“My son and husband have declared this their new favorite dinner. I said good, it’s easy enough for you to make for us!!!!”

Hashbrown Casserole

This hashbrown casserole is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side dish. Shredded hash browns are mixed with a savory homemade cheese sauce featuring onion, garlic, and cheddar, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a guaranteed favorite for any gathering.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes – 30 oz (thawed)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Yellow onion – 1, diced
• Large garlic cloves – 3, minced
• All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
• Whole milk – 2 cups (or use reduced-fat if preferred)
• Chicken stock – 1 cup
• Sour cream – 1 cup
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 8 oz (plus 1 cup for topping)
• Minced parsley – 1½ tablespoons (dried or fresh)
• Salt – to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper – to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion:
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and begins to brown.
3. Add Garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce Base:
   Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring to keep the mixture smooth.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   Let the mixture simmer, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
6. Add Cheese & Sour Cream:
   Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the sour cream, 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Stir in Parsley:
   Add the parsley to the sauce and mix well.
8. Mix with Hash Browns:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the cheese sauce. Stir until all the potatoes are evenly coated.
9. Assemble in Baking Dish:
   Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
10. Bake:
    Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, hearty comfort of this classic dish!