Craving a meal thatโs warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious? The Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is your answer. Whether itโs a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a side dish to your dinner, this casserole packs all the flavors you love into one easy-to-make dish. With layers of crispy hash browns, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy base, itโs no wonder this casserole has become a fan favorite.
In this article, Iโll walk you through the simple process of making this tasty casserole, give you some ideas to make it even better, and share a few tips to help you customize it to your taste.
What Is Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole?
The Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate in comfort food. Made with thawed frozen hash browns, rich cheese, savory cream of chicken soup, and crispy bacon, itโs a satisfying dish that can be served at any meal of the day. The casserole is baked until golden brown and bubbly, with a crunchy topping that gives it the perfect texture contrast. Itโs a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Hereโs what youโll need to make this deliciously cheesy casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or substitute with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (or more if youโre a bacon lover!)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs) for a crunchy topping
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Thaw the Hash Browns:
Thaw your frozen hash browns overnight in the fridge or microwave them to speed up the process. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from them to ensure they bake perfectly.
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cooked bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the hash browns are evenly coated.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Crunchy Topping:
Top the casserole with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. This will create a golden, crispy crust that perfectly complements the creamy interior.
- Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Let It Rest and Serve:
Once itโs done, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to slice.
Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole Variations
1. Breakfast Sausage Hash Brown Casserole:
If youโre in the mood for a meaty addition, swap out the bacon for cooked breakfast sausage. The sausage adds an extra savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy hash browns.
2. Veggie-Lovers Casserole:
Want to make it healthier? Add sautรฉed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the mix. This version is great for anyone looking to sneak in more vegetables.
3. Spicy Hash Brown Casserole:
For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeรฑos or chili flakes into the casserole mix. You can even use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier twist.
4. Chicken and Bacon Hash Brown Casserole:
Add shredded cooked chicken along with the bacon to make this casserole a complete meal. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
5. Ranch-Style Casserole:
For a creamy and zesty flavor, add a packet of ranch seasoning to the mix. It will give your casserole a flavorful kick and make it even more irresistible.
Why I Love This Meal:
What makes the Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole such a standout meal? For me, itโs the perfect balance of flavors and textures. You get the creamy richness from the cheese and sour cream, the salty crunch from the bacon, and the satisfying crispiness from the hash browns. Plus, itโs so easy to prepareโjust mix the ingredients, bake, and youโve got a dish that will have everyone at the table asking for more. I also love that you can make it your own with so many different variations, from adding sausage to throwing in your favorite veggies. Itโs an all-in-one comfort food that fits every occasion!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Deep-Dish Hash Brown Casserole
- Make It Ahead of Time:
You can assemble this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next day, and youโll have a meal ready to go with minimal effort. This is especially helpful for busy mornings or when hosting guests. - Use Quality Cheese:
The type of cheese you use makes a big difference in the flavor. Opt for sharp cheddar to give it that extra cheesy kick, or use a blend of cheeses for a richer taste. - Crispy Topping:
The key to the perfect crispy topping is making sure you use cornflakes or breadcrumbs that are evenly spread out over the casserole. This will give you that irresistible crunch. - Add Extra Protein:
For a heartier meal, consider adding protein such as cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef. This can turn your casserole into a full-on meal, perfect for dinner. - Freeze It for Later:
This casserole freezes well, so you can make a double batch and save one for later. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When youโre ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
People Also Ask: FAQs About Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Yes! Fresh hash browns work just as well. If you use fresh, make sure to cook them first before mixing them with the other ingredients to ensure they cook properly in the casserole.
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or swap it for cooked sausage or shredded chicken. You could also add extra veggies for a vegetarian version.
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by using non-dairy substitutes. Try plant-based sour cream, dairy-free cheese, and a vegan cream soup to make this a dairy-free dish.
To get that golden, crispy top, make sure to evenly spread your cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the casserole. You can also add a little extra butter to the topping before baking to get an extra-crisp crust.
Equipment
- ๐ณ Large skillet
- ๐ฅฃ Mixing bowls
- ๐ฅ 9ร13 deep-dish baking pan
- ๐ช Sharp knife
- ๐ฅ Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- For the Base:
- ๐ฅ 2 pounds frozen hash browns thawed
- ๐ง 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- ๐ง 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ๐ง 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ๐ง Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Filling:
- ๐ฅ 1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
- ๐ง 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ๐ง 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- ๐ฅ 4 large eggs
- ๐ฅ 1 cup milk
- ๐ฅ 1/2 cup sour cream
- ๐ฟ 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- For Topping:
- ๐ง 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ๐ฟ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a 9ร13 baking pan.
- ๐ฅ In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press evenly into the greased pan to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes until slightly golden.
- ๐ฅฃ In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and sour cream. Stir in bacon, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and chives.
- Pour the filling mixture over the baked hash brown crust.
- ๐ง Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
๐ Shred cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture.
๐ Let the casserole rest to firm up before slicing. Storage Tips:
โ๏ธ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
โ Freeze: Freeze baked casserole up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF.
๐ฅ Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350ยฐF until warmed through. Pro Tips:
๐ Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor.
๐ Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
๐ Add jalapeรฑos for a spicy kick.
๐ For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add sautรฉed mushrooms or spinach. Variations:
๐ฅฉ Substitute sausage for bacon.
๐ฅฆ Add broccoli or diced bell peppers for extra veggies.
๐ง Experiment with cheeses like Gruyere or Swiss.
๐ถ๏ธ Spice it up with red chili flakes or diced jalapeรฑos. Common Questions:
โ Can I make it ahead? Yes! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
โ Can I use fresh potatoes? Yes, grate and squeeze out excess moisture.
โ Too dry? Add a splash of milk before reheating. Perfect For:
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family breakfast
๐ Potlucks
๐ณ Brunch gatherings
๐ฅ Meal prep Serving Suggestions:
๐ฅ Fresh fruit salad
๐ฅ Buttered toast
โ Hot coffee or tea
๐ฟ Extra fresh herbs
Nutrition
Conclusion
The Deep-Dish Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect comfort food that everyone will love. Itโs creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy hash browns and savory bacon. Whether youโre preparing it for a breakfast gathering, a holiday feast, or as a side dish, itโs sure to be a hit. Plus, with all the ways you can customize itโwhether you add sausage, veggies, or ranch seasoningโyouโll never run out of new versions to try. Give this recipe a go, and see why itโs destined to become a staple in your kitchen!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other casserole favorites for more hearty, satisfying meals!
