Creamy and Crunchy Hashbrown Casserole

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This Creamy and Crunchy Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and topped with a perfectly crispy layer for texture. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and full of flavor. With creamy hashbrowns, melted cheese, and a buttery topping, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients

For the Potato Casserole:

  • 32 oz frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 2 cups chicken stock or chicken broth
  • 1 ½ – 2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1 cup sour cream (lite okay, but avoid fat-free)

For the Crunchy Topping:

  • 1 cup Cornflakes, lightly crushed
  • 3-5 tbsp butter, melted
  • Optional: Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Potato Casserole:

  1. Prepare the Oven and Dish: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside for later use.
  2. Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes
  3. .Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken stock. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, white cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
  6. Combine with Hashbrowns: In a large bowl, mix the thawed hashbrowns with the sour cream. Pour the cheese sauce over the hashbrowns and stir until well combined.
  7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Preparing the Crunchy Topping:

  1. Crush the Cornflakes: Lightly crush the Cornflakes in a small bowl. Mix with the melted butter until evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle on Top: Spread the Cornflake topping evenly over the casserole.

Baking:

  1. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.
  2. Add Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serving:

  1. Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with freshly chopped chives to add a vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy and Crunchy Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful combination of creamy textures and crispy toppings. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, it’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Customize the cheeses or toppings to suit your taste, and watch this dish disappear from the table in no time!