Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (30–32 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salted butter, melted (divided)
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes
- Additional melted butter from the ½ cup (approximately 2 tablespoons reserved for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, melted salted butter (reserve about 2 tablespoons for the topping), chopped onion if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes with the reserved melted butter to ensure the topping becomes golden and crispy when baked.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the hash brown mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttered crushed corn flakes evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and be easier to serve.
Notes
- Thaw frozen hash browns completely for even cooking.
- Onion is optional but adds great flavor; sautéing it beforehand can enhance the taste.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option (not suitable for strict vegetarians due to cheese and sour cream).
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American