Comforting Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Meals

When comfort meets convenience, this cream cheese hashbrown casserole becomes a true kitchen champion.

Weekend breakfasts demand something special and memorable.

Crispy potatoes blend seamlessly with smooth, tangy cream cheese for a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Mornings brighten when hearty ingredients come together in one delightful pan.

Simple techniques turn standard breakfast fare into something extraordinary.

Minimal prep work means you can savor every delicious bite without stress.

This crowd-pleasing recipe promises to make your next morning meal unforgettable.

Pro Tips for Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Success

• Customize Your Casserole: Swap out regular hashbrowns for sweet potato hashbrowns for a nutritious twist.
• Prevent Soggy Topping: Ensure cornflakes or breadcrumbs are crispy by adding them in the last 15 minutes of baking to maintain crunchiness.
• Make It Healthier: Reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Boost Flavor Profile: Add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or green onions to create additional depth and complexity in the dish.

Store Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Without Drying Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent the casserole from becoming dry.

Serve Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole With These Favorites

• Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich texture of the hashbrown casserole, balancing its savory depth with subtle fruit notes.
• Slice a honey-glazed ham as the perfect protein companion, whose sweet and salty profile perfectly matches the casserole's creamy, cheesy essence.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, adding a refreshing, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Choose a crisp, hoppy American pale ale that offers enough carbonation and bitterness to slice through the casserole's creamy density, providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Variations to Try for Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of cornflakes for a crunchy topping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. Choose plant-based cheese substitutes and coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy texture.

Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Made Extra Cozy

• A hearty casserole that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen effort.
• Whip up this delicious dish in just 15 minutes of hands-on time, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Delivers rich, creamy textures and cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or weekend gatherings.
• Easily transforms from a side dish to a main course, works beautifully alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option for busy weeknight meals.

What Goes Into Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for the casserole sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich, smooth texture and enhances overall creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates savory depth and helps bind ingredients together.

• Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato base that provides hearty texture, best when fully thawed.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Offer sharp and nutty flavors, melting beautifully throughout the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Optional ingredient for additional savory depth.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce and crispy topping.

• Cornflakes or Breadcrumbs: Creates crunchy, golden exterior for textural contrast.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, bright color and light herbal note.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Creamy Magic

• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Mix Delicious Layers

• Thawed hashbrowns
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped onions

Ensure every ingredient gets coated in the creamy goodness.

Step 4: Build the Crunchy Topper

• Crushed cornflakes
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the casserole surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and edges start bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Scatter fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cream cheese hashbrown casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to weekend breakfast tables across America. Hearty potatoes, melted cheese, and rich cream cheese create a delightful morning experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Potato Base:

• 1 (30 oz or 850 g) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Create a luxurious cream base by whipping softened cream cheese until silky smooth in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate sour cream, condensed chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cream cheese, whisking until the mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency.
4. Gently fold thawed hashbrowns, sharp cheddar, aged Parmesan, and finely diced onions into the cream mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated.
5. Transfer the hashbrown blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
6. Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then generously distribute over the casserole surface.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the texture to stabilize.
9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-packed version that cuts down on fat while maintaining creamy texture.
• Customize the dish by adding crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform it into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the topping, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replacing cornflakes with crushed gluten-free crackers or rice cereal for the crunchy topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg