When I think about comfort food, my mind instantly drifts to our family gatherings on lazy Sunday mornings, where the smell of something delicious wafted through the house. Among the many dishes that graced our table, one stood out as a staple of comfort and indulgence: Loaded Hash Brown Casserole. It was my grandmother’s recipe, a creation that brought warmth not just to our bellies but to our hearts.
Every Sunday, my family would gather at my grandmother’s home, where the laughter of cousins and the scent of freshly brewed coffee created a cozy atmosphere. As a child, I loved helping her in the kitchen, standing on a stool beside her as she cracked eggs and whisked them together with cream. She’d smile down at me, her hands dusted with flour, as she explained that cooking was about sharing love. It was a lesson that resonated deeply, as I witnessed how food had the power to unite us.
The secret to her hash brown casserole was simple yet profound—use only the best ingredients and layer them with care. I remember her saying, “Every bite should tell a story.” And oh, did this dish ever deliver! Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and perfectly seasoned hash browns all melded together to create a comforting, cheesy masterpiece. It was always the centerpiece of our brunch spread, garnished with fresh tomatoes and green onions, adding a pop of color and flavor that made it irresistible.
As I grew older and moved away, I began hosting brunches of my own. I always made sure to include my grandmother’s Loaded Hash Brown Casserole, sharing it with friends who quickly became like family. It was during one of those brunches that I realized how food connects us beyond family ties. I watched as friends exchanged recipes and stories around the table, their faces lighting up with every savory bite.
This casserole, with its layers of flavor and heartiness, reminds me that some recipes never truly leave us—they carry with them the warmth of shared moments. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple Sunday brunch, this Loaded Hash Brown Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a bridge to cherished memories and a celebration of the love that food can bring into our lives. So, gather your loved ones, and let this casserole warm your home just as it did mine.
Making Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced sweet onion (from 1 small onion)
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 32 oz. frozen hash browns, thawed
- 10 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 2 1/2 cups), divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- Halved cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
- Using the same skillet, add the diced sweet onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Crumble 5 slices of the crispy bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- In the skillet, mix together the thawed hash browns, crumbled bacon, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine and transfer this mixture into a greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, whole milk, and the remaining salt and pepper. Pour this egg mixture over the hash brown mixture in the baking dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Top the casserole with the remaining crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cooking Tips
For added flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers when sautéing the onions. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or fruit for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, serve it with hot sauce or salsa on the side.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. Additionally, if you don’t have sharp cheddar, any mild cheese will work, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Seasonal Variations
In spring, add fresh asparagus or spinach to the mix. In the fall, consider incorporating diced sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains common allergens such as dairy and eggs. For dairy-free options, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Bacon can be replaced with a vegan bacon substitute.
FAQ:
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding additional time.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly grated hash browns can be used; just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or fruit, and you might also enjoy it alongside scrambled eggs or pancakes for a brunch setting.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from burning.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be added to the hash brown mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Loaded Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced sweet onion from 1 small onion
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 32 oz. frozen hash browns thawed
- 10 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese about 2 1/2 cups, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 8 oz. container sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
- Halved cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Cook the bacon:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the onion:
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Crumble the bacon:
- Crumble 5 slices of the cooked bacon into small pieces.
Mix the hash brown base:
- Combine the crumbled bacon, thawed hash browns, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and the sautéed onion in the skillet. Stir everything together and transfer the mixture into a greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Prepare the egg mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, and the remaining salt and pepper. Gently pour this mixture over the hash brown blend in the baking dish.
Bake the casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top. Continue baking, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbly. Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Add the toppings:
- Crumble the remaining 3 slices of bacon and scatter them over the casserole. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions. Enjoy!
