Hashbrown Casserole

2 cups crushed cornflakes (or crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or GF cereal)
¼ cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted

💡 Pro Tips:
Thaw hash browns—prevents icy pockets and soggy texture.
Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly.
Don’t skip the topping—it adds essential crunch!

Step-by-Step Instructions (Creamy, Cheesy, Foolproof)

1. Prep & Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine hash browns, soup, sour cream, ½ cup melted butter, cheese, onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until evenly coated.

3. Assemble & Top

Spread mixture into baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes and ¼ cup melted butter.
Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake 45–55 minutes, until bubbly around edges and topping is deep golden brown.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving (helps it set).

Serving Suggestions

🍗 Classic pairing: With fried chicken, meatloaf, or holiday ham
🥚 Brunch favorite: Alongside scrambled eggs and bacon
🥗 Balanced plate: With green beans or a simple salad
🧈 Extra indulgence: Drizzle with extra melted butter or hot sauce

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Fridge: Assemble unbaked; cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Bake as directed (+10 mins).
Freeze: Baked or unbaked casserole freezes well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight; bake covered at 350°F.
Leftovers: Keep up to 4 days—reheat in oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use GF cream of chicken soup and GF cornflakes or crushed rice cereal.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes—but texture will be less rich. Full-fat is best.

Q: Too dense?
A: Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry.

Q: No canned soup?
A: Make your own:

3 tbsp butter + 3 tbsp flour + 1½ cups milk + ½ tsp thyme → simmer until thickened.

❤️ The Heart of the Dish

Hashbrown Casserole isn’t just a side—it’s a tradition of care. It’s what you bring to a grieving neighbor, serve at holiday tables, or bake when you want to say, “You’re loved.”

So mix those potatoes, crush those flakes, and bake with joy. Because the best meals aren’t complicated—they’re creamy, crunchy, and made with love.