Zesty Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Name: Zesty Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups frozen hash browns; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup diced green chilies; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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This Zesty Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting dish with a delightful kick, combining creamy textures and vibrant flavors. It's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, bringing warmth to any gathering.

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Ingredients for Zesty Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

The star of this dish is the frozen hash browns, providing a hearty base that's both convenient and delicious. Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess, while sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese bring depth and a hint of heat. Green onions offer a fresh, mild bite, and diced green chilies enhance the zestiness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper elevates the flavor profile with a smoky, spicy kick. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, and melted butter ensures a rich, golden topping. Finally, crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch to the casserole's surface.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of **cayenne pepper** or opt for mild **pepper jack cheese**.
Make sure to thaw the **hash browns** if they are clumped together; this ensures even cooking.
For a deeper flavor, try roasting your **green chilies** before adding them to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you're serving it for breakfast or brunch, consider adding a side of scrambled eggs or smoked bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
Can I substitute the cheeses?: Absolutely! You can use any melting cheese you prefer, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.

Zesty Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, gather your frozen hash browns, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, green onions, and green chilies. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until evenly combined.

Next, add in your spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, along with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Drizzle melted butter over the top of your casserole, then sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly to cover. This will create a crispy topping that beautifully contrasts the creamy base. Place your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes, allowing it to firm up slightly before serving. This brief resting period makes it easier to cut and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Brings a spicy twist to a classic comfort dish.
Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.

Ingredients

4 cups frozen hash browns

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup diced green chilies

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, green onions, and green chilies.

3. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until well combined.

4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole.

6. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.

7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

8. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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