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Hashbrown Casserole stands as the ultimate comfort food, which provides both crispy edges and creamy middle sections, and golden cheese that bubbles on top. The dish provides comfort through its oven-baked warmth and serves both weeknight meals and large gatherings such as potlucks and family celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The dish contains an abundance of melted cheddar cheese in every single bite.
- The dish serves many people, making it suitable for brunch gatherings and dinner parties, and potluck events.
- The dish allows preparation in advance because you can construct it the night before and bake it when you are ready.
- The dish represents a traditional comfort food that brings back memories of home cooking because everyone enjoys it.
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or reduced fat if needed)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (fresh or dried)
- Salt & fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Cook the Aromatics – In a medium pot, heat olive oil. Add diced onions and sauté until they start to brown. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce – Sprinkle flour over onions, stir, then slowly whisk in chicken stock. Gradually add milk while stirring until smooth and thickened.
4. Add the Creaminess – Stir in sour cream, cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Combine & Assemble – In a large bowl, mix hash browns with cheese sauce. Spread evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Top & Bake – Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes; or until bubbly; and golden around the edges.
Tips & Tricks
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most intense cheese flavor in this dish.
- Bacon bits or diced ham can be added to enhance the dish’s heartiness.
- The use of cream of chicken soup allows you to create a quicker version of the dish.
- A crispy surface will form when you sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
FAQ
1. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! The casserole needs to be assembled before refrigeration overnight under a tight cover. The dish is ready to bake when you want to serve it.
2. Can I freeze hashbrown casserole?
Absolutely. The dish needs to be baked before cooling down, then wrapped tightly for freezing storage that lasts up to three months. The oven will heat the dish until it reaches the desired temperature.
3. What can I serve with it?
The dish matches well with roasted meats and breakfast sausage and fried chicken, and a basic green salad.
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