Description
This Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast dish, combining creamy textures with a cheesy, savory flavor. Made with tender hashbrowns, rich cream cheese, sour cream, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh chives for a delicious morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and milk. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the finely diced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until all seasonings are well dispersed throughout the creamy base.
- Combine Hashbrowns and Cheese: Fold the thawed and drained shredded hash browns into the mixture along with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Gently mix to coat the hash browns evenly without breaking them up too much.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the hash brown mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For added savory flavor, try mixing in cooked crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage before baking.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator, then baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Use low-fat dairy products if you prefer a lighter version, but note that the texture will be less rich and creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
