Hashbrown Casserole -potatoes with cheese. This casserole is “Mac N Cheese” for breakfast. Instead of the pasta, it has potatoes. Once baked, it is brown and slightly crispy on the outside, hot and bubbly, cheese and potatoes, on the inside. Perfect for a winter morning or brunch. My homemade Sticky Buns or Fresh Apple Cinnamon Chip Scones are delicious with the casserole.
Key Takeaways:
- Comfort Breakfast Classic: Hashbrown Casserole is like breakfast “Mac N Cheese” — but with cheesy potatoes instead of pasta.
- Crispy & Creamy: Bakes to a golden brown with a crispy top and a hot, creamy center filled with cheese and tender potatoes.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with frozen hashbrowns (preferably with peppers and onions), creamy soup, and lots of cheese.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen unbaked for future use.
- Flexible Options: If you can’t find potatoes O’Brien, sauté your own onions and peppers to mix in.
- Perfect Pairing: Goes great with homemade Sticky Buns or Apple Cinnamon Chip Scones for a cozy brunch.
Overview
If you’re craving comfort food for breakfast, this Hashbrown Casserole is a must-try—think Mac and Cheese, but with potatoes! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this easy-to-make casserole starts with frozen hashbrown potatoes and a can of creamy soup (chicken or mushroom for a vegetarian option). Add in melty cheese, some peppers and onions (or sauté your own if needed), and you’ve got a golden, crispy-topped dish that’s hot and bubbly on the inside. Perfect for cozy winter mornings, lazy brunches, or prepping ahead for guests. Pair it with homemade sticky buns or apple cinnamon chip scones for a hearty, unforgettable meal.
What Is In A Hashbrown Casserole? Cheese, Cheese, Cheese and potatoes. Sooo good and simple to make. This breakfast cheese and potato dish start with a bag of frozen hashbrown potatoes. Diced pieces of potatoes in a bag. Usually in the freezer section with the french fries. If you can find it, purchase a bag with some onions and peppers and potatoes. Ore-Ida makes a bag of potatoes O’Brien that has the onions and peppers in with the potatoes.
Now I’m going to bitch a bit. Have you noticed how 1lb. containers of items are now only 12 ounces? The price didn’t decrease, just the amount. Bacon is my current pet, peeve. I think I’m getting a great price when I get the bacon home I notice it is only 12-ounces instead of a full pound!
The potatoes O’Brien are now only 12 ounces. I purchase the 12-ounce bag for this recipe. If you can’t find the potatoes O’Brien, purchase potatoes without the peppers and onions. Saute a cup of onions and a half cup of peppers, add them to the casserole instead. You will also need a can of creamy chicken or mushroom soup
How Do I Make Hashbrown Casserole? This breakfast cheese and potato dish is so simple to make. Add a thawed bag of potatoes with the peppers and onions already in the bag to a mixing bowl. Add a can of creamy chicken, or if you are vegetarian, use mushroom soup, and the cheese. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to taste. The creamy soup adds that extra decadent creamy texture. Once baked, the casserole should be browned on top and around the edges, hot and bubbly in the middle.
Can I make the Hashbrown Casserole ahead? This breakfast casserole can be made ahead and frozen unbaked. Just defrost from frozen overnight in the refrigerator, or make it up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, and bake the morning you want to serve it.
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FAQ:
Q: What kind of potatoes should I use?
A: Use frozen diced hashbrowns, ideally a 12 oz. bag of potatoes O’Brien (with onions and peppers). If unavailable, use plain hashbrowns and add sautéed onions and peppers yourself.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or another vegetarian creamy soup.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze it unbaked. Defrost in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q: How should it look when baked?
A: The top and edges should be golden brown and slightly crispy, while the inside stays hot, creamy, and bubbly.
Q: What should I serve with it?
A: It pairs perfectly with sweet breakfast items like Sticky Buns or Apple Cinnamon Chip Scones.
Q: Is it okay to bake directly from frozen?
A: It’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for even baking and proper texture.
Hashbrown Casserole
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 lbs potatoes frozen hashbrown style with peppers and onions. (Potatoes O'Brien) 1 bag - see notes
- 1 can cream of chicken soup use cream of mushroom if vegetarian
- 3 cups shredded cheese cheddar either sharp or mild
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Mix the potatoes, soup, cheese, salt, and pepper together.
- Place in a 9 X 9 or 9X13 inch baking pan (see notes).
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 1 hour. The top and edges should be browned and the cheese all melted and bubbly. If the hashbrowns were frozen increase the baking time by 10 - 15 minutes.
