Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Heat the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the base. In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, the diced onion, cheddar, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Fold in the potatoes. Add the thawed hash browns and fold gently until every shred is coated. Do not overmix or the potatoes turn gummy.
- Spread and top. Spread evenly in the baking dish. If using the crunchy topping, toss the cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake. Bake 45–50 minutes until golden, bubbling at the edges, and set in the center.
- Rest and serve. Rest 10 minutes so it sets for clean scoops, then serve hot.
💡 Casserole smarts
Thaw the hash browns completely and squeeze out excess moisture in a clean towel — wet potatoes make a soggy casserole. Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor; mild disappears into the cream. The cornflake topping is optional but adds the textural contrast that makes this irresistible. Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate; add 10 minutes to the bake time when baking cold.
Common questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes — shred 2 pounds of russets, rinse, and squeeze very dry. Frozen is easier and gives the classic texture, though.
Can I make this without canned soup?
Whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 3 tablespoons flour, and extra seasoning as a from-scratch substitute for the canned soup.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes — assemble unbaked (hold the topping), wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
What do I serve it with?
It is the ultimate side for ham, fried chicken, or holiday turkey — but honestly, it is a meal on its own with a fried egg on top.
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