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
- Preparation: Activate the oven to 375°F and lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- 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.
- Ingredient Integration: Gently fold thawed hashbrowns, sharp cheddar, aged Parmesan, and diced onions into the cream base, ensuring comprehensive coating and even distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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