The Best Hashbrown Casserole (Cheesy with Bacon!)

Hashbrown Casserole – Every recipe box needs a good hashbrown casserole. It’s the perfect dish to serve at Sunday brunch and when you have to feed a crowd. Cheese, bacon, potatoes – no wonder it’s delicious! It’s really simple to prepare too and comes together fast.

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole is a perfect breakfast side dish. You can serve it at holiday dinners or a large gathering, however my children request this almost weekly!

I tend to make big breakfasts on the weekends and this recipe is usually a part of the spread.

They’ve even been called ‘funeral potatoes’ because it’s a comforting type of casserole you may find at an after-funeral meal.

With simple ingredients such as frozen potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon (YUM, bacon!), this cheesy hash brown casserole is an easy recipe that brings joy to the table.

What Is Hashbrown Casserole?

Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting dish that has won the hearts of many, my family included!

It’s a simple and delicious combination of potatoes, cheese, and a few other ingredients baked to perfection in a casserole dish.

I love a good and hearty cheesy casserole!

This potato side dish is often served during holiday dinners, but it’s so easy to make, you could whip it up anytime!

What Makes My Hashbrown Casserole Different

My Hashbrown Casserole stands out because of its unique blend of flavors. It doesn’t use sour cream or cream of chicken soup, instead I like to add some heat!

I’ve added diced green chiles and jalapenos to give it a kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese topping.

Also, instead of using just one type of cheese, I use both Cheddar and Monterey Jack to create a rich, cheesy goodness that is hard to resist.

The best part? A topping of crispy bacon adds an extra layer of savory delight.

Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole

This is not just any breakfast casserole; my version of hashbrown casserole ticks all the boxes!

It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor and a kick of spice! Plus, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require complicated steps or ingredients you can’t find at your local grocery store.

If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast casserole or an impressive potluck dish, this is it!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you need to make my easy hashbrown casserole:

• butter
• diced onions
• diced green chiles
• finely chopped jalapenos
• frozen hash brown potatoes (diced, not shredded potatoes)
• salt and pepper
• shredded cheddar cheese
• shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or use your favorite cheese)
• bacon (cooked and crumbled)

How to Make Hashbrown Casserole

Here’s the steps you need to take to make the best hashbrown casserole:

• Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees, because you can’t really get very far in this recipe if you don’t turn on your oven!
• In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions.
• After about five minutes, add in the green chiles and jalapenos. Continue cooking until almost blackened – it adds a lovely flavor to the dish!
• Next up is adding the frozen hash browns with some salt and pepper. Combine hash browns with the other ingredients in the skillet until they’re mixed well.

• Spray your baking dish (a 9×13 casserole dish works perfectly) with non-stick cooking spray and pour in your potato mixture.
• Now comes the best part – adding layers of shredded cheese. First, you’ll add cheddar cheese:

• Then you’ll add more cheese; I use Monterey Jack:

• Pop it into the oven and bake until hot and bubbly with a golden brown top, which usually takes about 30 minutes.

• You can turn the broiler on at the end if you want to crisp up the cheese a bit more. Now you are ready to devour this tasty breakfast dish!

Recipe Tips & Variations

Here are some ways you could change this recipe up a bit:

• Use shredded potatoes or tater tots instead of diced potatoes.
• Add other peppers, such as a bell pepper. Sometimes I’ll use poblano peppers instead of jalapeno peppers.
• Sprinkle in some onion powder and/or garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
• Crush up some French fried onions, Ritz crackers, or Corn Flakes and sprinkle on top of the cheese.
• Make it a main dish by adding shredded chicken or cooked ground beef before popping it into the oven.

What to Serve with Hashbrown Casserole

• Scrambled Eggs with Onions
• 3-Ingredients Creamed Biscuits or Buttermilk Biscuits
• Bisquick Sausage Muffins
• Sausage Gravy

Make Ahead Directions

This cheesy hash brown casserole is the perfect easy side dish to prepare in advance.

1. Start by following the recipe card up until the baking step.
2. Instead of popping it into the oven, cover your casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it into the fridge.

You can do this a day or two ahead of your event, which saves you time and stress on the big day!

How to Store Hash Brown Casserole

Storing your leftover casserole is simple. First, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.

Can You Freeze Hash Brown Casserole?

Absolutely! Freezing this comfort food is one of the best ways to extend its life and enjoy it at a later date.

Once your casserole has cooled, transfer it into a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

Make sure to squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Your frozen hash browns will be good for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Print Pin

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 onions diced
• 7 oz can diced green chiles drained
• 2 jalapenos finely diced
• 4 pounds diced frozen hash brown potatoes 2 bags
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or use pepper jack
• 8-10 slices bacon cooked & crumbled

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the onions for about 5 minutes, then add the green chiles & jalapeño. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until almost blackened. Add the frozen hash browns, some salt and pepper and toss together.
• Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray & pour in the potato mixture. Top with the cheese and bacon. Bake until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.