Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Embracing the kitchen has always been a source of joy, especially when it comes to creating a hashbrown casserole. This dish often brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy brunches. The way that cheesy goodness blends with crispy hash browns creates an unforgettable experience around the dinner table.

Hashbrown casserole makes for a perfect comfort food that unites families. Each bite is soothing, savory, and packed with flavor. The layers of shredded potatoes, creamy cheese sauce, and aromatic ingredients harmonize to create a delightful dish that everyone will love.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s an ideal centerpiece for a meal yet so comforting that it feels like a loving embrace from a family member. No matter the occasion, hashbrown casserole always delights the palate. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how to make the perfect dish.

Hashbrown Casserole: The Fundamentals

Fundamentals

When preparing hashbrown casserole, it’s essential to focus on the key components that make this dish a triumph. The foundational element is, of course, the hash browns. Thawing the frozen shredded potatoes ensures an even consistency throughout the casserole as it bakes.

The creamy cheese sauce elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a combination of melted sharp cheddar cheese and a rich mixture of milk and chicken stock that gives the casserole its delightful texture. Adding fresh garlic and sautéed onions provides a fragrant base that adds depth to the entire dish. Using a sprinkle of flour thickens the sauce, creating a luscious addition that binds everything together perfectly.

Preparation/setup

Start your casserole journey by preheating the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole baking dish by lightly greasing it with oil or cooking spray. This ensures that the casserole will easily release from the pan after it has finished baking.

Next, you’ll want to heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. The olive oil will infuse the vegetables with flavor as you sauté the onions until they turn golden brown. Adding minced garlic immediately after releases its lovely aroma, setting the stage for the creamy sauce to come.

Ingredients

Now it’s time to gather your ingredients. You will need:

• 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)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (or dried parsley)
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create a delightful hashbrown casserole that everyone is sure to enjoy.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they start to brown.
3. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the onions. Stir occasionally until fragrant, which should only take a few seconds.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously. Follow with the milk, stirring as well.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture heat through until it begins to thicken, stirring frequently.
6. Stir in the sour cream, along with salt and pepper. If needed, use a whisk to help incorporate the sour cream for a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to cook for around a minute.
7. Gradually add the shredded cheese by handfuls, stirring until fully melted before adding more. Taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Once the cheese has completely melted, mix in the parsley and remove the pot from the heat.
9. In a large bowl, combine the hash brown potatoes with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
10. Sprinkle an additional cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for a few seconds to achieve that beautiful brown crust.

Elevating Your Hashbrown Casserole Experience

Technique

Perfecting the technique for hashbrown casserole can elevate it even further. One approach is to ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly thawed before mixing. This prevents excess moisture in the casserole. Pat the thawed potatoes with a paper towel if necessary.

Another technique involves allowing the cheese sauce to gently bubble while stirring. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully together and thickens the mixture effectively. A gentle heat helps maintain the texture without scorching ingredients.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t hesitate to customize the flavors in your casserole! Experiment with adding crushed red pepper for some heat or additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a heartier dish.

For busy cooks, consider prepping the dish ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This saves valuable time on busy mornings or during gatherings when you need to focus on other meals.

Preparing hashbrown casserole can be fun and creative. The final dish is not only delicious, but it also serves as a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Mastering your Hashbrown Casserole

Perfecting Results

To achieve the perfect hashbrown casserole, it’s essential to watch for visual cues during baking. The casserole should be bubbly at the edges and have a golden brown top. Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving, as this helps it set and allows the flavors to stabilize.

If the casserole seems too dry during baking, a splash of chicken stock or milk can help adjust the consistency. Use a fork to gently mix before returning it to the oven, ensuring even warmth throughout each serving.

Troubleshooting Variations

If the casserole doesn’t bubble or brown as expected, it might need a few extra minutes in the oven. For an even more crisp top, consider broiling for a brief moment but watch closely to avoid burning.

If you desire to try different variations, consider incorporating different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smoky flavor. Each addition can put a delightful spin on the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Hashbrown Casserole

Serving and Presentation

Serving hashbrown casserole is part of its charm. Once baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before cutting into portions. Present with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some breakfast meats for a hearty brunch spread. Guests will love how easy it is to serve, making it an inviting option for gatherings.

Pairings and Storage

While wine pairings aren’t in the cards, consider what accompanies your hashbrown casserole. Fresh fruit or a light salad balances the richness, offering a refreshing contrast.

For storage, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or stock if the casserole has dried out. This allows you to savor a delicious meal, even days later.

Hashbrown casserole deserves a place in your culinary repertoire. With its comforting flavors and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Let the memories made around this dish live on through shared meals and laughter.

Hashbrown Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting hashbrown casserole recipe featuring layers of cheesy goodness and crispy hash browns, perfect for family gatherings or brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (or dried parsley)
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they start to brown.
3. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the onions. Stir occasionally until fragrant, which should only take a few seconds.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously. Follow with the milk, stirring as well.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture heat through until it begins to thicken, stirring frequently.
6. Stir in the sour cream, along with salt and pepper. If needed, use a whisk to help incorporate the sour cream for a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to cook for around a minute.
7. Gradually add the shredded cheese by handfuls, stirring until fully melted before adding more. Taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Once the cheese has completely melted, mix in the parsley and remove the pot from the heat.
9. In a large bowl, combine the hash brown potatoes with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
10. Sprinkle an additional cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for a few seconds to achieve that beautiful brown crust.

Notes

Customize the flavors with crushed red pepper or add vegetables like bell peppers for a heartier dish. Can be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: hashbrown, casserole, comfort food, family, brunch