Hashbrown Casserole

This southern-inspired hashbrown casserole delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. The golden, cheesy crust on top gives way to a warm, creamy filling of shredded potatoes and savory seasonings. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or simple weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a favorite.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! You can prep it ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, making it ideal for meal prepping or entertaining. The familiar flavors of cheddar cheese, creamy soup, and buttery hashbrowns make this dish irresistible for kids and adults alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Add the thawed hashbrowns and gently mix until everything is well combined.

5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

6. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Why This Creamy Southern-Style Hashbrown Casserole Belongs on Your Table

When you think of comforting, nostalgic dishes that bring people together, hashbrown casserole almost always comes to mind. With roots in classic Southern cooking and a firm place on the menu of family diners like Cracker Barrel, this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish has become a go-to for breakfast spreads, potlucks, and even holiday meals.

The Creamy Southern-Style Hashbrown Casserole is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create something far more special than the sum of its parts. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make — which is part of the reason it’s been loved for decades.

A Little Background: The Cracker Barrel Inspiration

This beloved recipe is inspired by the famous hashbrown casserole served at Cracker Barrel restaurants across the U.S. It’s a staple of their all-day breakfast menu and a fan favorite because it’s hearty, creamy, and just cheesy enough to be indulgent without overwhelming your palate.

Our version captures everything that makes the original great while using easy-to-find supermarket ingredients. Whether you’re a Southerner who grew up eating this or someone trying it for the first time, this recipe brings diner-style comfort food right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a few reasons this dish consistently gets rave reviews and makes a regular appearance at brunch tables and dinner spreads alike:

1. It’s incredibly easy to make.

Even if you’re new to cooking, this casserole is practically foolproof. With just one mixing bowl and a baking dish, you can have this ready for the oven in 10 minutes.

2. Great for make-ahead meals.

You can prep the whole thing a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. That makes it perfect for hosting or when you want a stress-free morning.

3. It’s customizable.

Want to add bacon bits? Green chiles? A layer of crushed cornflakes on top? Go ahead. This base recipe is a great canvas for all your savory cravings.

4. Everyone loves it.

Seriously — even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy, cheesy goodness of this hashbrown casserole. It’s a hit with kids, adults, and everyone in between.

What Makes This Version So Good?

The secret lies in the balance of ingredients. Frozen hashbrowns make the process easier and more consistent, but it’s the combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese that gives it that signature creamy texture and rich flavor.

The onions are finely chopped so they melt right into the dish, offering a mild sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cheese and soup. Garlic powder adds a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering the classic taste.

Every bite delivers a harmony of textures: crispy golden top, melty interior, and just the right amount of chew from the potatoes.

Health Benefits? It’s All About Balance

While hashbrown casserole isn’t necessarily a “health food,” there are ways to make it work for a balanced lifestyle:

• Use reduced-fat cheese or sour cream if you’re watching your fat intake.
• Swap cream of chicken for a low-sodium version or even a homemade roux if you’re cutting back on processed ingredients.
• Add veggies like spinach or chopped bell peppers for a nutritional boost.
• And remember: it’s all about balance. This dish makes a comforting treat — perfect when paired with lighter options like a fresh green salad or fruit bowl.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole isn’t just for breakfast — though it does make a perfect side to eggs, bacon, and biscuits. You can also serve it:

• Alongside roast chicken or ham for a hearty dinner
• As part of a holiday brunch spread with mimosas and fruit salad
• With a side of sautéed greens or a fresh tomato salad for contrast
• Cut into squares and packed into a lunchbox — it reheats beautifully

And don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives gives it a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Here are some popular add-ins and variations:

• Crispy Bacon – Add chopped cooked bacon for a smoky, salty upgrade.
• Ham & Cheese – Stir in diced ham for a filling, protein-packed version.
• Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
• Crispy Topping – Sprinkle cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking for added texture.

No matter how you spin it, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and loved by all ages, this Creamy Southern-Style Hashbrown Casserole is the answer. It checks all the boxes for comfort food — warm, cheesy, golden, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for any occasion and adaptable to suit your tastes, it’s no wonder this recipe is a classic. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this hashbrown casserole promises to bring comfort, nostalgia, and a whole lot of yum to the table.

Conclusion

There’s a reason this Creamy Southern-Style Hashbrown Casserole has stood the test of time — it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort, warmth, and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch, preparing for a holiday feast, or simply need an easy, crowd-pleasing side for dinner, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity. With its golden, cheesy top and creamy, tender center, every bite feels like home.

Best of all, it’s a recipe you can rely on — easy to prepare, customizable to suit any taste, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a tradition in the making.