Dive into comfort food heaven with this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, a dish that promises to be the star of any meal. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, this casserole combines the golden goodness of hash browns with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, making it irresistible to cheese and potato lovers alike. Let’s get started on this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients:
30 oz of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (reduced fat is fine too)
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup sour cream
8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (dried works too)
Salt, to taste
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions:
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Set aside.
Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a medium pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onions, cooking until they start to brown. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well. Cook for a few seconds before slowly adding the chicken stock, followed by the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cheese Sauce: Allow the mixture to heat through and begin to thicken. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the parsley.
Combine and Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the cheese sauce until well mixed. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the additional cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.
This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any gathering or a simple family meal. The golden crust on top adds a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, cheesy potatoes beneath. Serve hot and watch as it becomes an instant favorite among your guests and family members alike. Enjoy your culinary creation and the smiles it brings to your table!