hash brown cheesy potatoes recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best hash brown cheesy potatoes recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite hash brown cheesy potatoes recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m hosting a family gathering or just need a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to impress.

The combination of crispy hash browns and creamy cheese is absolute perfection, and my kids love helping me make it in the kitchen. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize to your taste, so feel free to add in some diced ham or bacon for added flavor.

I’ve also found that using high-quality cheese makes all the difference in this recipe – it’s worth the splurge, trust me! One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s great for a holiday meal, but it’s also perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch at work. As for where this dish comes from, I’ve always associated hash brown cheesy potatoes with classic comfort food – think old-fashioned diner fare or home cooking from grandma’s kitchen. While I’m not sure if that’s entirely accurate, I do know that this recipe has been around for decades, and its enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal.

So what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the combination of textures is pure magic – the crunchy hash browns provide a satisfying base for the creamy cheese sauce, while the melted cheese adds an indulgent touch. And don’t even get me started on the flavors – with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and savory taste experience that’ll leave everyone begging for more.

Hash Brown Cheesy Potatoes

4.7 from 1660 votes

Crispy hash browns baked with a layer of melted cheesy goodness. This dish is a hearty and comforting side that pairs perfectly with any meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Hash Browns

2 lbs frozen hash browns
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For Topping

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3Spread frozen hash browns evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
5Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
6Spread the hash browns back out in an even layer.
7Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the hash browns and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
8They should be golden brown and crispy.
9While the hash browns are baking, prepare the cheese sauce.
10Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
11Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
12Gradually whisk in milk, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
13Stir in shredded cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
14If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
15Remove the hash browns from the oven and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
16Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
17Return the hash browns to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
18Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
19Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
20Serve warm and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in cooked bacon or chopped green onions for added flavor.

Watch Video Of How Hash Brown Cheesy Potatoes Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – simply let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, then reheat as needed. And let me tell you, reheating is where this dish truly shines.

A quick 20-minute stint in the oven brings back that crispy exterior and fluffy interior that we all know and love. As for serving ideas, I like to serve these cheesy potatoes alongside some roasted meats or as a side dish at family gatherings – they’re always a hit!

But honestly, there’s no wrong way to serve these babies up – they’re perfect just on their own as a snack or light meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hash Brown Cheesy Potatoes

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

I highly recommend using a high-quality cheddar cheese for this recipe – it melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the hash browns perfectly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the hash browns and cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to assemble and bake the dish.

Q: How do I prevent the hash browns from becoming too crispy?

Simply keep an eye on them while they’re baking – if they start to darken too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent overcooking.

Q: Can I substitute regular potatoes for hash browns?

No! The unique texture of hash browns is essential to this recipe – regular potatoes would be too dense and heavy.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Simply omit any additional ingredients like diced ham or bacon to make it vegetarian-friendly.

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