Kitchies! When you think of the perfect comfort food, what comes to mind? If it’s a warm, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings everyone to the table, then this Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is about to become your new go-to! With its golden crispy topping, creamy cheesy center, and smoky bacon goodness, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks, brunches, and family dinners.
This casserole isn’t just delicious, it’s effortless to make! You’re looking at frozen hash browns, plenty of cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy, savory sauce that all bakes together into a gooey, golden masterpiece. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish for dinner, this one’s a winner every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Comfort Food at Its Best – Creamy, cheesy, crispy, and totally satisfying.
✔️ Super Easy to Make – Mix, dump, bake—done!
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or a cozy family meal.
✔️ Loaded with Flavor – Bacon, cheese, and hash browns—what’s not to love?
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it ahead of time for stress-free hosting.
A Family Favorite That Always Wins!
Growing up, weekend brunch wasn’t complete without this hash brown casserole. My mom would make a big dish of it, and we’d wake up to the smell of cheesy, crispy, bacon-filled goodness coming from the oven. It’s one of those recipes that bring everyone running to the table.
Fast forward to today, and it’s still a family staple. My husband loves it topped with a fried egg, my little ones scoop it up by the spoonful, and anytime I take it to a potluck, people always ask for the recipe. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is pure comfort in every forkful!
Why This Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is a Must-Try
What Makes It Special?
✅ The Ultimate Cheesy Goodness – Sharp cheddar, creamy sauce, and a crispy top layer!
✅ Packed with Flavor – Bacon, green onions, and a perfect blend of seasonings.
✅ The Crispy, Golden Finish – A buttery, crunchy topping takes it to the next level.
✅ Easy, No-Fuss Prep – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, maximum reward!
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Recipe Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole
✔️ Use Frozen Hash Browns – But make sure they’re fully thawed to avoid excess moisture.
✔️ Mix in Extra Cheese – If you’re a cheese lover, add a layer of cheese on top before baking!
✔️ Crispy Topping is Key – The buttery Ritz cracker crust gives it that perfect crunch.
✔️ Make it Ahead – Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!
✔️ Spice It Up – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Substitutions & Variations for Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Make It Lighter:
✔️ Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to cut fat.
✔️ Use reduced-fat cheese and light cream of chicken soup.
✔️ Reduce the butter slightly for a lower-calorie version.
Make It Vegetarian:
✔️ Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
✔️ Omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits.
Add More Protein:
✔️ Stir in cooked sausage or diced ham.
✔️ Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a full meal!
Make It Gluten-Free:
✔️ Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
✔️ Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Make It Healthier: Low-Carb & Keto Tips
For a low-carb version:
✔️ Swap hash browns for cauliflower rice to cut carbs.
✔️ Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for a keto-friendly version.
✔️ Omit the cracker topping and sprinkle with extra cheese instead.
Closing Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Dish!
And there you have it! This Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, crispy, and smoky flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family breakfast, bringing it to a potluck, or serving it as a dinner side, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.
Make it today, and let me know how you love to serve it! Tag us with your creations, and check out our other comforting casserole recipes!
Categories:
🥘 Comfort Food | 🥔 Brunch | 🧀 Cheesy Casseroles | 🥓 Breakfast & Sides | 🍽️ Potluck Favorites
Tags:
#HashBrownCasserole #CheesyGoodness #LoadedCasserole #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes #BrunchFavorites #SouthernCooking
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Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Description
When you think of the perfect comfort food, what comes to mind? If it’s a warm, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings everyone to the table, then this Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is about to become your new go-to!
Ingredients
The Base:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
The “Loaded” Part:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
- In a large bowl, mix thawed hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Load It Up
- Stir in cooked bacon, green onions, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Make the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
