If you’re searching for a mouthwatering side dish that will steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than these Baked Cheesy Hash Browns! Bursting with flavor and oozing with gooey cheese, this classic American recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable comfort food that’s perfect for brunch or as a side at dinner. Dive into the recipe and discover how to make this cheesy delight that everyone will be raving about!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thaw the frozen hash browns at room temperature for about 10 minutes. If they are still slightly frozen, it's okay.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and milk to the hash browns. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating of the potatoes.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.
- Transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the hash browns.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish or brunch item, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Thawing Hash Browns: Make sure to give your frozen hash browns a little time to thaw at room temperature before mixing them with the other ingredients. This ensures that they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Cheese Variations: While shredded cheese is a must, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try using a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Cream of Mushroom Substitute: If you're not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can easily substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, consider adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before baking.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.
- Garnishing: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
