This Classic Hash Brown Casserole is your ticket to comfort food heaven. With its creamy, cheesy interior and crispy top, it's the perfect dish for any family gathering or cozy night in.
Frozen hash browns form the base of this casserole, offering a hearty texture. Cream of chicken soup acts as a rich, savory binder. Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that enhances the flavor. Melted butter provides richness and helps achieve that golden crust. Salt, black pepper, and onion powder bring all the flavors together, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness, while chopped onions add a bit of bite. Crushed cornflakes, tossed with a little more melted butter, create the crunchy topping that makes this dish so irresistible.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It's also a hit at brunch alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.
First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be ready to go once you’ve assembled the casserole. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix these together until smooth. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Now, it’s time to add the frozen hash browns. Fold them into the mixture until every piece is coated. Don’t worry if the hash browns are stuck together; they’ll break apart as you mix. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the remaining melted butter. Then, sprinkle this buttery goodness evenly over the top of your casserole.
Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, as it’ll be piping hot!