Print

Crispy Cheesy Breakfast Potato Hash Brown Casserole

crispy cheesy breakfast potato hash brown casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy breakfast casserole featuring crispy edges, melted cheese, and tender hash browns, perfect for busy mornings or casual brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900 g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) butter, melted
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the sour cream using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture and stir until combined.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the frozen hash browns with 1½ cups (150 g) of shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon if using. Ensure potatoes are mostly thawed but still cold.
  5. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the potato-cheese-bacon mix and stir gently until evenly coated without overmixing.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Drizzle melted butter in thin streams over the top cheese layer.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Tent loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes if browning too fast.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use thawed but cold hash browns for best texture. Do not overmix to avoid mushy potatoes. Drizzling melted butter on top before baking enhances crispiness. Let casserole rest before serving to help it set. Frozen hash browns are preferred over fresh to prevent sogginess. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and cream cheese with vegan alternatives and use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, cheesy breakfast, crispy potatoes, easy brunch recipe, comfort food