Ingredients:

  • 30 oz frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and patted dry
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 16 oz full-fat sour cream
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely minced
  • 1.5 cups Colby cheese, freshly grated, for the mixture
  • 0.5 cup Colby cheese, freshly grated, for topping
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your frozen hashbrowns are completely thawed, then bundle them into a clean kitchen towel and wring them with all your might. Note: You'll be surprised how much water comes out; this is the key to a crispy texture.
  2. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely minced onion, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until the mixture looks like a smooth, pale yellow emulsion.
  3. Add 1.5 cups of the freshly grated Colby cheese into the creamy mixture. Keep the remaining 0.5 cup aside for the final topping.
  4. Gently fold the dried hashbrowns into the binder using your silicone spatula. Work from the bottom up until every single shred is glistening with the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture into your 9x13 inch baking dish. Use the back of the spatula to spread it evenly into the corners, but don't pack it down too hard; we want some air pockets for heat to circulate.
  6. Sprinkle that reserved 0.5 cup of cheese over the top in an even layer.
  7. Place the dish on the center rack of the oven.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes. You are looking for the moment the top becomes a deep golden brown and the edges are aggressively bubbling.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. This allows the starches to set so you get a clean scoop rather than a puddle. If you are a fan of variety, you can occasionally swap out the side dish for something like this [Green Bean Casserole](https://fordailyrecipes.com/recipes/french-s-green-bean-casserole/) during the holidays, but for a true comfort meal, these potatoes are the undisputed champion. Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Creamy Baked Cheesy Potatoes — Master this hashbrown casserole recipe with our easy guide. This cheesy break...Hash Brown Casserole Recipe: Crispy Topping — Master this heritage Hash Brown Casserole recipe, featuring a shatteringly cr...Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: Crispy Baked — Craft the ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Pizza with our easy recipe. Features a ... $img_2$