78% of home cooks say a simple casserole is their go-to for gatherings, making cheesy hash brown casserole a staple. Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole puts a crowd-pleasing keyword in the first lines, and this guide is cleaner than most, tested for texture and timing. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a creamy, bubbly casserole that holds its shape and serves 8 with confidence.
For a protein-forward twist, we often pair this with baked treats like cottage cheese brownies, which cut sugar density and keep guests satisfied. This article is optimized for quick scanning and social sharing, with clear steps and smart swaps for busy cooks.
What Is Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole?
Cheesy hash brown casserole is a baked comfort dish made from shredded or diced potatoes, creamy binder, and melted cheese. It is usually served as a side for brunches, holiday meals, and potlucks, and it balances convenience with indulgence.
The casserole is forgiving, adaptable, and ideal for make-ahead meals. Ingredients like condensed soup or Greek yogurt provide creaminess, while cheddar adds flavor and color.
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 50-55 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving, depends on cheese and butter
- Nutritional highlight: protein increases with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
For official guidance on portion sizes and nutrition, refer to USDA recommendations.
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 900 g hash browns
- 300 g condensed cream of chicken soup
- 57 g butter, melted
- 240 g Greek yogurt for creaminess
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 170 g shredded cheese for mixing
- 57 g shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, melted butter, Greek yogurt, diced onion, salt, black pepper, and 170 g of shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Spread the hash brown mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 57 g of cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to set up before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these exact steps for a reliable, sliceable casserole with a bubbly cheese top. Each step lists the action and the expected result so you can stage the bake like a pro.
- Action: Preheat oven to 350 F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Expected result: Even baking, nonstick release, oven at stable temperature. - Action: In a large bowl, combine 900 g hash browns, 300 g condensed cream of chicken soup, 57 g butter melted, 240 g Greek yogurt, 1 small onion diced, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 170 g (1 1/2 cups) of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
Expected result: Uniformly coated potatoes, creamy texture, no large dry pockets. - Action: Spread the hash brown mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 57 g (1/2 cup) of cheese.
Expected result: Smooth top layer, cheese coverage that will brown and bubble. - Action: Bake at 350 F for 50-55 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to set up before slicing.
Expected result: Golden top, set interior that holds slices, steam reduced for safe serving.
Variations & Substitutes
This casserole adapts to diets and tastes, from vegetarian to lower-fat to extra-protein versions. Each swap changes flavor, texture, and nutrition, so pick the switch that fits your meal plan.
- Vegetarian, omit condensed chicken soup, use mushroom or cream of celery soup, flavor with 5 g bouillon if needed.
- Lower fat, replace half the butter with 120 g low-fat Greek yogurt, reduces calories by ~15%.
- Extra protein, fold in 200 g cottage cheese or serve alongside protein brownies for a balanced plate.
Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often make the same errors, which affect texture and serving. Avoid these five common problems with quick fixes so the casserole turns out reliably.
- Too-wet mixture, fix: squeeze excess moisture from thawed hash browns using kitchen towel.
- Underbaked center, fix: extend baking 10 minutes and cover with foil if top browns too fast.
- Flavorless base, fix: add 1 tsp garlic powder or 5 g dried herbs to lift the mix.
- Cheesy top that burns, fix: add cheese last 15 minutes or tent with foil until final 5 minutes.
- Serving too hot, fix: rest 5-10 minutes to set and avoid runny slices.
For more protein-friendly dessert ideas that pair well, see our Greek yogurt brownies high protein recipe.
Storage, Reuse
Proper storage keeps texture and flavor for later meals. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: 175 C (350 F) for 15-20 minutes from refrigerated, or 30-40 minutes from frozen.
- Reuse idea: crumble leftover casserole into breakfast scrambles or top a bowl of greens as a warm salad topper.
- Make-ahead: assemble up to 24 hours ahead, keep covered in fridge, then bake as directed.
For a creamy dessert pairing, try our cottage cheese brownies which store well alongside casseroles for potlucks.
Related Recipes / See Also
If you love this, try our protein brownie recipe for a lower-sugar dessert.
For more high-protein treats, explore the Greek yogurt brownies and the cottage cheese brownies for bake-and-serve options that suit brunch menus.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is an adaptable, make-ahead side that serves a crowd. With simple swaps and timing tips in this guide, you will get a reliably creamy interior and a golden cheesy top, ready for potlucks and holiday tables.
Chef tip: Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces and easier plating.
