Are you ready to elevate your brunch game with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Bacon and Hash Brown Casserole! Perfectly crispy on top and creamy on the inside, this hearty casserole is packed with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Dive into our recipe and discover the secret to making this crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thaw the frozen hash browns at room temperature for about 10 minutes. If they're still slightly frozen, that's okay.
- Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces. If using uncooked bacon, cook it first until crisp, then drain and crumble.
- In the same large mixing bowl with hash browns, add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the hash browns are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle additional crumbled bacon on top of the casserole for extra flavor and crunch.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve hot as a hearty side dish or brunch item. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Thawing Hash Browns: For the best texture, allow your frozen hash browns to thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing. If they’re still a bit frozen, that’s okay; just break them apart as you mix.
- Crispy Bacon: If you’re using uncooked bacon, cook it until crispy for maximum flavor. Drain it well before crumbling to prevent excess grease in your casserole.
- Mixing Ingredients: Ensure that you mix all the ingredients thoroughly so that the hash browns are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. This will help achieve a consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Baking Tips: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes to prevent it from browning too quickly. Removing the foil for the last 15 minutes allows the top to become beautifully golden and crispy.
- Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier, ensuring each slice holds its shape.
- Garnishing: For an extra pop of flavor, consider garnishing your casserole with chopped green onions or fresh herbs before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole makes a fantastic side dish for breakfast or brunch, but it can also stand alone as a filling main course. Pair it with a fresh salad or some fruit for a balanced meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 65mg
