Looking for the perfect side dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy, savory potatoes? Look no further than this Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole! This mouthwatering casserole is packed with flavor, thanks to the richness of cream cheese and the hearty texture of hashbrowns. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday feasts.
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a breakfast dish, a side for dinner, or even as part of a brunch spread. The combination of crispy hashbrowns, creamy cream cheese, savory seasoning, and a golden, bubbly topping makes it irresistible. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is sure to be a hit:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this casserole can be assembled in just a few minutes and baked to perfection.
- Comforting: The creamy texture from the cream cheese and the crispness of the hashbrowns provide the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Customizable: Add extra ingredients like bacon, green onions, or shredded cheddar to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
To make this irresistible casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Frozen hashbrowns: 1 bag (about 30 oz), thawed
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups
- Butter: ½ cup, melted
- Onion soup mix: 1 packet (for seasoning)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Optional:
- Bacon bits: for added flavor and crunch
- Green onions: for a fresh, zesty touch
How to Make Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, gather your ingredients and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and onion soup mix. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend everything until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Hashbrowns
Gently fold in the thawed hashbrowns, ensuring that they’re evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the hashbrown mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you’re adding bacon bits or green onions, sprinkle them on top for extra flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best served hot and makes an excellent complement to any meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
- Use frozen hashbrowns: Fresh hashbrowns can be too moist, which might make the casserole soggy. Frozen hashbrowns (thawed) hold up better and contribute to the perfect texture.
- Add variety: Feel free to swap the shredded cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. You can also add extra toppings like bacon, green onions, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Make it ahead: If you’re preparing for a special occasion, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.
Healthier Modifications
While this dish is undeniably indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit lighter if desired:
- Use light cream cheese: Swap regular cream cheese for a light version to reduce calories and fat.
- Opt for Greek yogurt: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.
- Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives for a vegan or lactose-free option.
When to Serve Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole is perfect for any meal of the day and any time of year. Here are a few ideas for when to serve it:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Pair it with eggs, sausage, or bacon for a hearty start to your day.
- Dinner: Serve it alongside roasted meats like chicken, ham, or beef.
- Holiday Meals: It’s a fantastic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Make it for your next family reunion or holiday party, and watch it disappear!
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy—ideal for breakfast, dinner, or special occasions. Easy to make, highly customizable, and absolutely delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own spin, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Serving and Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
Serving Tips
- Serve hot: For the best taste and texture, serve the casserole while it’s still warm and the cheese is bubbly and melted. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works wonderfully as a side dish or even a main course in smaller portions.
- Garnish: Add a touch of color and freshness by garnishing with chopped green onions, fresh herbs (like parsley or chives), or even crispy bacon bits. This enhances both the flavor and appearance of the dish.
- Pairings: Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted meats such as chicken, turkey, or ham. It also complements scrambled eggs, sausage, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Make it a brunch centerpiece: This casserole is perfect for brunch. Serve it with fruit salads, quiche, and pastries for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole for longer storage. To do this, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
- Reheating: To reheat, place leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.
- Avoid reheating multiple times: For the best taste and texture, avoid reheating the casserole more than once, as it may affect the quality of the hashbrowns and cheese.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole over several meals, keeping it fresh and delicious!
1. Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
While it’s best to use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe, as they have the ideal texture and moisture level for the casserole, you can use fresh hashbrowns if needed. Just make sure to pat them dry to remove excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
2. Can I make Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
3. Can I freeze Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If you’re in a hurry, you can bake it from frozen, but you’ll need to add extra baking time.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the casserole for more flavor?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for added protein. You can also mix in vegetables like chopped green onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to suit your preferences.
PrintCream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
This Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a rich and creamy comfort food dish featuring tender hashbrowns, melty cheese, and a luscious cream cheese sauce. Perfect as a side dish for holidays, potlucks, or brunch gatherings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Fold the thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped onion (if using) into the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 1 day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking.
- Customizations: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or green chiles for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.