Our Favorite Hashbrown Casserole with Cornflakes Recipe

Oh, friends, there’s just something truly magical about a warm, bubbling hashbrown casserole with cornflakes fresh from the oven, isn’t there? That irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes beneath a golden, crunchy topping instantly transports you to a place of comfort and joy. It’s a dish that feels both wonderfully familiar and utterly spectacular, a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary in your kitchen.

I still remember the aroma wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen on Sunday mornings – that beautiful mix of savory and slightly sweet promises. It was there, amidst the clatter of pots and pans, that I first learned the secret to truly comforting food. This particular recipe for cheesy hashbrown goodness with that delightful cornflake crunch is a nod to those cherished memories, refined through years of happy experimenting.

This hashbrown casserole with cornflakes isn’t just easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy mornings or heartfelt potlucks; it’s a recipe that truly brings people together. My top tip for any comfort food? Always prepare it with a sprinkle of extra love – it’s the secret ingredient that makes every bite truly unforgettable!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful side dish starts with a few humble heroes: creamy condensed soup and tangy sour cream create an impossibly rich base for our tender hashbrowns, while sharp cheddar cheese adds that irresistible gooey factor. The buttery, crispy cornflake topping is truly the crowning glory, delivering a textural contrast that makes every spoonful sing. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements conveniently laid out in the recipe card below.

How to Make hashbrown casserole with cornflakes

Whipping up this cozy hashbrown casserole with cornflakes is as delightful as enjoying it! You’ll begin by combining all those wonderful creamy, cheesy ingredients with our hashbrowns to create the comforting base. Next, we prepare the golden, buttery cornflake topping – it’s easier than you think! Finally, it all comes together in the oven, baking to a perfect bubbly, golden brown that promises pure deliciousness.

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Crispy Cornflake Topping

This comforting hashbrown casserole features a creamy, cheesy potato base crowned with a buttery, golden cornflake crunch, making it an irresistible side dish perfect for any meal or holiday gathering.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole Base

• 1 package frozen shredded hashbrowns 30-32 oz, thawed
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz, undiluted
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup yellow onion finely chopped, optional
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cornflake Topping

• 2 cups cornflakes crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spatula

Method

 

Prepare the Casserole Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed shredded hashbrowns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup melted butter, finely chopped onion (if using), 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hashbrown mixture.

Prepare the Cornflake Topping

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until the cornflakes are evenly coated with butter.

Bake the Casserole

1. Sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly.

Notes

For an extra flavorful kick, you can sauté the chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter before adding it to the hashbrown mixture. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like Colby Jack or a Mexican blend. This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for Making This hashbrown casserole with cornflakes

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few little tricks to ensure your hashbrown casserole with cornflakes turns out perfectly every single time, with that beautiful texture we all adore.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to let my frozen hashbrowns thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This step is a game-changer because it allows any excess moisture to drain away, preventing a watery casserole and ensuring those potatoes get wonderfully tender and absorb all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Another tip I always recommend is to use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded. While the convenience of pre-shredded is tempting, freshly grated cheese melts so much more smoothly and gives a richer, more authentic cheesy flavor to your hashbrown casserole with cornflakes.

Don’t rush the baking process! While it’s tempting to pull it out early, baking until the edges are bubbly and the cornflake topping is a deep golden brown ensures every layer is cooked through and perfectly delicious. A properly baked hashbrown casserole with cornflakes is a joyful thing!

Fun Variations for hashbrown casserole with cornflakes

One of the most delightful things about a classic like hashbrown casserole with cornflakes is how easily you can make it your own! It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch. Here are a few ideas that my family and friends have loved over the years.

Spice It Up

For those who enjoy a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole base. My friend, Mark, always asks me to add a little diced jalapeño for a zesty, unexpected twist that elevates this comforting hashbrown casserole with cornflakes to new heights.

A Meaty Delight

Want to make this a heartier meal? Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, diced ham, or crispy bacon bits can be folded into the hashbrown mixture before baking. It makes for an even more satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch or a casual dinner.

Cheesy Choices

While sharp cheddar is a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses! A mix of Colby Jack for creaminess, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile, can transform your everyday hashbrown casserole with cornflakes into something truly unique.

What to Serve With hashbrown casserole with cornflakes

This cheesy hashbrown casserole with cornflakes is so incredibly versatile, it truly shines alongside almost any meal! It’s the kind of dish that makes everything feel a little more special.

For a hearty breakfast or brunch, I love serving it alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and some perfectly crisp bacon. My mom always said it was the ideal pairing for a cozy Sunday morning with a steaming mug of coffee. It also makes a fantastic side dish for holiday dinners, complementing everything from roasted turkey to glazed ham beautifully. And for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s wonderful with grilled chicken or a simple green salad. Sometimes, I’ll even serve it with a dollop of extra sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an extra touch of freshness.

How to Store hashbrown casserole with cornflakes

Making a big batch of this hashbrown casserole with cornflakes means you get to enjoy those comforting flavors again and again! Proper storage is key to keeping it tasting as delicious as the day you baked it.

Fridge Storage

Any leftover hashbrown casserole with cornflakes should be cooled completely and then transferred to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, I like to pop individual servings in the microwave or cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, ensuring the topping stays somewhat crisp.

Freezer Friendly

For longer storage, this casserole freezes quite well! Once completely cooled, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. My personal tip? A light dusting of fresh cornflakes right before reheating can help bring back that delightful crunch after thawing.

Nutritional Benefits

While we often think of comforting dishes as pure indulgence, this hashbrown casserole with cornflakes also brings a few nutritional perks to the table. The hashbrowns provide a source of energy, while the sharp cheddar cheese contributes protein and calcium, making it a treat that’s both satisfying and offers a touch of nourishment alongside its deliciousness.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I prepare hashbrown casserole with cornflakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole base the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cornflake topping just before baking for the crispiest results, ensuring your hashbrown casserole with cornflakes is perfect.

Faq 2

What kind of hashbrowns should I use?
Frozen shredded hashbrowns are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and gently squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole, ensuring a perfect hashbrown casserole with cornflakes every time.

Faq 3

Can I make this hashbrown casserole with cornflakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, and use gluten-free cornflakes for the topping. The rest of the ingredients in this hashbrown casserole with cornflakes are naturally gluten-free.

Faq 4

How do I get the cornflake topping extra crispy?
The key to an extra crispy topping is toasting the cornflakes in butter briefly before spreading them over the casserole. Don’t cover the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking either, allowing the hashbrown casserole with cornflakes to get beautifully golden.

Conclusion

There you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for hashbrown casserole with cornflakes that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your own home. It’s a dish that embodies everything I believe in: simple ingredients, a little bit of love, and the joy of creating something truly comforting for those you care about. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table, create new memories, and savor every single, delicious bite. Happy baking!