Creamy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Indulge in a hearty breakfast with this Creamy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. Perfect for weekend brunches or family gatherings, this dish combines the comfort of crispy hash browns with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, sautéed onions, and a touch of spices. It's simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy quality moments with your loved ones while it's baking to perfection. This versatile casserole is not only satisfying but also customizable with your favorite additions, such as bacon or vegetables. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and bring warmth to your breakfast table!
8
Servings
443.75
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups (Chopped)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (For greasing)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (None)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Skim milk
1 1/4 cups (None)
Nonfat chicken broth
1/2 cup (None)
Low-fat cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (Shredded)
Lowfat swiss cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Fat free sour cream
8 ounces (None)
Frozen southern style hash brown potatoes
32 ounces (Thawed)
Paprika
as needed (For sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
2
In a medium saucepan, coat with cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until they become tender and translucent.
3
Stir in the all-purpose flour, dry mustard, and salt, cooking for an additional minute while stirring constantly.
4
Gradually whisk in the skim milk and chicken broth until fully combined, then cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is thickened, stirring continuously.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the low-fat cheddar and Swiss cheese along with the pepper. Stir until the cheeses have melted completely, then fold in the fat-free sour cream until smooth.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese mixture with the thawed hash browns, stirring until well combined.
7
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle generously with paprika for flavor and color.
8
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and creamy cheesy hash brown casserole!
Nutrition Information
7.75g
Fat
51g
Carbs
23.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole?
It is a hearty breakfast dish combining crispy hash browns with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and sautéed onions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish is needed.
What types of cheese are used in this casserole?
The recipe uses low-fat cheddar cheese and low-fat Swiss cheese.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns before cooking?
Yes, the 32 ounces of frozen southern style hash brown potatoes should be thawed.
How long does the casserole need to bake in total?
The total baking time is 70 minutes: 35 minutes covered and 35 minutes uncovered.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
It uses skim milk, nonfat broth, low-fat cheeses, and fat-free sour cream to keep fat content at 7.75g per serving.
What are the main spices used for flavor?
The dish is seasoned with dry mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
Yes, the recipe is customizable with additions like bacon or extra vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 443.75 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 23.25 grams of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
Chop the onions and sauté them for about 3 minutes until tender and translucent.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of skim milk.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
You will need 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
Paprika is sprinkled on top for both flavor and a golden color.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of nonfat chicken broth.
What kind of sour cream is required?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of fat-free sour cream.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, lightly coat the dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
How do I thicken the cheese sauce?
Thicken the sauce by whisking milk and broth into the flour and mustard mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 51 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
When should I add the cheese to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding and stirring in the cheeses.
Does the casserole have a crispy top?
Baking uncovered for the final 35 minutes helps the top become golden and bubbly.
How long should the casserole sit before serving?
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions.
What is the primary fat source in this dish?
The fat comes primarily from the low-fat cheddar and Swiss cheeses.
Are there any specific hash browns recommended?
The recipe suggests frozen southern style hash brown potatoes.