Hashbrown Casserole is a classic comfort food that has made its way into many households due to its creamy, cheesy, and satisfying taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, family dinner, or as a side dish for a larger meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

This hearty and flavorful casserole is packed with ingredients like shredded hash brown potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and a savory sauce that pulls everything together. Perfect for those who love rich, cheesy dishes with a smooth texture and crispy edges. Let's dive into this recipe and discover why it's loved by so many!

 

 

Ingredients for Hashbrown Casserole:

To create this savory casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 30 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed (you can use fresh potatoes if you prefer)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk (can use reduced fat if needed)

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 cup sour cream

• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (add some extra for a topping)

• 1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (can use dried parsley if fresh is unavailable)

• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping

 

 

How to Make Hashbrown Casserole:

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and you don’t need a lot of fancy cooking skills to enjoy this dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the most delicious hashbrown casserole.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole baking dish with a light layer of oil or non-stick spray.

2. Saute the onions: In a medium pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and sauté them until they begin to brown and soften. This usually takes around 5 minutes.

3. Add garlic: Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add them to the onions. Stir everything together and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Create the sauce: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the 1 cup chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Then, add 2 cups of milk, continuing to stir as the mixture starts to thicken and heat through.

5. Stir in the creaminess: Once the sauce is thickened, add in the 1 cup sour cream, 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Finally, stir in the 1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

6. Prepare the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the sauce with the 30 oz thawed hashbrowns and mix everything together. Make sure the hashbrowns are fully coated with the cheesy sauce mixture.

7. Assemble the casserole: Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is browned and crispy.

9. Serve and enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. This dish can be served hot as a main dish or side dish alongside your favorite meal.

 

Calories per Serving:

A typical serving of Hashbrown Casserole contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. This makes it a hearty side dish to complement a larger meal, but keep in mind that it's best enjoyed in moderation if you're watching your calorie intake.

 

Best Time to Serve Hashbrown Casserole:

Hashbrown Casserole is an incredibly versatile dish that works well for various occasions. Here are some great times to serve it:

• Holiday Meals: This casserole is perfect for family gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, as it complements roasted meats and other classic side dishes.

• Weeknight Dinners: It’s a quick and easy dish to prepare during the week when you need something filling and comforting.

• Brunches or Potlucks: Hashbrown casserole is also a crowd-pleaser at brunch or potluck events. It can be made ahead of time, so it’s great for serving a group of people.

• Barbecue or Cookout: Pair this dish with grilled meats for a simple yet satisfying meal during the summer months.

 

Energy-Efficient Cooking Tips:

While making this casserole is straightforward, you can also save energy by following these tips:

• Use a Convection Oven: If you have a convection oven, use it to bake your casserole. It uses circulating air, which cooks food more efficiently, saving you time and energy.

• Preheat Efficiently: Avoid wasting energy by preheating the oven to the exact temperature, and try to bake multiple dishes at once if you’re preparing a larger meal. You can fit several casseroles in a larger oven.

• Microwave the Sauce: To save on stovetop energy, you can also microwave the milk, chicken stock, and sour cream separately in a microwave-safe bowl before adding them to the pan.

 

Who Can Benefit from This Dish:

Hashbrown Casserole can be a great addition to many people's diets, but like any dish, it’s best to be aware of the specific needs of others:

• Great for Comfort Food Lovers: If you’re someone who loves hearty, cheesy comfort food, this dish is perfect for you.

• Not Ideal for Low-Carb Diets: Due to the high amount of potatoes and cheese, this dish may not be suitable for individuals on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

• Can Be Modified for Lactose-Free Diets: To make this dish suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals, simply substitute lactose-free milk, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.

• Great for Family Meals: If you’re preparing a meal for the whole family, this casserole is filling and delicious, and can be easily modified to fit your dietary needs.

 

Conclusion:

This No-Bake Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce, crispy hashbrowns, and savory seasonings. It’s a simple, delicious dish that can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. With the added benefits of being able to make it ahead of time, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish today!