# Easy Cheesy Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly simple crockpot hashbrown casserole! Featuring just five main ingredients, this recipe makes whipping up a hearty dish effortless. It’s the perfect addition to any breakfast spread, a fantastic side for dinner, or a wonderful potluck contribution. This family-friendly crowd-pleaser is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole

This delicious crockpot hashbrown casserole brings joy and ease to your cooking. It’s an ideal recipe for busy mornings or relaxed evenings.

• Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work.
• Minimal Ingredients Required: You only need a few pantry staples for this flavorful dish.
• Versatile for Any Meal: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty side dish with dinner.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults loves this cheesy, comforting casserole.
• Perfect for Holidays and Potlucks: Easily scales up and travels well, making it ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

Creating this amazing crockpot hashbrown casserole requires a few simple components. Gather these fresh ingredients for the best results:

• 1 22 ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns
• 1 10.5 ounce can of Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

• Hash Browns: Use frozen shredded hash browns for convenience. Do not thaw them before adding to the slow cooker; they cook perfectly from frozen. While shredded works best for texture, you can use cubed hash browns in a pinch, though cooking time might slightly increase.
• Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar would be delicious in this easy hashbrown casserole.
• Butter: We recommend unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce the added Kosher salt slightly.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple crockpot hashbrown casserole. These items are likely already in your kitchen.

• 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or sturdy mixing spoon

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect crockpot hashbrown casserole. This recipe ensures a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Hashbrown Casserole

1. Prepare Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together with a spatula or mixing spoon until everything is well combined and the hash browns are evenly coated. This ensures a consistent flavor throughout your crockpot hashbrown casserole.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the interior of your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the hash brown mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.
4. Initial Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the hashbrown casserole on the low setting for 4 hours.
5. Add Remaining Cheese: After 4 hours, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Final Cook: Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on low for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve Hot: Carefully remove the lid and serve your cheesy crockpot hashbrown casserole immediately.

Oven Baking Instructions

If you prefer to bake this hashbrown casserole in the oven, follow these simple adjustments.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Combine & Spread: Follow step 1 and 2 from the slow cooker instructions, combining all ingredients (except the reserved cheese). Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

For a Loaded Version

Elevate your basic crockpot hashbrown casserole by adding extra ingredients for a “loaded” experience.

1. Increase Base Ingredients: For a richer, more generous loaded casserole, you might increase your hash browns to a 30-ounce bag, sour cream to 1.5 cups, and butter to 4 tablespoons.
2. Add Flavor Enhancers: Before mixing, incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion, 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (green onions), and 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the hash brown mixture.
3. Mix and Cook: Combine all ingredients thoroughly as directed in the main recipe, ensuring the additions are evenly distributed.
4. Garnish: Cook the loaded hashbrown casserole as directed in your slow cooker. Just before serving, sprinkle with additional crumbled bacon and fresh chopped scallions for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for the Best Hashbrown Casserole

Achieve the perfect cheesy, creamy crockpot hashbrown casserole every time with these helpful hints.

• Do Not Thaw Hash Browns: For the slow cooker method, use frozen hash browns directly. Thawing can make the casserole watery.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture. Freshly grated cheddar melts smoother. Culinary experts often recommend grating your own cheese for optimal melt and texture in recipes, as detailed in this article on the benefits of freshly grated cheese.
• Don’t Overmix Ingredients: Mix just enough to combine everything. Overmixing can sometimes make starches tough.
• Grease Slow Cooker Well: A quick spray with non-stick cooking spray will prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides and bottom.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the mixture before cooking (if it doesn’t contain raw meat) and adjust salt and pepper. Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth.

Serving & Storage

This versatile crockpot hashbrown casserole is fantastic for any meal and stores well for future enjoyment.

• Serving Suggestions: This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with classic breakfast items like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad. For dinner, serve it alongside roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops as a comforting side.
• Make Ahead: You can combine all the ingredients (except the reserved cheese) in the mixing bowl the night before. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. In the morning, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker and proceed with cooking. This saves valuable time on busy mornings.
• Storage: Store any leftover crockpot hashbrown casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Adhering to proper food safety practices ensures your leftovers remain delicious and safe to eat; consult USDA food safety guidelines for leftovers. Ensure it cools completely before storing to prevent condensation.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For larger amounts, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Variations

Unleash your creativity with your next crockpot hashbrown casserole by trying these delicious twists.

• Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
• Veggies: Add a pop of color and extra nutrients with diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or mild green chiles.
• Spice It Up: Give your casserole a subtle kick by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Different Cheeses: Beyond cheddar, experiment with Pepper Jack for a spicy twist, Gruyere for nutty depth, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.

Nutrition Information

This crockpot hashbrown casserole offers a satisfying and energizing meal. Nutrition details will vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on typical ingredients and preparation. Exact values may vary depending on brands, portion sizes, and any substitutions made.

FAQ

Got questions about making this fantastic crockpot hashbrown casserole? We have the answers to help you succeed.

• Can I use fresh hashbrowns? You can, but you’ll need to par-cook them slightly first to remove excess moisture and prevent a watery casserole.
• What size crockpot is best? A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, ensuring enough space for even cooking and proper heat circulation.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze cooled leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The condensed cream of chicken soup often contains wheat, so check the label for a gluten-free alternative if needed.
• How do I prevent it from being watery? Ensure your hash browns are frozen (not thawed) when adding them, and don’t add extra liquid to the recipe.

Conclusion

This easy cheesy crockpot hashbrown casserole truly delivers on simplicity and deliciousness. It requires minimal effort, tastes absolutely fantastic, and serves as the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making a hearty breakfast, a comforting dinner side, or preparing for a holiday brunch, this recipe is a winner. Give this versatile and family-friendly casserole a try soon and watch it become a new favorite!