5 Delicious Hash Brown Casserole Recipes You'll Love

When it comes to comfort food, hash brown casserole reigns supreme. This dish combines the crispy, golden goodness of hash browns with a variety of flavors, making it the perfect option for breakfasts, brunches, or even dinners. From simple classics to innovative twists, these five hash brown casserole recipes are sure to please everyone at the table.

1. Classic Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

This is the go-to recipe for anyone craving that diner-style, cheesy, crunchy hash brown casserole. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (32 oz) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped onions
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, 1 cup of cheese, the soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, and onions if using. Mix well.
  3. Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, followed by the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

🧀 Note: For a creamier casserole, add more cheese or a splash of milk to the mix.

2. Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

For those who love a hearty meal loaded with toppings, this recipe offers everything from bacon to chives.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds hash browns, thawed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Sliced jalapeños for heat
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Fold in hash browns, bacon, green onions, and 1 cup of each cheese.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

3. Sweet Potato Hash Brown Casserole

A healthier, yet equally delicious version of the classic, this recipe swaps regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, adding an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large sweet potatoes, grated
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grate sweet potatoes and squeeze out excess liquid.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in sweet potatoes and cheese.
  4. Place in a baking dish, sprinkle with pecans if using, and bake for 35-40 minutes.

4. Taco Hash Brown Casserole

Fuse the flavors of your favorite taco with the comfort of a hash brown casserole for a unique dish that's sure to be a crowd pleaser.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns
  • Optional: Sour cream, cilantro, and avocado for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning, drain excess grease.
  2. Mix beef with black beans, salsa, and half the cheese.
  3. In a greased baking dish, layer hash browns, beef mixture, then top with remaining cheese.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the hash browns are crispy on top.

5. Spinach and Feta Hash Brown Bake

Lean into Mediterranean flavors with this vegetarian-friendly option that combines spinach, feta, and hash browns.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (16 oz) bag hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dill, chopped (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix hash browns, spinach, feta, garlic, dill, milk, and eggs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.

As we wrap up this culinary journey through hash brown casserole variations, it's clear that this dish's versatility is one of its greatest strengths. From the simple yet beloved classic to the health-conscious sweet potato bake, and from the spicy taco twist to the savory Mediterranean flavors, there's a hash brown casserole recipe for every taste and occasion. Each recipe offers not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and techniques, ensuring your cooking repertoire remains exciting and diverse. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply seeking comfort food, these casseroles promise to deliver warmth, flavor, and satisfaction.

Can hash brown casserole be made ahead of time?

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Yes, hash brown casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. You might need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through thoroughly.

How do you ensure the hash browns get crispy on top?

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To achieve a crispy top on your casserole, make sure your oven is fully preheated. Also, use ingredients like cornflakes or breadcrumbs, or increase the amount of cheese, which will crisp up nicely under the heat. A brief broil at the end can also give an extra crunch.

What are some common ingredient substitutions?

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Common substitutions include using cauliflower rice instead of hash browns for a lower-carb version, or replacing cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option. Greek yogurt can be swapped in for sour cream to reduce fat, and various cheeses can be used for different flavors.