How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Prepare a baked casserole version of hash browns.

Cheesy hash brown casseroles grace the breakfast tables of commercial restaurants, tailgate parties, potluck dinners and family reunions alike. Create your own version at home to delight your guests at any occasion. Vary the types of creamed condensed soup to your personal preference. To allow yourself more time to relax on the day of your event, prepare the casserole the day before except for the baking step. Refrigerate until the next morning. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 15 minutes before you need to place it in the oven to bake.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking spray
• 13-by-9-inch casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• 2 lbs. frozen hash browns, shredded
• 8 oz. Colby cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup butter
• Medium onion, chopped
• 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz.)

Instructions

1. Defrost the hash browns. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 13-by-9-inch pan with oil. Mix the Colby cheese, soup, butter and onions in a large bowl.

2. Fold in the defrosted hash browns. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

3. Place in the oven. Bake 45 minutes to an hour; the top should be nicely golden brown.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute cream of chicken, cream of celery or cream of broccoli soup for the cream of mushroom soup.

• Add cooked sausage, sauteed green peppers, diced ham or bacon pieces to bulk up the recipe.

• Substitute 8 oz. sour cream for the butter, if desired, for a creamy consistency.

• Mix 1 cup of crushed crackers or cornflakes mixed with 2 tbsp. melted butter and spread on top as a topping.

References

• Allrecipes: Hash Brown Casserole II