Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Keto and Low-Carb Versions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a rich, cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, and Grandma’s Classic Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate family favorite. This dish is the perfect balance of crispy golden hash browns, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings—easy to prepare and always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Made with frozen hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a few pantry staples, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch spread. Whether served as a side dish or a hearty breakfast, Grandma’s Classic Hash Brown Casserole never disappoints.

Let’s dive into the recipe that has been passed down through generations!

Ingredients

For the Hash Brown Casserole:

• 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed (you can use shredded or diced)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup cornflakes (crushed) or Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Transfer to the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Press the mixture gently into the dish so that it holds together while baking.

4. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or Panko breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes or breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a crispy, golden topping that adds great texture to the dish.

5. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly. You may want to cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the top from getting too brown before the casserole is fully cooked through.

6. Add Final Touches

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve Grandma’s Classic Hash Brown Casserole as a side dish with your favorite main course, or enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. It pairs wonderfully with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes

• Frozen Hash Browns: Thawed frozen hash browns work best for this casserole. If you prefer, you can use fresh hash browns, but they may need to be par-cooked first to ensure they bake properly in the casserole.
• Cream of Soup: The recipe calls for cream of chicken soup, but you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, make sure to use the cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
• Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar cheese is traditional, you can also mix in other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Onion Flavor: If you love the flavor of onions but don’t want big chunks in your casserole, try using onion powder or dehydrated onions instead. They’ll add the same flavor without the texture.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can easily be made ahead of time! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake according to the instructions. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Variations

• Bacon and Cheddar Hash Brown Casserole: For an extra flavor boost, add crispy crumbled bacon to the casserole mixture. It will give the casserole a savory, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and hash browns.
• Sausage Hash Brown Casserole: Brown some breakfast sausage and mix it into the casserole before baking for a heartier, protein-packed version.
• Spicy Hash Brown Casserole: Add a few diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give this casserole a spicy kick. The creamy cheese and crunchy topping will balance out the heat.
• Vegetable Hash Brown Casserole: For a lighter, veggie-filled version, stir in some frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

This recipe is naturally not keto-friendly due to the use of hash browns and the cream of chicken soup. However, you can easily make a keto or low-carb version with a few substitutions:

• Use Riced Cauliflower: Instead of hash browns, use riced cauliflower as a low-carb alternative. You can buy frozen riced cauliflower or make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized pieces form.
• Low-Carb Cream of Soup: Look for low-carb versions of cream of chicken soup, or make your own by combining heavy cream and chicken broth with seasonings to create a similar creamy texture.
• Cheese Variations: Use full-fat, high-quality cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan. These are naturally low-carb and perfect for a keto version.

With these swaps, you can enjoy a Keto Hash Brown Casserole without the carbs!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen hash browns directly, or do they need to be thawed first?

It’s best to thaw frozen hash browns before using them in the casserole. Thawing ensures they bake evenly and don’t release excess moisture into the casserole while cooking.

Can I make this casserole without the cornflake topping?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the cornflake or breadcrumb topping. For a cheesy, gooey top, sprinkle extra cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking, and let it melt and brown.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake the casserole according to the recipe instructions, adding 10-15 minutes of baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake for 60-75 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the top.

Grandma’s Classic Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy weeknight dinner. With its creamy, cheesy texture and golden, crispy topping, it’s a dish that will become a staple in your home, just as it has in many others for generations. Easy to make and so satisfying, this casserole is sure to bring smiles to the table.

Try it today, and experience the love and warmth of Grandma’s Classic Hash Brown Casserole—a dish that’s always guaranteed to please!

Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional details!