional garnish for those seeking a touch of freshness or decoration.
Ways to Serve Hashbrown Casserole
This dish is an excellent addition to a weekend brunch spread. Pair it with an egg casserole, a fresh fruit salad, and crispy bacon, and your brunch table will be the talk of the town for weeks to come.
While hashbrown casserole is easily suited for breakfast pairings, it can also be enjoyed for lunch with a vibrant green salad or as a side dish for dinner alongside roast chicken, salmon, or pork tenderloin. If you are weary of preparing roasted potatoes or wish to take a break from mashed potatoes, consider this as an alternative starch side that complements nearly any savory main.
If you are reheating leftovers and desire something more substantial, you can add an egg on top. We recommend poached eggs for this purpose, but fried eggs or even soft-boiled eggs would work just as well.
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How to Store Hashbrown Casserole
In the rare event that you have leftover casserole, simply cover your baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly wrapped, and place it in the refrigerator to be reheated the following day.
When you are ready to enjoy the hashbrown casserole leftovers, you can either place the entire dish in a preheated 350°F oven or scoop out just enough for a single serving and transfer it to an oven-safe dish. As an added bonus for leftovers, consider sprinkling a handful of corn flakes on top for extra crunch with each bite.
How to Freeze Hashbrown Casserole
This dish freezes exceptionally well. If you are planning ahead or wish to prepare hashbrown casserole for a friend or family member in need of a home-cooked meal, be sure to inform them that the casserole can remain frozen for two to three months.
You can either bake it according to the instructions and allow it to cool completely before placing it in the freezer, or you can prepare the hashbrown casserole up to the point of baking before freezing it.
Hashbrown Casserole
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
How to Defrost and Reheat a Casserole
Reasons for Our Affection Towards This Recipe
It is not solely the convenience offered by the dish's primary component (a package of frozen diced hashbrown potatoes) that draws us back to this hashbrown casserole repeatedly—although we certainly appreciate bypassing the entire peeling and shredding process in favor of this ready-to-use freezer item. We also cherish this recipe for its rich flavor, utilizing ingredients that we frequently have available.
Onion, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup serve as supporting elements in this comforting classic, and there is no need for elaborate kitchen appliances or tools. In fact, it is a one-bowl recipe, making clean-up remarkably easy as well.
Yet another reason for our fondness for this recipe? It can be effortlessly adapted to a vegetarian version by replacing the cream of chicken soup with an alternative soup variety, such as cream of mushroom or cream of potato.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (32 oz.) pkg. hash browns, thawed
- 3/4 c. melted butter
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz.) sour cream
- 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 c. crushed corn flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine 1 stick melted butter, soup, onion, potatoes, sour cream and cheese. Stir well. Pour in 2 1/2 quart casserole or baking pan (greased). Mix corn flakes with 1/2 stick melted butter. Sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
