This Traditional Hash Brown Bake is comfort food at its finest — crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.
Frozen shredded hash browns are the star of this dish, providing a hearty base that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Sour cream adds a tangy richness, balancing the flavors perfectly. The cream of chicken soup offers a creamy, savory depth, while shredded cheddar cheese brings a melty, cheesy goodness that is hard to resist. Melted butter ensures a luscious, moist texture, and finely chopped onion gives a subtle aromatic flavor. A touch of salt and black pepper is all you need to season the dish. Finally, cornflake cereal is crushed and sprinkled on top, adding that essential crunch.
This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For breakfast, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete plate. It also works well as a side dish to roasted meats like chicken or pork.
First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, you’ll be ready to go once the mixture is prepped. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. This helps the bake release smoothly later.
In a large bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Take a moment to mix everything thoroughly. The goal here is to ensure each element is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Once mixed, spread this delightful concoction evenly into your prepared baking dish. You want a nice, smooth surface for that perfect bake.
For the final touch before baking, sprinkle the crushed cornflake cereal evenly over the top. This step is key for that coveted crispy topping.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and crunchy, and the edges are bubbling slightly.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes — this helps it set a bit before serving. Then, dig in and enjoy!