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 and cheese
- 1 Spatula or Mixing Spoon
- 1 Oven For baking
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 fully thawed and patted dry to prevent a watery casserole; excess moisture is the enemy of crispness here. For the onion, grate it finely and consider gently squeezing out any excess liquid to avoid introducing too much moisture, which can make the casserole soggy. Achieve a truly golden and crispy top by allowing the cheese to brown nicely during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, potentially increasing the temperature slightly if needed. For a richer flavor, a blend of sharp Cheddar and a touch of Monterey Jack or Gruyere could be used. Don't skip the resting time; it helps the casserole set for clean slices.