Name: Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen hashbrowns, thawed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 10.25 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 16 ounces sour cream, full fat; ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion); 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 74 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that just melts in your mouth, this Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is absolutely going to become your new go-to. It’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting—perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads. Stick with me here, because I’m sharing all my tips and little tricks so your casserole turns out perfect every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Pantry Ingredients: You probably have most of this casserole’s staples in your fridge or pantry already, making it super easy and convenient.
Balanced Creaminess: The combo of sour cream and cream of chicken soup creates a luscious texture that’s not too heavy or runny.
Cheesy Goodness: Sharp cheddar cheese lends bold flavor, while also helping the casserole brown perfectly on top.
Flexible and Adaptable: This base can easily adjust to your taste or dietary needs, from adding spices to swapping cheese or making it vegetarian.

Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, easy breakfast casserole, crowd-pleasing side dish, cheesy potato casserole - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown hash brown casserole topped with small green herb pieces scattered unevenly on the surface. The casserole has a crispy, textured top layer with visible shredded potatoes that have browned edges. The dish is placed on a soft beige cloth and set on a white marbled surface. Around the dish, there are white speckled side plates and a black-handled knife visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe lies in both its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays off the others. You want thawed frozen hashbrowns to avoid sogginess, and full-fat sour cream for that rich creaminess. Plus, sharp cheddar cheese brings the perfect punch of flavor you’ll crave every time.

Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, easy breakfast casserole, crowd-pleasing side dish, cheesy potato casserole - Flat lay of a mound of thawed shredded frozen hashbrowns, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of thick full-fat sour cream, finely chopped yellow onion scattered neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of white granulated salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen hashbrowns: Always use thawed shredded hashbrowns for an even bake—avoid fresh potatoes since they hold too much water and can turn the casserole watery.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind everything together beautifully.
Cream of chicken soup: This creates the creamy base; you can swap with cream of mushroom soup if you want a vegetarian option.
Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream makes the dish decadently creamy—Greek yogurt works if you prefer a tangier twist.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped to add a subtle sweetness and flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cheddar cheese: My go-to is sharp cheddar for its boldness, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or gouda for different tastes.
Salt and black pepper: Just enough seasoning to elevate the flavors without being overwhelming.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your own preferences. Over time, I’ve tried everything from adding a little heat to mixing up the cheese, and honestly, it never disappoints.

Variation: I love throwing in a small can of green chiles for a subtle southwest kick. It wakes things up without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Dairy swap: For a lighter twist, using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream works surprisingly well and adds a bit of tang.
Funeral Potatoes Style: Topping the casserole with crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers boosts the texture and adds a nostalgic crunch that my family adores.
Vegetarian option: Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom, and you’re good to go!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. I swear by giving it a good butter rub or using a non-stick spray so this cheesy beauty slides right out after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Goodies

In a large bowl, mix thawed shredded hashbrowns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely chopped onion, cheddar cheese, and your salt and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly—no one wants a patch of dry potato or clumps of sour cream!

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. I usually check around 35 minutes—the edges should be crisp and the center set but still creamy. Don’t rush letting it rest for about 10 minutes once it’s out; it helps it firm up for perfect slicing.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Thaw Thoroughly: Don’t skip thawing those frozen hashbrowns completely — any ice crystals will add unwanted moisture that makes the casserole soggy.
Cheese Choice Matters: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but mixing in a little mozzarella makes it extra gooey and stretchier if you prefer.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep hashbrowns from breaking down too much and turning mushy.
Rest Before Serving: Waiting that 10 minutes after baking makes slicing neater and helps the casserole hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole, cheesy hashbrown casserole, easy breakfast casserole, crowd-pleasing side dish, cheesy potato casserole - A square piece of cheesy baked dish sits on a white speckled plate, showing about three layers: the bottom creamy white layer with soft texture, a middle layer of tender yellow potato slices, and the top layer covered with melted golden orange cheese and small green parsley pieces scattered on top. The edges are slightly browned, giving a crispy look. The plate rests on another similar white speckled plate, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top before serving—not only does it add a bright pop of color, but the fresh herb flavor balances out the richness perfectly. Sometimes I add a little extra shredded cheddar, too, right on top just before the last 5 minutes of baking for that irresistible melty finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs so well with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to cut through the richness. I often serve it alongside baked chicken or pork chops for a hearty meal. When I’m feeling festive, adding steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus brings a nice balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or special gatherings, I’ve spooned this casserole into cute individual ramekins for elegant single servings. Another fun idea is layering with ham or cooked bacon in a clear glass casserole dish for a stunning visual and meaty twist. Presentation plus extra flavor? Yes, please!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? I always cover the casserole tightly with foil or pop portions into airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for about 4 days, and you can easily grab a comforting scoop for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. To freeze raw, assemble it in the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual. For freezing leftovers, portion them in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat when hungry!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your cheddar hashbrown casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). Microwaving works too, but the oven really helps keep the top slightly crisp and the inside creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns in this casserole?

I don’t recommend using fresh potatoes in this recipe because they contain much more moisture than frozen shredded hashbrowns. This extra moisture can make the casserole soggy and affect baking time. If you want to experiment, be sure to grate and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or a vegetable-based cream soup. This small change makes the dish vegetarian-friendly without losing that creamy, comforting texture.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled from the fridge.
How do I get a crispy topping on this casserole?

For that golden, crispy top, try sprinkling crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers mixed with a little melted butter over the casserole about 10 minutes before it’s done baking. It adds amazing texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Hashbrown Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those beloved dishes that always brings smiles, no matter the occasion. Once you try it, I’m confident this cheesy, comforting casserole will become a staple in your rotation too. It’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly delicious—perfect for feeding a crowd or sneaking a tasty bite for yourself the next day. Give it a go, and I hope it becomes your new favorite comfort food!