The Best Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole – Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistible
Some dishes have a way of disappearing the second they hit the table. Cheesy hashbrown casserole is one of them. It’s the kind of dish people scoop onto their plates before even asking what else is being served.
Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, feeding a crowd, or just craving something rich and indulgent, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. With crispy edges, a creamy center, and a crunchy bacon topping, this version takes everything you love about hashbrown casserole and levels it up.
Why This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is the Best
There are plenty of cheesy hashbrown casseroles out there, but this one? This one is something special. It’s got everything you love—crispy, buttery edges, a rich, creamy center, and layers of gooey, melty cheese. But it also has a little something extra: a crispy bacon and chive topping that takes it over the top.
I’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to get that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. I wanted that just-right texture, where the hashbrowns stay tender but don’t turn into mush. The topping adds the perfect contrast, making every bite pure perfection.
The Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Crispy Bacon and Chive Topping (aka Funeral Potatoes)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (32 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of butter.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top before serving.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onions in a tablespoon of butter until translucent before adding them to the mixture.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and omit the bacon.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the casserole without the cornflake and bacon topping, cover, and refrigerate. Before baking, add the topping and proceed as directed.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
Life gets busy, and sometimes you need a dish that can be prepped ahead. Luckily, this casserole is perfect for that. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge overnight.
When you’re ready to bake, add the topping, and it’s good to go! You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to make this casserole your own? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Make it vegetarian – Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Spice it up – Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Change the cheese – Pepper jack, Swiss, or even smoked gouda would be amazing.
- Add protein – Leftover ham or rotisserie chicken would be a great addition.
- Make it extra crispy – Want an even crunchier topping? Mix in some crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the cornflakes.
What to Serve with Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
This dish is a star on its own, but if you want a full meal, try serving it with:
- Eggs and sausage for a killer brunch spread
- Grilled or baked chicken for a hearty dinner
- A crisp green salad to balance out all that creamy, cheesy goodness
- Biscuits or rolls because carbs on carbs is always a good idea
The Leftover Situation
Leftovers don’t last long when this casserole is in the fridge. But if you do manage to save some, just store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy hashbrown casserole isn’t just food—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes people feel at home, that brings comfort after a long day, and that gets passed down through generations. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast, a potluck, or just because you need some serious comfort food, this recipe has your back.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, gather your people, and dig in. Because nothing says love like a dish full of cheese and potatoes.
