Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole

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There’s something about a golden, cheesy hash brown casserole that speaks of home, family, and comfort. This recipe is inspired by the kind Grandma used to make—a dish that brought the whole family to the table, fork in hand. It’s warm, savory, and loaded with flavor. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty side dish at dinner, this is the kind of casserole that disappears fast.

Grandma’s hash brown casserole is creamy, cheesy, and baked until bubbling and golden on top. The inside stays tender and flavorful, thanks to shredded potatoes soaked in a rich mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar. A crisp topping adds texture and keeps things interesting.

You might recognize this dish from potlucks or holiday brunches. It’s one of those dependable crowd-pleasers that’s easy to make and even easier to love. The ingredients are simple, the process is quick, and the flavor payoff is massive.

This version keeps things classic, sticking close to that old-fashioned comfort without overcomplicating. No need for gourmet upgrades here. It’s about wholesome ingredients and a tried-and-true method that delivers every time.

The best part? You can make this ahead of time. Prep the night before, refrigerate, and bake it the next morning. It also freezes well, which means you can always have one ready to go for guests, busy weekends, or unexpected get-togethers.

It’s not just a breakfast casserole. It’s also a killer side dish with roast chicken, turkey, or even burgers. You can serve it with eggs in the morning or next to a big green salad for dinner. It’s versatile and always welcome at the table.

And it’s adaptable. Want a little kick? Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer a meatier version? Toss in some cooked ground beef, turkey sausage, or shredded chicken. This is comfort food made to fit your tastes.

But even without the extras, it’s everything you want from a casserole: creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and soul-warming. The kind of dish that makes you feel cared for. The kind you crave on a cold day. The kind that smells amazing baking in the oven.

Kids love it. Adults love it. There’s no arguing with melted cheese and crispy edges.

It’s also a great way to feed a crowd without stress. One pan, no complicated steps, and enough deliciousness to go around.

This is the casserole that never fails. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Just like Grandma made, only with your own touch.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Add thawed hash browns and stir until fully coated.
4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or crackers with melted butter.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Thaw hash browns completely for even cooking.
• Want a crispier topping? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping in cream of mushroom soup.
• Freeze before or after baking—both work great.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hash brown casserole is pure comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crispy in all the right places. It feeds a crowd, works for any meal of the day, and is as easy as stir, bake, and serve. One bite and you’ll know why it’s a family favorite.

Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish. With a rich, cheesy interior and crunchy topping, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the table.