Do I have to thaw frozen hash browns for casserole?

Yes, It is recommended to thaw frozen hash browns or use a brand like Simply Potatoes, that it already thawed out. The problem with frozen hash browns is they stick together in clumps and you can't get the ingredients mixed well with them. Then, when baked, you end up with parts of the casserole that are plain with no cheese, seasoning, etc. It can also end up soggy from the additional water.

How to thaw frozen hash browns?

The easiest way is to put them in the fridge the night before. If you forget, leave them out in the morning on the counter. I don't recommend leaving them outside of the fridge for more than 2-3 hours.

Simply Potatoes Cheesy Hash brown Casserole

Name: Simply Potatoes Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 20 ounce bag of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hashbrowns (do not buy the seasoned version); 8 ounces sour cream; 8 ounce block of mild cheddar cheese, shredded fine to medium; 1/2 a can (5 ounces) of Campbells Cheddar Cheese Soup (or Cream of Chicken); 3/4 cup yellow onion, diced fine; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 4 tablespoon salted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Simply Potatoes Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

up close view of hash brown casserole with panko topping

Print Recipe

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5 from 2 reviews

These Simply Potatoes Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole are cheesy, creamy and delicious and make a great side dish. They only takes 15 minutes to prep, then throw them in the oven and watch them bake to perfection.

Author: Tara Smithson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: dinner
Method: baked
Cuisine: american

Ingredients

20 ounce bag of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hashbrowns (do not buy the seasoned version)
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounce block of mild cheddar cheese, shredded fine to medium
1/2 a can (5 ounces) of Campbells Cheddar Cheese Soup (or Cream of Chicken)
3/4 cup yellow onion, diced fine
1 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Panko Topping Ingredients:

4 tablespoon salted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

You also need butter or cooking spray to grease the casserole dish.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Into a large bowl, combine hash browns, soup, 3/4 of the cheddar cheese, onion, sour cream, and salt and pepper.
Using a spoon, combine until all of the ingredients until they are mixed well.
Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the casserole mixture into the dish and use a spoon to pat it down evenly.
Cover with remaining cheddar cheese. (*The next two steps are for the panko topping. Feel free to skip them and bake as is, if you don't want the crunchy topping.)
Into a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add in the garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant, but not browning.
Add in the Panko bread crumbs and cook for another 2 minutes stirring frequently. Pour the topping over the cheesy potato casserole.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for additional 10 minutes. If you want it really crispy, feel free to broil it for the last few minutes. Just make sure to keep on eye on it to avoid burning.
Allow the potatoes to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy goodness!

Equipment

casserole dish

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Mixing Bowls

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Notes

Dice the onions really fine for the casserole. We aren't cooking them beforehand and they will cook faster in the casserole when they're smaller.

For the best creamy texture, shred your own block of cheese rather than buying pre-shredded.

For a nice golden brown topping, broil on high for a few minutes at the end of cooking. Just don't take your eyes too far off the casserole. It happens quick!

Find it online: https://simplymadeeats.com/7652/party-potatoes/