Description
This Loaded Hash Brown Potato Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish packed with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and creamy soup, perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty potatoes with a rich blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. bacon, cut into ¼-inch slices and cooked, divided
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 (30 oz.) package frozen shredded hash browns
- 6 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 12 oz. sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 3 cups shredded cheese (your favorite), divided
Toppings (Optional)
- Cooked bacon
- Chopped tomatoes
- Crushed crackers
- Sliced scallions
- Sour cream
- Fried onions (e.g., French’s)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook Bacon: Over medium-low heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings, save the reserved drippings in an airtight container in the fridge for future use.
- Sauté Onions: In the same pan with the tablespoon of bacon drippings, cook the finely chopped onions over medium-low heat until they become translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup melted butter, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, milk, the cooked onions, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and half of the crisped bacon pieces.
- Add Potatoes: Fold in the frozen shredded hash browns into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared casserole dish, pressing it down gently into an even layer. Sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil. The internal temperature should reach between 165°F and 175°F.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to set for 10 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Add your favorite toppings such as additional cooked bacon, chopped tomatoes, crushed crackers, scallions, sour cream, or fried onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use your favorite type of shredded cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for best results.
- Keep frozen hash browns straight from the freezer—do not thaw before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- The reserved bacon drippings can be saved and used to add flavor to future dishes.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your soup and any toppings like fried onions or crackers are gluten-free certified.
- For extra crispiness on top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
