Supreme Hashbrown Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Classic

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this Supreme Hashbrown Casserole! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty side dish, this comforting casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Packed with savory flavors and creamy textures, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 30 oz of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (reduced fat is fine too)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tbsp minced parsley (dried works too)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Saute the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken stock until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Sour Cream and Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine with Hash Browns: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes with the prepared cheese sauce and minced parsley. Mix until well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
7. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Bacon Lover’s Delight: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the hash brown mixture for an extra savory kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken stock and use vegetable stock instead for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to the cheese sauce.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

• Keto Option: Replace the hash browns with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use full-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Opt for a blend of keto-friendly cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese.
• Low Carb Hack: For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount of potatoes and increase the vegetables such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Use a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy topping instead of shredded cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? A: Yes, you can use fresh shredded potatoes in place of frozen hash browns. Simply peel and grate the potatoes, then rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch before incorporating them into the recipe.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake it according to the recipe instructions when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

In conclusion, this Supreme Hashbrown Casserole is the epitome of comfort food excellence. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender hash browns, and flavorful seasoning, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Whether served as a hearty breakfast, a savory side dish, or a comforting main course, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or family meal. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of this irresistible hashbrown casserole!