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Grandma's Hash Brown Casserole

Featured in The Perfect Side for Every Meal.

You've got to try this incredible Kentucky hash brown casserole that's been passed down through generations - it's the kind of comfort food that brings everyone rushing to the table! The secret is starting with frozen hash browns, then mixing them with this incredibly rich, creamy sauce and plenty of cheese until everything gets all melty and delicious. But the real game-changer is the crispy cornflake topping that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. It's my absolute favorite dish to bring to potlucks because it always disappears first and people can't believe how simple it is to make!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:52:09 GMT
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A close-up of a golden-brown, baked dish with a crispy top, revealing creamy layers underneath. Pin it
A close-up of a golden-brown, baked dish with a crispy top, revealing creamy layers underneath. | tastygusto.com

I'm excited to share my grandmother's Hash Brown Casserole recipe it's pure comfort in every bite. The combination of creamy cheesy and buttery flavors just can't be beat. This recipe has been making families happy for generations and once you try it you'll understand why. It's so simple to put together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There's something magical about that creamy filling topped with the perfect crunch. It's one of those dishes that works for any meal from breakfast to dinner. This recipe comes straight from my Kentucky grandmother's kitchen and like all good southern grandmas she knew exactly how to turn simple ingredients into something amazing.

Everything You Need

  • Hash Browns: 2 pounds thawed they're the heart of this dish.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: One 10.5 oz can makes everything creamy.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded the sharper the better.
  • Sour Cream: 8 ounces adds such nice tang.
  • Butter: 1 cup melted divided for mixing and topping.
  • Onion: 1/2 cup chopped adds great flavor.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper keep it simple.
  • Cornflakes: 1 cup crushed for that perfect crunch.

Let's Make It Together

Start Your Oven
Get it warming to 350°F while you prep everything else.
Mix It Up
In a big bowl combine your hash browns cheese soup sour cream half the butter onion and seasonings.
Put It Together
Spread everything in your baking dish top with those crushed cornflakes and drizzle with the rest of the butter.
Bake Until Perfect
Let it bake for about an hour to an hour and a half until it's golden and bubbly.
Time to Enjoy
Let it cool just a bit then dig in it's amazing on its own or as a side dish.
A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown baked potato dish with a crispy top, served in a white casserole dish. Pin it
A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown baked potato dish with a crispy top, served in a white casserole dish. | tastygusto.com

My Best Tips

Make sure those hash browns are completely thawed it makes such a difference. Don't have cornflakes? Crushed crackers work great too. Try mixing up your cheeses sometimes I use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella. When reheating use the oven it keeps that topping nice and crispy.

Mix It Up

Love extra protein? Try adding some crispy bacon ham or chicken. Want more veggies? Throw in some peppers mushrooms or broccoli. Like it spicy? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Need gluten free? Just swap the cornflakes for gluten free breadcrumbs.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about four days. Want to freeze it? Make it up to the baking step wrap it well and it'll keep for three months. Just thaw overnight before baking. When reheating pop it in a 350°F oven until it's hot through that keeps everything perfect.

A baked casserole topped with a layer of golden, crunchy corn flakes and melted cheese. Pin it
A baked casserole topped with a layer of golden, crunchy corn flakes and melted cheese. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different toppings?

Yes, crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips work well as alternatives to cornflakes for the crunchy topping.

→ Do I need to thaw the hash browns?

Yes, the hash browns should be thawed before mixing with other ingredients for even cooking and best texture.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate. Add the cornflake topping just before baking for maximum crispiness.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, but freeze before adding the topping. Thaw completely and add fresh topping before baking.

→ Why does it need so much butter?

The butter adds richness to the casserole and helps create the crispy topping. Half goes in the mixture and half on top.

Grandma's Hash Brown Casserole

A rich and creamy hash brown casserole topped with crispy cornflakes. This Kentucky grandma's recipe combines frozen hash browns with cheese, sour cream, and butter.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 lbs frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed.
02 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup.
03 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese.
04 8 oz container sour cream.
05 1 cup butter, melted, divided.
06 1/2 cup chopped onion.
07 1/2 teaspoon salt.
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
09 1 cup crushed cornflakes.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Combine hash browns, cheese, soup, sour cream, half the butter, onion, salt and pepper.

Step 03

Transfer mixture to 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 04

Sprinkle with cornflakes and drizzle with remaining butter.

Step 05

Bake 1 to 1.5 hours until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  1. Can use crushed crackers or chips instead of cornflakes.
  2. Kentucky family recipe.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat (in soup).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 338
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 8 g