Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

This downhome Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a simple side dish that’s complementary to most any entree. It features a heaping helping of shredded hashbrown potatoes smothered with a simple sauce and plenty of cheddar cheese. It comes with a surprise crunchy topping and a dose of comfort, too!

Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

This hashbrown casserole is certain to become a family favorite. It can be served for breakfast, brunch or as an easy side dish for dinner. While hash brown casseroles certainly aren’t new phenomenon, I wanted to share my recipe inspired by that potluck favorite that’s rotated among church suppers and office lunches and family gatherings for as long as I can remember. You know the one, often called funeral potatoes, topped with buttery cornflakes. There’s nothing wrong with that version at all, but I have always topped my casserole with crushed potato chips. I mean, why not?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that version, but I’ve always finished my cheesy hashbrown casserole with crushed potato chips instead. I mean… why not? Just like in my Au Gratin Ranch Potatoes, that crunchy topping is the crowning touch that takes it over the top. Serve this comforting potato casserole alongside weeknight dinners, with turkey for Thanksgiving, or paired with ham for Easter and Christmas. It fits right in on any table, any time of year.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Potatoes – Two 20 ounce packages refrigerated shredded hash browns Or one 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• Onion – One sweet onion or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.
• Soup – One can cream of celery soup forms the easy sauce.
• Sour Cream – One 8 ounce container of sour cream gives the potatoes a creamy texture.
• Liquid – One cup half and half or heavy cream thins the easy casserole sauce.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter for richness.
• Cheese – Shredded colby cheese and grated Parmesan cheese are a must for the melty cheesy flavor.
• Whole Egg – One egg for stabilizing the cheese sauce.
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder.
• Topping – One cup crushed potato chips for a crunchy texture.

How to Make the Best Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Hash Browns – Stir together, hash browns, onion, soup, sour cream half and half, butter, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper and garlic. Mix well, then add 3 cups cheese.
• Transfer Potato Mixture to Dish – Pour evenly into baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with crushed potato chips.
• Oven – Bake in preheated oven per the recipe until golden brown and bubbly. Check halfway through baking and lay aluminum foil on top, if needed to prevent the potato chips from over browning.
• Stand Time – Let hash brown au gratin stand for 5-10 minutes then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Cheesy Hash Browns Au Gratin Casserole

• Large bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater.
• Knife and chopping board.
• 13×9-inch baking dish or pan.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Variations

• Frozen Hash Browns – If you prefer, you can substitute thawed frozen shredded hash browns in place of refrigerated hash browns. Squeeze to remove any excess moisture from the hashbrowns after thawing, if needed. You can do this using paper towels, cheesecloth or a lint free kitchen towel.
• Fresh Shredded Potatoes – Likewise, you can make the potatoes from scratch using raw shredded potatoes that you’ve made yourself. When doing so, I find it necessary to nuke them in the microwave for a few minutes so that they are partially cooked before combining with the remaining ingredients. You’ll need around 8-10 cups of freshly shredded, par cooked potatoes. I don’t recommend using Yukon Golds, russet potatoes work best.
• Make a Half Batch for Less Servings – This recipe can easily be halved for a smaller version.
• What Are the Best Hash Browns to Use? The best hash browns to use for this easy recipe is a brand that you already trust and enjoy.
• Cheese – This is one dish that I actually prefer making with colby cheese. If you think you’d like to use sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese or a different flavor of cheese, feel free to adapt.
• Soup Substitution – You could use cream of onion soup, cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.
• Protein – You could add cooked crispy bacon to the potato mixture.
• Cornflakes – You can go old school and top this casserole with crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture on top in place of potato chips.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This au gratin potatoes (hashbrown potato casserole) can be fully assembled ahead of time, up to one day in advance. Spread the potato mixture into the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight in the refrigerator. Allow it to sit on the counter for 20 minutes or so to come to room temperature just before baking and add more baking time, as needed.
• Leftovers – Store baked hashbrown casserole in an airtight container or covered with foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – You can reheat single servings of  leftover hash brown casserole in the microwave. You can also reheat it in an oven safe dish in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or just until heated through. Lay foil on top to prevent overbrowning.
• Freezer Storage – You can freeze this cheesy potatoes casserole for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat in a 350°F oven until fully heated through.

More Easy Potato Casserole Recipes to Make

• Ham and Hash Brown Casserole is a brunch favorite and a tasty use for leftover holiday ham.
• Green Chile Queso Potatoes are a fun side dish for anything from meatloaf to tacos.
• Sour Cream and Onion Smashed Potato Casserole complement’s steak, pork, chicken or seafood.
• Streusel Topped Sweet Potatoes is a holiday must-make.
• Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is super simple to make in your crockpot.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole is a one dish meal.
• Baked Little Potatoes Casserole from Noshing with the Nolands.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives