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Easy Creamy Overnight Hash Brown Casserole Recipe for Perfect Breakfast

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A creamy, cheesy overnight hash brown casserole that is easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or brunch, and delivers a comforting blend of crispy edges and soft interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 30 oz (850 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed overnight
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 10.5 oz (298 g) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (75 g) cooked bacon bits or diced ham

Instructions

  1. Thaw the hash browns in the refrigerator overnight (8-12 hours) to prevent excess water and improve texture.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Fold in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses gently to distribute evenly.
  5. Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl and fold carefully with a spatula to coat without mashing.
  6. If using, fold in cooked bacon bits or diced ham.
  7. Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and smooth the top.
  8. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
  9. Remove from fridge, uncover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly and the center is set.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Notes

Thaw hash browns fully to avoid sogginess. Fold ingredients gently to keep hash browns intact. Cover casserole tightly when refrigerating overnight. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly during baking. Rest casserole after baking for easier slicing. For dairy-free options, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cheeses. For gluten-free, ensure soup is gluten-free and optionally add gluten-free breadcrumbs on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, overnight casserole, creamy breakfast, cheesy casserole, easy breakfast recipe, make ahead breakfast, brunch recipe