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Crispy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Easy Golden Crust Bake

crispy cheesy hash brown casserole - featured image

A comforting casserole featuring crispy golden hash browns baked with a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with a crunchy golden crust. Perfect for brunch, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 ml) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Thaw the frozen hash browns completely, then drain any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fold in 1 ½ cups (150 g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Save the remaining ½ cup for topping later.
  5. Gently fold the drained hash browns into the creamy cheese mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Evenly spread the breadcrumb-cheese mixture over the casserole surface.
  9. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the cheese bubbles around the edges and the crust is golden brown.
  10. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. The internal temperature should reach about 165°F (74°C).
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Thawing and draining the hash browns is crucial to avoid sogginess. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and meltability. For a crispier topping, toss panko breadcrumbs in melted butter before sprinkling. Rest casserole after baking for neater serving. Can be made gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs and vegetarian by swapping cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, cheesy casserole, crispy hash browns, comfort food, easy casserole, brunch recipe, holiday casserole