Cheesy Southern Hash Brown Casserole
Indulge in the hearty comfort of this Cheesy Southern Hash Brown Casserole, a delightful copycat of Cracker Barrel's beloved dish. This casserole features a perfect blend of creamy ingredients and savory flavors, each layer infused with the richness of melted cheese and the aromatic touch of sautéed onions. Ideal for family gatherings or as a weeknight meal, this dish can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies. Serve it warm as a glorious side or a satisfying main course, and watch it become a staple at your table!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Southern Style Hash Brown Potatoes
2 lb (frozen)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
Mixed Seasoning Salt
to taste (Aunt Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt or McCormick's Season-All Salt)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Colby Cheese or Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2-2 cups (shredded)
Cream of Chicken Soup
10.5 oz (canned (optional: cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13" x 9" x 2" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, melted butter, shredded cheese, chopped onions, and the mixed seasoning salt. Stir until well blended.
3
Carefully fold in the frozen hash brown potatoes until they are evenly coated with the mixture. Be gentle to maintain the texture of the potatoes.
4
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6
Optional: For an added twist, consider mixing in cooked ham or your favorite vegetables before baking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Southern Hash Brown Casserole?
It is a hearty comfort dish featuring a blend of creamy ingredients, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, designed to mimic the famous Cracker Barrel side dish.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a delightful copycat of the beloved hash brown casserole served at Cracker Barrel.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a 13 inch by 9 inch by 2 inch baking pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 servings.
Do I need to thaw the hash brown potatoes first?
No, the instructions specify using frozen Southern style hash brown potatoes.
What type of hash browns work best?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of frozen Southern style hash brown potatoes.
Which cheese is recommended for the casserole?
You can use either shredded Colby cheese or Cheddar cheese.
How much cheese is needed?
The recipe requires between 1.5 to 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as an alternative.
What kind of onions should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What type of seasoning salt is best?
Aunt Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt or McCormick's Season-All Salt are both recommended.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is heated through and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can mix in cooked ham before baking for an added twist.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add your favorite vegetables to the mixture before placing it in the oven.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven and prepare the baking pan with non-stick spray.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Combine the soup, butter, cheese, onions, and seasoning first, then gently fold in the frozen hash browns.
Why should I be gentle when folding in the potatoes?
Being gentle helps maintain the texture of the potatoes rather than mashing them.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It can be served as a glorious side dish or a satisfying main course.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar data?
Nutritional values like fiber and sugar are currently not specified for this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is creamy and savory with a richness from melted cheese and aromatic onions.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
The recipe is optimized for frozen hash browns, but fresh ones could be used if prepared and drained properly.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is considered an ideal dish for family gatherings or easy weeknight meals.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter is specified for richness, margarine can be used as a substitute.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, hash browns, comfort food, and southern cuisine.
Should the soup be diluted?
No, the 10.5 oz can of soup should be used as is, without adding water.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated until warm.