Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole

Name: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 32 oz frozen hash browns; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup ranch dressing; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 50 min

🍽 Serves: 8

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If you're looking for a hearty dish that combines comfort and flavor, this Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole is just the ticket. It's perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. With its cheesy, savory goodness, it's sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients for Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole

The star of this dish is, without a doubt, the frozen hash browns. They form the base and give the casserole its hearty texture. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy layer of flavor that ties everything together. You'll be sprinkling in crumbled bacon for that irresistible smoky crunch. The sour cream and ranch dressing create a tangy, creamy mixture that binds everything beautifully. To add a touch of savory depth, cream cheese is mixed in, while finely chopped onion and minced garlic provide a subtle aromatic flavor. Lastly, a bit of salt and black pepper rounds out the seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil ensures a perfectly golden top.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy top, sprinkle a bit more cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
If you prefer fresh potatoes, you can substitute them for the frozen hash browns. Just make sure to shred and dry them thoroughly.
Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon based on your preference. More bacon never hurt anyone!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole makes a fantastic main dish, especially when paired with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. You might also consider serving it alongside some roasted vegetables or a light soup for a more complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the preheated oven.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Yes, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is there a vegetarian version?: Sure, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a moment to grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier later on.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, ranch dressing, and cream cheese. Add in the salt and black pepper, and mix until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.

Next, stir in the frozen hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, onion, and garlic. Make sure everything is well incorporated and evenly distributed. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You're looking for a golden brown, bubbly top that indicates it's done.

Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines classic flavors: cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing.
Easy to prepare with simple steps and common ingredients.
Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Feeds a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

32 oz frozen hash browns

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

1 cup sour cream

1 cup ranch dressing

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, ranch dressing, cream cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Stir in the hash browns, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, and garlic until well incorporated.

4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

6. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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