If you are searching for a comforting side dish that will steal the spotlight at any meal, this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or craving a cozy weekend treat, this casserole delivers classic, homey vibes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly irresistible. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy dairy elements that lend richness to the crispy cracker topping that adds that perfect crunch and golden color.
- Evaporated milk: Adds depth and creaminess without thinning the casserole too much.
- Sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and smooth texture that complements the cheeses.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: Infuses an extra burst of savory flavor and creamy body.
- Chicken bouillon cube: Enhances the savory notes with a gentle umami punch.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic layer that plays beautifully with the onion powder.
- Onion powder: Boosts savory complexity without overpowering.
- Frozen hash browns: The hearty base, providing tender potato goodness throughout.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and used twice—for richness in the casserole and to crisp up the topping.
- Shredded Colby-Jack cheese: Melts flawlessly for a gooey, slightly sharp cheesy center.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed to create a buttery, crunchy topping that perfectly finishes the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures an easy cleanup and that perfect crust forms on the casserole edges.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Mixture
Combine evaporated milk, sour cream, chive and onion cream cheese, chicken bouillon cube, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a blender. Blend these ingredients until completely smooth. This creamy sauce binds the casserole beautifully and layers the dish with rich, well-seasoned flavors.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, stir the milk mixture into the frozen hash browns along with ½ cup melted butter and shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Mixing while the ingredients are chilled ensures the cheese folds evenly and every bite is flavorful and cheesy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato and cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This layer will become tender and bubbly as it cooks, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with ¼ cup melted butter to create your topping. Sprinkle this crumbly layer evenly over the top of the casserole to achieve a golden brown, crispy finish. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until bubbly and browned, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding chopped fresh chives or parsley on top just before serving. A little sprinkle of paprika or a handful of crispy fried onions can also add a fun twist and extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with protein-packed mains like roast chicken, grilled pork chops, or even holiday ham. For a lighter option, try it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personal touch at brunch or dinner parties. You can also add cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños into the mixture before baking for a smoky or spicy upgrade that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect next-day breakfast or side dish that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe freezes well! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350ºF oven until hot and bubbly again, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. If frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed to ensure even heating and best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes and use them, but make sure to thoroughly drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole. Frozen hash browns are convenient and consistent, which is why they’re the preferred choice.
Is there a vegetarian option for the chicken bouillon?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken bouillon with a vegetable bouillon cube to keep the flavorful depth without using any meat products. It works just as well in this casserole recipe.
Can I substitute the cream cheese flavor or leave it out?
The chive & onion cream cheese adds a delicious savory note that elevates the dish, but if you don’t have it, plain cream cheese or even more sour cream can be a substitute. However, omitting cream cheese entirely will change the texture and richness.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply swap regular Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker or crispy gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this is an easy adjustment.
What makes this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe so special?
It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures paired with the savoriness of the spices and chicken bouillon. Plus, it’s simple to make yet feels indulgent and celebratory every time you serve it.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe has truly become a go-to comfort food favorite that never disappoints. Its creamy core with a golden, buttery topping is pure satisfaction in every spoonful. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a cherished dish for your family and friends just like it is for mine!
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Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Featuring tender hash browns baked in a rich mixture of evaporated milk, sour cream, and cream cheese with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Milk Mixture
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-oz) container chive and onion cream cheese
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30-oz) bag frozen hash browns
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: Place evaporated milk, sour cream, chive and onion cream cheese, chicken bouillon, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into a blender. Blend the ingredients until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Combine Hash Browns and Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the blended milk mixture, frozen hash browns, ½ cup melted butter, and shredded Colby-Jack cheese until everything is evenly mixed. Spread this potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with ¼ cup melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker crumb mixture evenly over the potato casserole to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, thaw the frozen hash browns partially and drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
- You can substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon to make this dish vegetarian (but this would alter the original flavor).
- Feel free to add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced onions for added flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- To make the topping gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers.
