Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Breakfast Recipe

Cheesy potatoes get added flavor when mixed with a few simple ingredients for a cheesy hash brown casserole breakfast sure to please any crowd.

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Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole comes from the 100 Days of Real Food book. It is a mixture of two of my favorite things…. potatoes and cheddar cheese! It’s a copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. 

This is super simple to make, especially if you use frozen hashbrowns. And trust me, buy them frozen. Making hash browns from scratch might seem like a great idea, but let me tell you, it can be quite challenging. The key is to get the texture and moisture just right. Store-bought frozen hash browns are a convenient alternative that guarantees consistent results. By using frozen hash browns, you can save time and effort while still achieving deliciously crispy results. So, next time you’re in the mood for some homemade hash browns, remember to opt for the frozen variety – your taste buds will thank you!

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a wonderful choice if you’re in need of a recipe for a pot-luck-style brunch. I prepared it for my Mothers of Preschoolers gathering last month and everyone was eagerly requesting the recipe. It served as a perfect complement to the delightful yogurt parfaits that we enjoyed alongside it. The combination of flavors and textures was absolutely delightful, making this dish a definite crowd-pleaser.

I have this listed under breakfast since most people associate hash browns as a breakfast food. I find that hash browns are the perfect way to start the day – their crispy exterior and tender interior make for a delightful morning treat. When the golden brown potatoes hit the plate, the aroma fills the air, instantly awakening your senses. Whether paired with eggs, bacon, or a stack of fluffy pancakes, hash browns add that extra touch of satisfaction to the breakfast table. 

However, don’t underestimate the versatility of this beloved dish! Hash browns can also shine as part of a savory dinner. Imagine a chicken fried steak, smothered in rich gravy, accompanied by a side of crispy hash browns. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. This cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is also a perfect side dish for so many meals. It would even be great with your holiday meals. So, regardless of the time of day, why not indulge in the deliciousness of hash browns?

Add-Ins and Garnish Ideas

The basic recipe is delicious as it’s made. But there are always ways you can add a few things into the casserole or on top to bring it to another level. Try any combination of these:

• Use cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, or cream of celery soup instead of milk for a creamier casserole
• Top it with a dollop of sour cream
• Add some crunch to the top with crushed corn flakes, panko bread crumbs, or crispy fried onions
• Mix in some meat by adding browned ground beef or ground turkey
• Use different cheeses to change the flavor
• Try substituting one cup of milk for one cup chicken broth

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Step by Step

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 pound hash browns (frozen)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a square baking dish. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat then cook the diced onion for about 2-3 minutes, just until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 

Turn the heat down to medium-low and slowly whisk in the flour while stirring continuously. Whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper and stir until it thickens in the flour, about 2-3 minutes. 

Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has all melted. 

Fold the hash browns into the cheese mixture. If your pan is big enough, you can do it in the pan. I prefer to mix it all in a large mixing bowl to make sure I have the space needed.

Transfer the cheesy hash browns mixture to the greased casserole dish and smooth it out as much as possible. 

Bake the cheesy casserole for about 30-35 minutes, uncovered. The cheese should start to bubble but probably won’t be brown. If you want to brown the cheese, you can turn the broiler on for a few minutes. 

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Leftovers

Storage: Once the casserole comes to room temperature, either cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap or move the casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2-3 days.

Reheating: The best way to reheat the casserole is in the oven or in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezing: If you want to freeze this casserole, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container with no extra air. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Cheesy potatoes get added flavor when mixed with a few simple ingredients for a cheesy hash brown casserole breakfast sure to please any crowd.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Course:

Breakfast

Cuisine:

American

Keyword:

casserole

|

cheese

|

potatoes

Servings: 8 cups

5 from 8 votes

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups mild cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 pound hash browns (frozen)

Recommended Equipment

• Glass Baking Dish
• Skillet
• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board
• Garlic Press
• Whisk – Nylon
• Box Grater

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Grease a square baking dish
• In large pan, melt butter over medium heat
• Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 2-3 minutes
• Add the minced garlic for another minute
• Turn heat to medium-low and whisk in flour slowly, stirring continuously
• Whisk in milk, salt, and pepper until it thickens
• Turn off the heat and add the grated cheese until it melts
• Fold cheese mixture with hash browns until it is completely coated
• Transfer to the baking dish, making sure to really pat the mixture down into the pan
• Bake about 30-35 minutes uncovered
• Turn heat to brown for a few minutes to brown the top, if desired

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Nutrition Facts

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 282 Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Cholesterol 57mg19%

Sodium 429mg18%

Potassium 259mg7%

Carbohydrates 16g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 623IU12%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 265mg27%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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More Hash Recipes to try

• Country Ham Hash Breakfast
• Healthy Breakfast Hash
• Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
• Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Toast