Name: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole That’ll Steal the Show at Any Dinner Table
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 2 cups sour cream; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cornflakes, crushed (for topping); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

You know that one dish at a potluck that disappears before you even grab a plate? That’s this cheesy hashbrown casserole. Or as my family calls it, ‘funeral potatoes’—not because they’re sad, but because they’re so good, they bring people together in any moment. There’s something oddly comforting about a bubbling casserole dish full of shredded potatoes, butter, sour cream, and enough cheese to make your cardiologist raise an eyebrow. It’s easy, hearty, and guaranteed to get you recipe requests. And let’s be real—sometimes you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug with crispy edges. I make this when I’m too tired to cook something fussy but still want applause from the dinner table. It works for brunch, dinner, or next-day breakfast. It’s not fancy. It’s just cheesy, creamy, crispy magic in a pan. So if you’re into recipes that are low-effort, high-reward, and always leave folks scraping the dish clean, this one’s for you.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
4) How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
6) Making Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
8) Try these side dishes next!
9) Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Cheesy hashbrown casserole makes the perfect comfort side dish
Prep ahead and bake when you’re ready to serve
Crispy cornflake topping adds irresistible texture
Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or weekday dinners

2) Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Ever had a dish that made you pause mid-bite and mumble “who made this”? This is that dish. Our cheesy hashbrown casserole isn’t just easy, it’s dependable, delicious, and oddly nostalgic. It hits all the right notes: crispy on the edges, creamy in the middle, and comfort all the way through.

I usually keep a bag of frozen hash browns in the freezer for this exact recipe. On busy weeks or when family shows up unannounced, I know I’ve got an ace in the hole. It’s one of those recipes that quietly steals the spotlight at dinners, potlucks, or, yes, even after-funeral gatherings. We don’t ask questions. We just take seconds.

Whether you call them cheesy potatoes, party potatoes, or funeral potatoes, this recipe pulls everyone to the table. And don’t be surprised when folks ask for the recipe before dessert hits the table.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Frozen shredded hash browns: One 30-ounce bag, thawed. I usually leave it out on the counter while prepping everything else.

Sour cream: Two cups of that creamy tang bring everything together. Full fat, please. Now’s not the time for half-measures.

Cream of chicken soup: One 10.5-ounce can. Adds depth and creaminess without the extra effort.

Unsalted butter: Half a cup, melted. Adds richness. And let’s face it, butter is happiness in stick form.

Garlic powder and onion powder: Just half a teaspoon of each. They do the heavy lifting in the flavor department.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Two cups of the good stuff. Go for sharp cheddar for that bold, cheesy bite.

Salt and pepper: Add to taste. Start light—you can always sprinkle more later.

Cornflakes: Two cups, crushed. This topping is what makes the magic happen. Trust me on this.

Butter (again): Two more tablespoons, melted and mixed with those cornflakes for the crispy crown on top.

4) How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: In a big mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and smells like comfort.

Step 3: Fold in the hash browns and cheddar cheese. Make sure everything gets evenly coated—no dry bits allowed.

Step 4: Spread the mixture into your prepared dish. Use a spatula to get it all nice and even.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter. Then sprinkle that golden crunch evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the top is a warm, golden brown.

Step 7: Let it cool for about five minutes. Then dig in. Carefully, though—it’s hot and you’ll be tempted to dive right in.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Thaw the hash browns fully. If they’re still frozen, the casserole won’t bake evenly. I set mine out for at least 30 minutes while prepping everything else.

Use sharp cheddar. Mild cheddar melts nicely, but sharp cheddar packs more punch. This is comfort food, but that doesn’t mean it should be bland.

Don’t skimp on the topping. The buttery cornflakes aren’t just for show. They bring texture and that irresistible crunch that everyone loves.

6) Making Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Ahead of Time

Want to prep ahead? Great idea. Mix everything together, spread it in the baking dish, and cover it tightly. Pop it in the fridge overnight or even for up to two days.

Wait to add the cornflake topping until just before baking. Otherwise, it can get soggy and lose that crispy factor we’re going for.

When you’re ready, bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you. Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil so it doesn’t dry out. Then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the top.

This cheesy hashbrown casserole also freezes well. Just skip the topping, freeze the base, and add the cornflakes fresh when you’re ready to bake.

8) Try these side dishes next!

9) Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe