Hashbrown casserole is the kind of dish that can turn a regular Sunday brunch into an unforgettable feast. Picture this: golden, crispy hashbrowns layered with creamy cheese, savory sausage, and a hint of onion, all baked to perfection. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug, enticing everyone to gather around the table. This casserole isn’t just food; it’s a memory maker, often gracing family gatherings and lazy weekends.

I fondly remember the first time I made hashbrown casserole for my family. My cousin declared it the best breakfast she ever had—over pancakes and bacon! It quickly became a staple at our reunions, where laughter mingles with the scent of melting cheese and crispy potatoes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hashbrown casserole is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners or lazy brunches stress-free
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting, perfect for the whole family
- Its golden crust and cheesy goodness make it visually appealing on any table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish fits any occasion
I vividly recall my aunt’s delighted face when I served her this casserole at Thanksgiving—she couldn’t get enough!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Frozen Hashbrowns: Opt for shredded hashbrowns for that perfect balance of crispiness and creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds creaminess; you can use Greek yogurt as a lighter option.
Onion: Diced onions provide sweetness; sauté them until translucent for maximum flavor.
Sausage: Breakfast sausage works great here; cook until browned for added richness.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to add richness without overwhelming the dish with salt.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential; adjust to taste based on your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your frozen hashbrowns with melted butter. Mixing these two together will create that lovely buttery layer we all crave.
In another bowl, mix together your cooked sausage, diced onion, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. The mixture should smell heavenly at this point—like breakfast has come early!
Now comes the fun part: fold the hashbrown mixture into the sausage mixture gently. You want everything combined without mashing those beautiful potatoes!
Transfer the combined mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly so every bite gets that nice crispy top we all love! Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Once done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps everything set nicely. Slice yourself a generous portion and enjoy each cheesy bite while basking in your cooking glory!
This hashbrown casserole can easily become your go-to dish for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in!
You Must Know
- This hashbrown casserole is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, perfect for brunch or dinner
- The golden crust and cheesy interior create a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for more
- It’s simple to make but impresses every time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, mix the hashbrowns, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl before transferring them to a greased baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like pepper jack for extra heat or add diced veggies for flavor. You can even throw in some cooked bacon for a savory kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover hashbrown casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for two minutes at the end of baking
- Always ensure your hashbrowns are thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture
- For creaminess, you can mix in sour cream or cream cheese into your mixture
Sharing this dish with friends reminded me of my first attempt. I confidently pulled it out of the oven, only to realize I forgot the cheese! It was still delicious but now I never skip that vital step.

FAQ
What is the main ingredient in hashbrown casserole?
The main ingredient is frozen hashbrowns, providing that essential potato base.
Can I prepare hashbrown casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day before and refrigerate until baking.
How do I make my hashbrown casserole spicier?
Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese to give it some heat!
Hashbrown Casserole
Hashbrown casserole transforms any brunch into a delightful feast. With layers of crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheddar cheese, savory sausage, and sweet onions, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also creates lasting memories. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it’s a must-have for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy the comforting aroma as it bakes to golden perfection and watch everyone come back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine frozen hashbrowns with melted butter.
- In another bowl, mix together cooked sausage, diced onion, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold the hashbrown mixture into the sausage mixture until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg

