Introduction
Delightful Casserole
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, this cheesy hash brown casserole is a perfect choice. It’s creamy, loaded with flavor, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is bound to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Hash brown potatoes
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Sour cream
1 cup sour cream
Milk
1 cup milk
Butter
4 tablespoons butter
Paprika
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Prep Time
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Add the butter, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen diced potatoes with the cheese sauce, stirring until the potatoes are well coated.
6. Add the sour cream to the potato mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking Instructions
1. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy this creamy and cheesy hash brown casserole that’s perfect as a side dish or even a standalone meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth. Add the butter, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Simmer the Sauce
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Potatoes with Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen diced potatoes with the cheese sauce, stirring until the potatoes are well coated.
Add Sour Cream
Add the sour cream to the potato mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Add Remaining Cheese
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Final Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Choosing Cheese
For a different flavor profile, try using a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda along with the cheddar.
Potato Cooking Tips
Ensure that the hash browns are evenly coated with the cheese sauce for uniform flavor throughout the casserole.
Storage Advice
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired texture in baked dishes like casseroles.
Whisking
Whisking ingredients, especially when mixing cornstarch with milk, helps create a smooth and lump-free mixture essential for a creamy cheese sauce.
Sautéing
Heating the butter and spices together allows the flavors to develop, enhancing the overall taste of the dish before adding the cheese and potatoes.
Simmering
Simmering the sauce after it reaches a boil allows it to thicken properly and ensures that all ingredients are well combined for a rich flavor.
Coating
Thoroughly coating the frozen diced potatoes with the cheese sauce is crucial for even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.
Baking
Baking the casserole uncovered allows the top to get golden and bubbly, while heating the ingredients through to ensure they are served warm.
Layering
Adding additional cheese on top halfway through baking helps achieve a beautifully melted layer, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor of the casserole.
Cooling
Letting the casserole cool slightly before serving allows the dish to set, making it easier to portion and serve without falling apart.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but they will need to be peeled, diced, and partially cooked before being mixed into the casserole for even cooking.
Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese?
Absolutely! You can use other types of cheese like medium cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for sour cream?
Yes, you can use non-dairy sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute for a similar creaminess in the casserole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For added spice, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or using a pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Conclusion
This creamy and cheesy hash brown casserole is a comforting dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for dinner. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the easy preparation ensures you can whip it up with minimal effort. Enjoy it straight from the oven for a warm, satisfying meal.
Hash Brown Casserole with Bacon
Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the hash brown mixture for a smoky flavor that complements the cheese.
Vegetable-Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, and spinach into the potato mixture for a healthy twist and added nutrients.
Southwestern-Style Hash Brown Casserole
Mix in cooked chorizo, black beans, and diced tomatoes to give the casserole a spicy kick.
Herbed Potato Casserole
Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to enhance the flavor and add freshness.
Hash Brown Casserole with Cream Cheese
Incorporate softened cream cheese into the cheese sauce for extra creaminess and richness.
French Onion Hash Brown Casserole
Stir in French onion soup mix to the potato mixture for an extra depth of flavor that pairs well with the cheese.
