There’s nothing quite like starting the New Year with a warm, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. This classic Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden and bubbly—perfect for a relaxed New Year’s morning or brunch. Made with simple pantry staples and frozen hash browns, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting family or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this casserole delivers cozy comfort in every bite.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add topping (optional): If using, mix crushed cornflakes or crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Best Practices
- Thaw hash browns completely and drain excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.
- For extra richness, swap half the cheddar with Colby-Jack or Monterey Jack cheese.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated—just bake in the morning.
- If baking from cold, add 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 390
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Conclusion
This Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is a timeless favorite that’s especially welcome on New Year’s morning—simple to prepare, deeply comforting, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Serve it alongside eggs, fresh fruit, or breakfast meats for a complete brunch spread, or enjoy it on its own as a hearty start to the year. With its creamy texture and golden finish, this casserole is sure to become a holiday tradition you’ll return to year after year.
