First things first: Do I expect anyone to make this? No, I do not. Is it because it is terrible? No, it is not. It is because nobody brings casseroles to gatherings anymore, and certainly nobody makes casseroles for their family, unless they hate their family.
A caveat before we get started: There was no way in hell I was using cornflakes on top of this. Cornflakes are only good for one thing, which is eating in a bowl with milk—and even at that simple task they fail miserably. So, I used the crackers. My hypocrisy goes only so far.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2 Lbs. Hash Browns
1 Pt. Sour Cream
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 Lg. Onion, chopped
Combine all ingredients and pour into a greased 9” x 13” pan. Cover with buttered cracker or cornflake crumbs.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes an hour, unless you want it to look completely uncooked.
I recommend serving this topped with a fried egg and smothered with red or green chile.
Nice.
But, but, but…
The great thing about frozen hash browns is frying them up crispy. Why mix them with all of that stuff? Why, industrial 20th Century recipe fabricators, why?
I would happily eat a can of chicken soup and some hash browns, but I just don’t see why the need for canofchickensoupandhashbrowns.
One cannot hope to fully grasp the mind of the mid-century Betty Crocker test kitchen chef.
I make a similar casserole for the holiday table, due to popular demand, go figure. Mine is topped with rice krispies, very akin to this recipe.
Gross.
Stand your ground! Lasagna is a type of casserole, as is baked ziti. So is a big baked dish of macaroni and cheese. So are scalloped potatoes. Who among us has the inner fortitude to resist any of those?
Potatoes and cheese in any form is okay by me!
My MiL used to make a similar casserole and refused to give me her recipe because I’m “not family” (which, I suppose, tells you all you need to know about our relationship, seeing as Husband and I have been together for 26 years). She gave my son the recipe, though, and now I know that it’s hash browns, cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream, with a little garlic and onion powders.
Amateur.
My midwestern family adds a block of cream cheese and a small jar of Cheez Whiz but skips the cream of whatever soup.
Your arteries are a solid, but it’s worth it. We add chopped chives on top before serving.
Crushed, plain, potato chips are the BEST topping on cheesy potatoes (and if you want even more flavor, sub out “Top the Tater” for the Sour Cream, *and* mix in a cubed block of cream cheese, when you’re adding the sour cream & shredded cheese!😉😃💖
🤤🥰😁