Cheesy Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Golden Cheesy Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe to Love

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cream cheese hashbrown casserole that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy goodness melts into every golden potato strand, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Crispy edges hint at the delectable interior waiting to be savored.

Sharp cheddar and velvety cream cheese weave magic through shredded potatoes, forming a decadent side dish.

Each forkful delivers a rich, satisfying experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, ensuring even novice cooks can master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to earn rave reviews from everyone at the table.

Serve Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole for Breakfast or Brunch

  • Cozy Brunch Companion: Pair this hearty hashbrown casserole with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete weekend breakfast spread.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or potluck events where comfort food is always welcome and guaranteed to disappear quickly.
  • Protein Power-Up: Enhance the casserole by adding diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken to create a more substantial main course with extra protein.
  • Holiday Side Dish Star: Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib during holiday meals for a creamy, comforting side that complements traditional main courses perfectly.

Save and Reheat Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Without a Fuss

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed casserole stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Uncooked or cooked versions can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger servings, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
  • Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven. This technique saves time and ensures a fresh, hot meal with minimal morning effort.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen hashbrowns work perfectly. Just ensure they are completely thawed and excess moisture is removed to prevent a soggy casserole.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Most definitely. You can swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, use different types of cheese, or replace cornflakes with breadcrumbs. The key is maintaining similar moisture and texture ratios.

  • How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?

Ensure you use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and don’t overbake. The creamy sauce and melted butter help keep the dish moist and flavorful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

For Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety texture and tangy flavor to bind ingredients smoothly.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creamy depth and slight tanginess to enhance overall taste profile.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates silky sauce and introduces subtle savory undertones.
For Potato and Cheese Layer:
  • Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato base that offers hearty, crispy foundation for casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty goodness and golden color to dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty notes and helps create delectable crispy edges.
  • Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth of flavor when incorporated.
For Crunchy Topping:
  • Cornflakes or Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible golden, crispy layer with delightful textural contrast.
  • Butter: Helps topping achieve beautiful golden-brown color and enhances overall richness.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds warm, subtle aromatic essence without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates overall seasoning of the casserole.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh visual appeal and subtle herbal note.

Tools That Make Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Perfect for baking and serving the entire hashbrown casserole.
  • Small Bowl: Used for preparing the crispy cornflake or breadcrumb topping.
  • Whisk or Electric Mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and mix sauce ingredients until creamy.
  • Spatula: Great for folding hashbrowns and spreading mixture evenly in the dish.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for best results.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

  • Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven ready at 375°F and grease a big baking dish with a quick spray or butter swipe.

  • Whip the Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until silky smooth. Stir in tangy sour cream, rich soup, melted butter, and a sprinkle of zesty seasonings until everything blends perfectly.

  • Mix Your Casserole

Fold in crispy hashbrowns and cheesy goodness, making sure every morsel gets coated with the luscious cream mixture. Pour this dreamy blend into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

  • Create a Crunchy Topping

Crush some cornflakes and mix with melted butter. Shower this golden crumble across the top of your casserole for an irresistible crunch.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it bubble and brown for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden color and the edges start dancing with bubbling deliciousness.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then scoop out steaming portions. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Flavor Tweaks for Extra Cheesy Comfort

  • Swap frozen hashbrowns with freshly grated potatoes for extra crispiness.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
  • Add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded chicken to transform the dish into a complete meal.
  • Replace regular cream of chicken soup with gluten-free version and use gluten-free cornflakes or breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly adaptation.
  • Mix in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or diced mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add colorful layers of flavor.
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Cheesy Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty cream cheese hashbrown casserole brings comfort from Midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Crispy potato layers meld with creamy cheese, creating a satisfying side dish perfect for family gatherings you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 (30 oz or 850 g) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
  • 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chopped onion (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Activate the oven to 375°F and lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cream Fusion: Whip softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until silky, then blend in sour cream, condensed chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious, smooth mixture.
  3. Ingredient Integration: Gently fold thawed hashbrowns, sharp cheddar, aged Parmesan, and diced onions into the cream base, ensuring comprehensive coating and even distribution.
  4. Assembly: Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer, then craft a crisp topping by combining crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with melted butter and generously sprinkling over the casserole surface.
  5. Baking Process: Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and edges begin to bubble.
  6. Finishing Touches: Extract from the oven and allow 5-10 minutes of resting time for flavor melding and texture stabilization. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

  • Prevent Moisture Buildup: Ensure hashbrowns are completely thawed and pat dry with paper towels to avoid excess liquid that can make the casserole soggy.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions briefly before adding to enhance their sweetness and reduce raw onion sharpness.
  • Customize Crunch Factor: Experiment with different toppings like crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for varied texture and flavor profiles.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat version and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a lighter, more diet-friendly option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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