Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is the heart and soul of comfort food: tender shredded potatoes blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce and crowned with a golden, buttery crunch. This dreamy side dish manages to be both cozy and festive, making it a true family classic for holiday feasts, potlucks, or lazy weekend brunches. If you grew up eating dishes that warmed you from the inside out, you’ll instantly recognize the magic of this casserole—and one bite will bring back all those nostalgic memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is how a handful of simple supermarket staples can transform into something so crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings its own flair—melty cheese for richness, crunchy topping for texture, and creamy soup for that signature velvety base.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 oz): These save time and soak up all the flavor while baking—make sure they’re thawed for a smooth mix.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): This creamy canned soup is the secret to a luscious casserole; opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and keeps the casserole ultra-moist and velvety.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Rich, nutty butter saturates every bite and ties together all the flavors.
- Small onion, finely diced: Fresh onion gives the casserole a gentle bite and wonderful depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp cheddar melts into gooey pockets, delivering that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For aromatic warmth without overpowering the classic taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the earthy, savory notes in the potatoes and cheese.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough heat to balance the creaminess.
- Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (1 1/2 cups): This topping bakes up crisp and golden, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Melted butter for topping (2 tablespoons): Ensures the crust gets crisp and toasty in all the right ways.
How to Make Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures you’ll be able to scoop those cheesy layers out effortlessly. While the oven warms, let your hash browns thaw completely so they’re easy to mix and bake up tender.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Toss in the finely diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until combined—this is the creamy magic that brings Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole together.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Potatoes
Now, gently stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. Once it’s mixed through, add the thawed hash browns and fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated in the sauce. The mixture should look thick and luscious, with every strand of potato blanketed in creamy goodness.
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the hash brown and cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes up nice and even. This is the canvas for your crunchy topping!
Step 5: Make and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes or buttery cracker crumbs with the 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are coated, then sprinkle this mix evenly over the casserole. The butter will help the topping bake up golden and crispy, a classic hallmark of Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbly and deeply golden on top. Once done, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this brief pause lets the casserole set, making it a breeze to slice and serve.
How to Serve Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole
Garnishes
Dress up your serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions for lively color and an oniony pop. A dash of smoked paprika or a handful of extra shredded cheddar just before serving brings an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Even a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon crumbles makes each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole pairs beautifully with everything from roast ham or turkey at holiday gatherings to simple scrambled eggs for a sunny weekend brunch. Try it alongside a bright, citrusy salad or sautéed green beans to balance the richness. Whatever the main, this casserole is guaranteed to be the first side dish to disappear from the table!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party twist, or bake in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey vibe. For potlucks or make-ahead breakfasts, scoop the casserole into muffin tins for adorable, grab-and-go servings. No matter how you slice it, Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole suits every occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole holds its flavor and texture beautifully, so you can enjoy those cheesy, creamy bites all week long. Make sure the crunchy topping stays on top when storing to preserve a bit of that coveted crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole either baked or unbaked. Simply prepare as directed (without adding the topping), wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking, or thaw and reheat as needed for quick comfort food on your busiest nights.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or cover a larger portion with foil and bake at 350°F until bubbly. For the crispest topping, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end. Leftovers are just as dreamy as day one—sometimes even better!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can peel and shred fresh russet potatoes—just be sure to rinse, dry, and squeeze out excess moisture so your casserole doesn’t turn watery. Using fresh potatoes adds a little prep time but brings a lovely, earthier flavor to Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can easily substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a vegetarian twist or simply a different flavor profile. Each option blends seamlessly into the casserole, making it just as irresistible.
Can I add meat or extra veggies?
Absolutely! Fold in cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even sautéed bell peppers for a heartier spin. Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole is ultra-adaptable, perfect for cleaning out the fridge or feeding a hungry crowd.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely—just use a gluten-free cream soup and swap the topping for gluten-free cornflakes or crackers. All the creamy, cheesy goodness remains, just without the gluten, so everyone can dig in comfortably.
How do I keep the topping crispy when making ahead?
If you’re preparing Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole in advance, wait to add the buttered cornflake or cracker topping until just before baking. This preserves the crunch, ensuring every bite boasts that signature crispy finish alongside the creamy interior.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to bring warmth and smiles to your table, you can’t go wrong with Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole. It’s utterly satisfying, wonderfully simple to make, and packed with nostalgia in every cheesy, crispy bite. Go ahead and give it a try—your family and friends will be asking for seconds before you know it!
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Grandma’s Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy hash brown casserole recipe passed down from Grandma, perfect for gatherings or as a cozy side dish. Creamy and flavorful, with a crispy buttery topping, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Casserole: In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, spices, and cheese. Add hash browns and mix well. Spread in baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: Toss cornflakes or crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with bacon or ham
- Substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
