Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole
This Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole is a deliciously indulgent dish that brings together a creamy blend of flavors in every bite. With rich cream cheese, savory ranch dressing, and a four-cheese Mexican blend, this casserole is not just a side dish but a crowd-pleaser that can stand on its own. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner, it's a hearty yet easy-to-make recipe that showcases the comforting goodness of potatoes. Elevate your dinner table with this creamy masterpiece that's sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen cubed hash brown potatoes
3 lbs (thawed)
Cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (cubed)
Cream of potato soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
Cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix
2 (1 ounce) envelopes
Shredded four-cheese Mexican blend cheese
2 cups (divided)
Durkee fried onions
1 cup (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of potato soup, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese cubes.
3
Microwave the mixture in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Stir in the Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix until well combined.
5
Fold in 1 cup of the shredded four-cheese Mexican blend cheese until evenly distributed.
6
Add the thawed hash brown potatoes to the mixture. Gently fold everything together until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7
Lightly grease a 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Pour the potato mixture into the dish, mashing it down slightly to create an even layer.
8
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes.
10
After 55 minutes, uncover the dish and sprinkle the Durkee fried onions on top.
11
Return the dish to the oven without the cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are lightly browned and crispy.
12
Once done, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole?
This is an indulgent and creamy dish featuring hash brown potatoes, ranch dressing, and a four-cheese Mexican blend.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of frozen cubed hash brown potatoes that have been thawed.
How much cream cheese is needed for this recipe?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, cubed for easier melting.
What kinds of soup are required?
The recipe requires one 10.75-ounce can of cream of potato soup and one 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
Which brand of ranch dressing mix is recommended?
Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix is recommended, specifically two 1-ounce envelopes.
What type of cheese is used in the casserole?
The recipe uses a shredded four-cheese Mexican blend.
How much shredded cheese is used in total?
A total of 2 cups of shredded cheese is used, divided into two parts.
What is used as the crunchy topping?
One cup of Durkee fried onions is used as the topping for the casserole.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How do I prepare the cream cheese and soup mixture?
Combine the cream of potato soup, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese cubes in a bowl.
How long should I microwave the soup and cheese mixture?
Microwave the mixture in 1-minute intervals for about 3-4 minutes, stirring until it is fully melted and creamy.
When do I add the ranch dressing mix?
Stir in the ranch dressing mix after the soup and cream cheese mixture has become creamy and fully melted.
How is the shredded cheese divided?
One cup of cheese is folded into the potato mixture, and the remaining cup is sprinkled on top.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13x9-inch glass baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the 13x9-inch glass baking dish before adding the potatoes.
How should the potatoes be arranged in the dish?
Pour the mixture into the dish and mash it down slightly to create an even layer.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the initial part of the baking process.
How long is the initial bake time?
The casserole should bake covered for 50 to 55 minutes.
When do I add the fried onions?
Uncover the dish after 55 minutes of baking and sprinkle the fried onions over the top.
How much additional baking time is needed after adding onions?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes without a cover.
How do I know the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when the fried onions are lightly browned and crispy.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool slightly after removing it from the oven to help it set.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its creamy texture and large serving size make it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Can I use shredded hash browns instead of cubed?
While the recipe specifies cubed hash browns, shredded varieties can often be used as a substitute.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is a hearty side dish, but it is filling enough to stand on its own if desired.
What makes the casserole so creamy?
The combination of two types of cream soup and two packages of cream cheese creates a very rich and creamy base.
Can I substitute the Mexican blend cheese?
You can use other cheeses like cheddar, but the Mexican blend is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How do I ensure the potatoes are evenly coated?
Gently fold the thawed hash browns into the sauce until all pieces are completely covered.
Can I adjust the amount of fried onions?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 cup, but you can adjust the amount of fried onions to your personal taste.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that primarily involves mixing and baking simple ingredients.