Hash Brown Casserole
Hash browns are usually a breakfast thing--crispy and served with eggs. I love what happens when I combine them with other ingredients and bake into a casserole, mixing all the flavors and textures into one delicious cheesy, crispy and creamy bite!
Equipment
- 1 9x9 inch Casserole Dish
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Box Grater for onion
- 1 Mixing Spoon or Spatula
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter at room temperature
- One 16-ounce bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes thawed
- 8 ounces sharp yellow Cheddar shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup sour cream plus more for garnish
- 1 medium yellow onion coarsely grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-9-inch casserole dish with the butter and set aside.
- Add the hash browns, 7 ounces (about 3 1/2 cups) of the Cheddar, the sour cream, onion, egg, paprika, cayenne and 1/4 cup of the chopped chives to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir until combined. Pour into the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining 1 ounce (1/2 cup) Cheddar.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the casserole is heated through, browned on top and the sides become crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into slices and dollop with more sour cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons chives.
Notes
Ensure hash browns are thoroughly thawed and drained of any excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole. For a smoother texture and less raw onion bite, consider grating the onion very finely or even briefly sautéing it before adding to the mix. Adjust paprika and cayenne to your desired spice level; smoked paprika can add a deeper, more complex flavor. For an even crispier top, you can finish the casserole under the broiler for the last few minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning. Serving with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream adds freshness and balances the richness.