Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Hash Brown Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic baked potato, transformed into a hearty and satisfying hash brown casserole. This Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Hash Brown Casserole combines the creamy richness of sour cream and cream cheese with crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant chives for a deliciously creamy and savory dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for any meal. It's a unique twist under a crispy cornflake topping that is sure to become a family favorite, offering every bite packed with flavors reminiscent of your favorite loaded baked potatoes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen hash brown potatoes
2 lb (Thawed)
Sour cream
8 oz (None)
Cream cheese
8 oz (Softened)
Chopped chives
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Bacon bits
1 cup (None)
Cream of chicken soup
10.75 oz (None)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Cornflake crumbs
2 cups (Crushed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted (1/4 cup for mixture, 1/4 cup for crumbs))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, melted butter (1/4 cup), bacon bits, chopped chives, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well blended.
3
Gently fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
4
Prepare a 3-quart casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam). Spoon the potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
5
In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter (1/4 cup) with the cornflake crumbs until the crumbs are well-coated.
6
Sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Hash Brown Casserole?
It is a hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic loaded baked potato—sour cream, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar—with hash browns and a crispy cornflake topping.
What is the main ingredient in this casserole?
The main ingredient is 2 lbs of frozen hash brown potatoes that have been thawed.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The casserole needs to bake for approximately 1 hour or until the top is golden brown.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do the hash browns need to be thawed?
Yes, the 2 lbs of frozen hash brown potatoes should be thawed before mixing.
What makes the topping crispy?
The topping is made from 2 cups of crushed cornflake crumbs mixed with 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Which types of cheese are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Is there meat in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of bacon bits for a savory, smoky flavor.
What kind of soup is used as a base?
A 10.75 oz can of cream of chicken soup is used to provide a creamy texture.
How much sour cream is included?
The recipe requires 8 oz of sour cream.
How is the butter divided in the recipe?
A total of 1/2 cup of melted butter is used: 1/4 cup is mixed into the potato base and 1/4 cup is used for the cornflake topping.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives is added to the mixture for color and flavor.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should spray the 3-quart dish with non-stick cooking spray like Pam before adding the mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for flavor, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack.
Is this dish suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish features a creamy and savory interior with a crunchy, buttered cornflake crust.
How do I prepare the cornflake topping?
Mix 2 cups of cornflake crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter in a separate small bowl until coated, then sprinkle over the potatoes.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the bacon bits and substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this ultimate hash brown casserole.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, breakfast, comfort food, hash browns, sour cream, cheesy, and loaded baked potato.
Is cream cheese necessary?
Yes, 8 oz of softened cream cheese provides the rich, creamy consistency characteristic of this recipe.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
It is done when the topping is golden brown and the entire dish is heated through and bubbling.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
The recipe is designed for frozen thawed hash browns, but you could use shredded fresh potatoes if they are properly rinsed and dried.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine the soup, sour cream, cream cheese, butter, bacon, chives, and cheese first, then gently fold in the potatoes.
Can I use bottled bacon bits?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 cup of bacon bits, which can be store-bought or freshly cooked and crumbled.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, it is a savory comfort food dish, though you could add hot sauce or jalapeños if you prefer spice.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the nutritional data is not provided, the potatoes and cornflakes provide some carbohydrates and minimal fiber.
How many servings does this make?
While not specified, a 3-quart casserole usually yields approximately 8 to 12 servings depending on portion size.
What is the unique twist in this recipe?
The unique twist is the combination of loaded baked potato ingredients hidden under a crispy, buttery cornflake topping.