Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
User Reviews
5
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Description
The Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole begins by crisping chopped bacon to release flavor and fat, then cooking diced onions in the bacon grease for a tender base. A roux thickens the mixture with flour, milk, and reduced sodium chicken broth combined with garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. The sauce then incorporates a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream, resulting in creamy texture and rich flavor.
Thawed hash browns and green onions mix into this cheese sauce along with bacon bits before transferring to a prepared casserole dish to bake. The baking melds the flavors and develops a golden crust, while the interior remains moist with distinct pieces of tender hash browns and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish with a balance of smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and mild spices.
This casserole fits well for brunch, dinner side dishes, or potlucks where it can be served hot from the oven. Its components are familiar with a comforting texture and cheesy taste everyone can appreciate.
According to the notes, the casserole can be prepared through step 8 in advance and refrigerated covered. Before baking, allow it to warm to room temperature for even cooking. It can also be frozen for up to three months tightly sealed, then thawed overnight before baking as usual.
Ingredients
- 30 oz hash browns thawed, frozen
- 4 Bacon chopped, strips
- 3 Tablespoon butter
- 1 onion diced (about 1 cup, small
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth reduced sodium
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 oz cream cheese cut into pieces
- 3 cups cheddar cheese divided, shredded sharp
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 3 Tablespoons green onion finely sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and lightly butter a casserole dish. Set aside.
- Place chopped (uncooked) bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until crisp and cooked through. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate and drain all but about 1 ½ Tablespoons of grease.
- Add butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently until softened (3-5 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over onion and whisk until smooth (should be like a paste).
- Gradually add milk while whisking. Add broth, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper and stir well. Bring to a boil.
- Once mixture begins to boil, reduce heat, bring to a simmer, and stir frequently until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, 2 cups (226g) cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream. Stir until cheeses are melted and mixture is smooth.
- Add hash browns, green onion, and cooked bacon pieces. Stir well and pour into prepared casserole dish, sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 cup (113g) cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to 350ºF (175ºC) oven and bake 35 minutes until heated through and cheese on top is melted.
Notes
- Make the casserole through step 8 ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate until baking.
- Before baking refrigerated casserole, let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- For freezing, tightly cover the prepared casserole to prevent freezer burn; freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to instructions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 403kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 79mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 564mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 425mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 792IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 371mg | 37% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
