Cheesy Baked Hash Brown Casserole 🥔🧀

This cozy, comforting baked hash brown casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty dinner! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve it hot out of the oven for a delightful, irresistible dish!

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crispy bacon bits (optional, or substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option)

For the topping

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes (for crunch)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning. If using bacon bits, add those in as well.

   🥄 Make sure the hash browns are well-coated with the creamy mixture for maximum flavor!

3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with melted butter, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cornflake topping is golden brown.

6. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.

   🌿 This adds a nice touch of color and freshness to the dish!

7. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness!

Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie twist! Add in some steamed broccoli for extra nutrition! 🥦
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick to your casserole.
• Loaded Hash Brown Casserole: Add diced cooked sausage or ham for a heartier version, perfect for feeding a large crowd!
• Make it Gourmet: Swap out the cheddar for Gruyère or a smoked cheese for a sophisticated flavor boost.

With its creamy texture and gooey cheese, this Baked Hash Brown Casserole is sure to be a hit at your table! Enjoy! 🎉🍽️