If you have a soft spot for comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then you are going to love this Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe. It effortlessly combines fluffy instant mashed potatoes with crispy shredded hash browns, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s bursting with flavor. This casserole is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to grace your holiday table, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and flavor, creating a dish that’s irresistibly satisfying.
- Butter & herb instant mashed potatoes (2 packages, 4 oz each): Convenient and flavorful, they form the creamy mashed potato base of the casserole.
- Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 package, 32 oz): Adds a crispy, slightly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the mashed potatoes.
- Butter (½ cup, softened): Enhances richness and helps melt all the cheese to gooey perfection.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives the casserole a luscious, velvety creaminess that makes every bite a delight.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings a mild, melting cheese flavor that’s essential for that iconic cheesy casserole taste.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a subtle tang that brightens and balances out the richness.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses a mild garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (½ tsp or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Pepper (½ tsp or to taste): Adds a gentle kick of spice.
- French fried onions (1 can, 2.8 oz): The crunchy topping that provides a golden, crispy finish and delicious contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after all the cheesy goodness has been devoured.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
Follow the package instructions for the butter & herb instant mashed potatoes. This shortcut ensures you get that creamy mashed potato base super quickly, which is perfect when you want comfort food without hours of fuss.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the prepared mashed potatoes, softened butter, cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The softened butter and cream cheese work wonders to create an ultra-smooth, creamy texture. Then fold in the shredded hash brown potatoes, which bring a wonderful heartiness and texture to the dish.
Step 4: Bake and Add Topping
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake it uncovered for 35 minutes, allowing the top to set and the flavors to meld. Then sprinkle the casserole with crunchy French fried onions and return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This final bake crisps up the onions into a golden, irresistible topping you’ll look forward to with every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, try sprinkling chopped fresh chives or green onions on top just before serving. This adds a burst of color and a mild oniony bite that complements the casserole’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. For heartier occasions, serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even glazed ham to amplify the comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins with a sprinkling of extra cheese and onions on top, broiled briefly to create a miniature bubbly crust. Alternatively, layer this casserole beneath a savory meatloaf or incorporate diced cooked bacon for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick reheats on busy days.
Freezing
This Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully too. Freeze it in a well-sealed container before baking, or freeze leftovers after cooling. To prevent sogginess, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole in a 350ºF oven, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. For that crispy topping, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of instant for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade mashed potatoes work great and add a lovely fresh taste, but using instant mashed potatoes makes the process quicker and the texture reliably creamy every time.
What type of cheese works best besides Monterey Jack?
Cheddar cheese is a fantastic alternative that will give a sharper flavor, or you can even mix cheeses like Colby Jack or mozzarella for different melty textures and tastes.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the French fried onions and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Is it necessary to thaw the frozen hash browns before mixing?
It’s best to use the hash browns frozen as directed in the recipe. Thawing can sometimes lead to watery potatoes that affect the casserole’s texture.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free French fried onions or omitting the topping altogether, and double-checking that your instant mashed potatoes and seasonings are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that brings creamy mashed potatoes and crispy hash browns together with irresistible cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like an instant classic—easy to make, comforting to eat, and guaranteed to become one of your favorites at family dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Hash Brown Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and comforting Mashed Potato Casserole combines buttery instant mashed potatoes, shredded hash browns, and a blend of cheeses to create a delicious side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Topped with crispy French fried onions, it delivers a delightful combination of creamy texture and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 (4-oz) packages butter & herb instant mashed potatoes
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32-oz) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4-oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp pepper, or to taste
Topping
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions, ensuring they are smooth and creamy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked instant mashed potatoes, softened butter, softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Then fold in the shredded hash brown potatoes until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the potato and hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing it to heat through and meld flavors.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until onions are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top before adding the French fried onions.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after the final bake, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving for convenience.
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to ensure easier mixing and a smoother final texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter or a different brand of mashed potatoes.
