Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty Crock-Pot Hash Brown Casserole is enough to feed a crowd.
Hash browns are my jam. Whether I make them from scratch or frozen, I consider them a breakfast food essential. Because I love them so much, I’m always adding new recipes to my rotation. This Crock-Pot hash brown casserole is a new cheesy fave of mine, particularly because it’s so easy to make. Oh, and it’s perfect for family get-togethers and Sunday brunches, too.
I mean, what’s not to love about tender hash browns smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce? This casserole has all the nostalgic flavors of the oven-baked classic my grandma used to make. Even better—the Crock-Pot saves me time and effort. All I can say, is thank goodness for the Crock-Pot.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste. For example, my kids are practically carnivores, so I like adding some bacon or sausage for a heartier dish. No matter how you make this casserole, I’m sure it’ll be a hit!
Is Crock-pot Hash brown Casserole Healthy?
While this casserole is wonderful comfort food, it’s also quite rich and creamy, so it’s more of a once-in-a-while treat than a weekly recipe. Enjoy it in moderation! That said, you can make some simple, healthy swaps. Try using Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream. You could also use reduced-fat cheese to cut back on saturated fat, though I’d recommend simply using less regular cheese. For a vegetarian take on this recipe, swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
Using Fresh Hash browns Instead
Hey, overachievers. I see you. You’re thinking, “What if I grate up my own potatoes for hash browns?” It’s not a bad idea—a lot of work—but not a bad idea. If you want to use fresh hash browns for this recipe instead of frozen, it’s absolutely doable. Who doesn’t want to add a fresh touch to their recipes? In the case of this casserole, the key is managing the moisture.
Freshly grated potatoes hold a lot of water, so you’ll want to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding the hash browns to your mixture. Place the hash browns in a clean dish towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. A cheesecloth is even better, if you have one. Either way, this simple step helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy!
How to Make Ahead and Store
If you’re making this ahead, transfer it to a baking dish, cover it with foil, and reheat when you’re ready to serve. If you plan to freeze it, just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to serve, let the casserole thaw in the fridge before baking at 325°F for about 30 minutes, or until you see those cheesy bubbles on top. Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Crock-Pot hash brown casserole is a no-fuss dish that goes with almost anything. It’s perfect alongside breakfast classics like bacon, scrambled eggs, or even pancakes and waffles. If you’re after something more low-carb, pair it with this flavor-packed Easy Low-Carb Keto Breakfast Casserole With Sausage. If you’re still craving something sweet, these Protein Waffles are a healthy compromise. Or try a stack of Delicious Cottage Cheese Pancakes—sounds weird, I know, but they’re amazing!
Ingredients
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 16 ounces frozen shredded hash browns
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the Crock-Pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Fold in the frozen shredded hash browns into the mixture until they are completely coated.
- Transfer the hash brown mixture to the prepared Crock-Pot and spread it out evenly.
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 3 hours, until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the hash brown casserole warm as a hearty side dish or a main course.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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