Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

Imagine a breakfast so reliably delicious and easy that it becomes a cherished tradition. This Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole is exactly that: a creamy, cheesy, golden-brown masterpiece of comfort food that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, and feeding a hungry crowd with zero stress.

Let’s talk about a true legend of the breakfast table. This Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole, affectionately known in some circles as “funeral potatoes,” has earned its iconic status for a reason. Honestly, it’s my secret weapon for any gathering. It combines simple, humble ingredients, frozen hash browns, a creamy soup base, and lots of cheese into something far greater than the sum of its parts.

The result is a dish that’s irresistibly creamy on the inside with a satisfyingly crisp topping. Let’s make this beloved Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole together.

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing, Make-Ahead Breakfast

First and foremost, this casserole is the answer to effortless entertaining. Its greatest strength is that you can assemble it entirely the night before, cover it, and simply bake it in the morning. This means you get to enjoy your guests instead of being stuck at the stove. Moreover, its appeal is universal. The combination of potatoes and cheese is a surefire hit with both kids and adults, making this Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole the safest and most requested dish on any brunch menu.

Unbeatable Comfort and Customizability

Secondly, this recipe is a cornerstone of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and delivers that nostalgic, satisfying flavor we all crave. Furthermore, it’s a wonderfully flexible formula. Don’t have sour cream? Use Greek yogurt. Want to add protein? Mix in diced ham or cooked sausage. Prefer a different crunchy topping? The possibilities are endless. This Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious blueprint that you can adapt to your taste and what’s in your fridge.

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HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC BREAKFAST HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

Ingredients: Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

• The Potato Base:
  • 1 (30-32 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed*
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• The Creamy Binding Sauce:
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
  • 2 cups (16 oz) sour cream or full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup finely diced yellow onion (or 1 tbsp onion powder)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
• The Cheese:
  • 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• The Crispy Topping:
  • 2 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
  • (Alternatively: 1 ½ cups crushed potato chips, Ritz crackers, or fried onions)

*To Thaw Hash Browns Quickly: Spread them on a baking sheet for 30-60 minutes, or microwave in 2-minute intervals, fluffing in between.

Directions: Step by Step

Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray. Ensuring your hash browns are fully thawed and any excess water is drained is the first critical step for a perfect Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture
In a huge mixing bowl, combine the condensed soup, sour cream, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Stir in 1/4 cup of the melted butter. Add the thawed hash browns and both kinds of shredded cheese to the bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. This mixture is the heart of your Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the potato mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into a smooth, even layer. In a separate medium bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter until all the crumbs are lightly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the entire top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Golden-Brown Perfection
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole is done when the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges and the topping is a deep, golden brown. The center should be hot and set.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut into clean squares. This resting period is the final, crucial step for the perfect Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole.

NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS FOR CLASSIC BREAKFAST HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

A Hearty, Indulgent Dish

Let’s be clear: this casserole is a celebration of comfort, not a everyday health food. It is rich, satisfying, and energy-dense, providing carbohydrates from the potatoes and cornflakes, protein and calcium from the dairy and cheese, and a significant amount of fat, particularly saturated fat. It’s designed as a special occasion centerpiece or a hearty weekend treat.

Making Mindful Adjustments

You can easily create a lighter version of this Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole. Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, a reduced-fat condensed soup, and reduced-fat cheese. For the topping, a light spray of olive oil on whole-grain cereal or panko can replace the butter. To boost nutrition, fold in vegetables like thawed frozen spinach (squeezed dry), diced bell peppers, or broccoli florets. Serving it with a large fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie helps balance the meal.

HOW TO SERVE CLASSIC BREAKFAST HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

The Perfect Brunch Centerpiece

This casserole is the star of the show. Serve it right from the baking dish alongside other brunch favorites. It pairs wonderfully with scrambled or fried eggs, a platter of fresh fruit, crispy bacon or sausage links, and a basket of muffins or cinnamon rolls.

Creative Serving Ideas

For a fun “breakfast-for-dinner” night, serve squares of the casserole with a side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also bake it in a muffin tin for individual, portable “hash brown cups.”

Serving Occasion	Perfect Pairings	Why It Works
Holiday Brunch	Baked Ham, Fruit Salad, Mimosas	Feeds a crowd effortlessly and feels festive.
Weekend Family Breakfast	Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Berries, Bacon	A special, cozy treat that makes the morning feel slow.
Potluck or Gathering	By itself, with a serving spoon.	Travels well, holds its heat, and is universally loved.
Post-Holiday Breakfast	Leftover Holiday Ham (diced and mixed in)	A brilliant and delicious way to use leftovers.

HOW TO STORE CLASSIC BREAKFAST HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

Refrigeration and Reheating

Leftovers store very well. Cool the casserole completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For larger portions or to restore crispness, reheat, covered with foil, in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking.

• To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap the dish tightly in both plastic wrap and heavy-duty foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed (may need a few extra minutes).
• To Freeze Baked: Let the cooked casserole cool completely. Slice and wrap portions individually, or freeze the whole block. Reheat from frozen, covered, in a 350°F oven until heated through.

TIPS TO MAKE CLASSIC BREAKFAST HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

Tips and Notes: Your Guide to Success

• Thaw Potatoes Completely: This is non-negotiable. Frozen potatoes will not cook evenly and will make the casserole watery.
• Squeeze Out Moisture: After thawing, place the hash browns in a clean kitchen towel and wring out any excess water. This ensures a creamy, not soggy, casserole.
• Customize the Topping: The cornflake topping is classic, but feel free to use crushed potato chips, crispy fried onions, or even a mix of panko and Parmesan cheese.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking lets the creamy sauce set, making serving much cleaner and easier.

Variation (if any)

• Fully Loaded: Add 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham, and ½ cup of sliced green onions to the potato mixture.
• Vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom or celery soup.
• Spicy Southwest: Use pepper Jack cheese, add a 4-oz can of diced green chiles, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Everything Bagel: Replace the cornflake topping with a mixture of everything bagel seasoning and panko breadcrumbs.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute 1 cup of the sour cream with 8 oz of softened cream cheese. If you’re short on time, you can mix the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before adding the topping and baking.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole without canned soup?
Yes. For a from-scratch sauce, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 1 ¼ cups of milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Use this in place of the canned soup.

My casserole turned out watery. What happened?
The most common cause is using hash browns that weren’t fully thawed and drained of excess moisture. Another cause could be underbaking; ensure it’s bubbling at the edges and the center is hot.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can, but it requires more prep. Peel and shred 2-3 large russet potatoes. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, then rinse and drain. Crucially, you must wring them out in a towel extremely well to remove all starch and moisture before using.

Is it necessary to use the cornflake topping?
The topping provides essential texture contrast, but you can omit it. The casserole will still taste great but will be soft all over. For some crunch, you could simply sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking.

CONCLUSION

Mastering this Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole means adding a timeless, no-fail recipe to your collection. It’s a dish built on simplicity, comfort, and the undeniable magic of potatoes and cheese. From the easy stir-together prep to the glorious moment it emerges golden and bubbling from the oven, it’s a straightforward path to breakfast bliss. Make this iconic Classic Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole once, and it will earn a permanent spot in your family’s tradition.