This Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes is the ultimate cheesy, comforting side dish. Loaded with shredded potatoes, creamy sauce, sharp cheddar, and topped with a buttery Corn Flake crunch, it’s the perfect recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for comfort food to enjoy at home, this dish delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Comfort: The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a creamy, cheesy base that’s irresistibly satisfying.
- Crispy Topping: The buttery Corn Flake topping adds a perfect crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy casserole.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for beginner cooks.
- Make-Ahead Option: It’s a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time, making it great for entertaining.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with almost any main course, from roast chicken to grilled steak.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Casserole:
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (minced)
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
For the Corn Flake Topping:
- 2 cups Corn Flakes (slightly crushed)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
Directions
Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, melted butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, minced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly into the dish.
Prepare the Topping:
- Mix the Corn Flakes: In a smaller mixing bowl, mix the slightly crushed Corn Flakes with the melted butter until well-coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Corn Flakes evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake Uncovered: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- Meat Additions: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra protein and flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup to make it vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hash browns and cream of chicken soup, and replace Corn Flakes with a gluten-free cereal or crushed potato chips.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a hint of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can peel and shred fresh potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. What’s the best way to crush Corn Flakes?
Place the Corn Flakes in a resealable plastic bag and gently crush them with your hands or a rolling pin.
4. Can I use a different topping instead of Corn Flakes?
Absolutely! Crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or panko work well as alternative toppings.
5. Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, but the casserole may be slightly less rich and creamy.
6. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
7. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, diced bell peppers, peas, or chopped broccoli can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
8. How do I make this casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a sprinkle of hot sauce to the mixture.
9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a smoother texture.
10. How long can I freeze this casserole?
You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Conclusion
Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes is a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, buttery topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting dish, it’s easy to make and adaptable to your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
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Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes is the ultimate cheesy, comforting side dish! Filled with shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery Corn Flake crunch, it’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (minced)
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
For the Corn Flake Topping:
- 2 cups Corn Flakes (slightly crushed)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
Instructions
Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, melted butter, salt, pepper, minced garlic, minced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly combined.
- Spread in Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly into the dish.
Prepare the Topping:
- Mix the Corn Flakes:
- In a smaller mixing bowl, mix the slightly crushed Corn Flakes with the melted butter until well-coated.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the buttery Corn Flakes evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake Uncovered:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your hash browns and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free.
- To crush Corn Flakes quickly, place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush with your hands or a rolling pin.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare and freeze the casserole before baking. Store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, and thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American