I first made this potato casserole when my sister in law gave me a bag of hash browns she couldn't use. Started playing around in the kitchen threw in some cheese and wow what a hit! My husband ate half the pan that night and now the kids beg for potato cheese night at least once a week.
Better Than Grandmas
Skip the canned stuff this sauce is so much better made from scratch. Plus it reheats like a dream perfect for busy nights. My neighbor tasted it at our last cookout and called the next day for the recipe said it reminded her of her moms cooking but even creamier.
Whats In It
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- From Your Store:
- Big bag frozen hash browns let em thaw out
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- Stick of butter
- 1 onion chopped up small
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken stock veggie works too
- Salt and pepper
- Chili powder or paprika if you want
Lets Get Cooking
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- Start The Sauce
- Melt your butter toss in those onions till they go clear. Add garlic smells amazing right?
- Make It Thick
- Stir in flour cook it a minute then pour in your stock keep stirring till it gets thick. Turn off the heat dump in most of the cheese some salt and pepper.
- Mix It Up
- Grab your biggest bowl mix the potatoes with all that cheesy sauce till every bits covered. Dump it in a baking dish.
- In The Oven
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top pop it in at 375 for about 50 minutes till its all golden and bubbly. Let it cool a bit before diving in.
Make It Your Way
Sometimes I add a little spice to the sauce gives it a nice kick. My mom loves putting crushed cornflakes on top makes it extra crunchy. Both ways are fantastic.
Secret Tips
Those frozen hash browns work way better than fresh ones just make sure they're thawed and dried off. Nobody likes watery casserole. If you wanna use fresh potatoes go for it just squeeze out all the water after grating.
What Goes With It
We love this with grilled chicken or a big salad. Brought it to Thanksgiving last year and my cousin asked me to bring two pans this year. Its that good!
Saving For Later
Pop leftovers in the fridge they're good for about 4 days. Heat em up in the oven around 350 for 20 minutes gets crispy again. You can freeze it too just wrap it up good it'll last a few months.
Fun Add Ins
Sometimes I throw in some bacon makes my boys extra happy. Green onions on top look pretty and taste fresh. Try different cheeses too my friend used Gouda once it was amazing.
Pure Comfort Food
Nothing beats a big scoop of this casserole on your plate. Its my go to when someone needs cheering up or when we just want something warm and cozy. The smell while its baking brings everyone to the kitchen every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why thaw hash browns?
- No need - they'll cook perfectly from frozen. Makes prep much easier.
- → Sauce too thick?
- Add stock slowly while whisking. Should be like gravy before adding cheese.
- → Getting crispy top?
- Broil at end if your dish can handle it. High heat works too.
- → Best cheese to use?
- Sharp cheddar gives best flavor. Can mix cheeses but avoid pre-shredded.
- → Make ahead?
- Assemble day before, add 10-15 minutes bake time if starting cold.