Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Without Soup

There is nothing better in the entire world than ooey gooey cheesy potatoes and this Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole without soup from a can does not disappoint! It’s warm, creamy, and full of flavor!

This Hash Brown Casserole Recipe says goodbye to the canned soup, but is still super easy with a simple roux with milk and broth added to create a thickened flavorful sauce. Add in a little sour cream, cheese, scallions, and oregano and you have the most comforting and flavorful side dish or main (I’m just saying)!

Easy Ingredients for this Hash Brown Casserole

This recipe comes from my Mom who made it for Christmas dinner a few years back and I remember thinking, hmmm, another casserole, not very exciting. But, then I tasted it and FELL IN LOVE! It was creamy, cheesy, comforting, and utterly addictive, just like my Mom loved food to be. Today it brings back sweet warm memories, which is what is so wonderful about family recipes.

I did change up a couple things from my Mom’s recipe, though. I think she would approve! First, my canned cream soup substitute is a homemade thickened sauce with broth and milk. I also replaced the onions with scallions. I love the mild flavor from scallions that melts into the casserole and gives it a bit of beautiful green color. Finally, I added dried Oregano, which gives just a hint of herby flavor that goes so well with the cheese.

Here is what you need

Freezer and Fridge Ingredients

• Frozen Shredded Hash Browns
• Butter (I used salted)
• Milk (I used 1%)
• Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth)
• Sour Cream
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar (or mild)
• Scallions (also known as green onions)

Pantry Ingredients

• All Purpose Flour
• Dried Oregano
• Salt
• Fresh Ground Pepper

EASY PREP FOR THIS HASH BROWN CASSEROLE WITHOUT SOUP FROM A CAN

This recipe is so easy, as you simply mix all of the ingredients with the frozen hash brown potatoes and bake. You do need to first create the simple sauce, which starts with a simple butter and flour roux. Slowly whisk in the broth and then milk until the roux is completely and smoothly mixed into the liquids. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat until it comes to a light simmer and thickens.

To a large mixing bowl, add the frozen hash browns, the thickened broth mixture, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, oregano, sliced scallion, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine then add the hash brown mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish.

COOK YOUR HASH BROWN CASSEROLE RECIPE

Bake in the oven center rack for 45 minutes covered with aluminum foil. Remove the cover for the last 10 minutes and turn the broiler on to brown the top. Monitor the casserole to ensure that it does not burn under the broiler.

That’s it! Serve and enjoy! 😍 Carrie

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe FAQs

Where do I find hash browns in the grocery store?

Hash browns are just shredded potatoes and they are usually found in the frozen vegetable section or sometimes in the dairy/refrigerated section. For this easy hashbrown casserole, you will need about 2 pounds, so that is likely 2 bags.

Can I use fresh potatoes in this recipe?

If you don’t have frozen hash browns, you can use fresh potatoes in this cheesy hashbrown casserole. If you have fresh potatoes, you can go a couple of ways after peeling 2 pounds of either Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. You can create your own hash browns using a grater or food processor. If you do this option, be sure to squeeze out any excess water after the potatoes are shredded. You could also dice the potatoes into very small ¼ inch by ¼ inch pieces. Follow the recipe the same way once you prep the potatoes.

Can I freeze this Hash Brown Potato Casserole?

This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is great to make ahead and freeze and save time for future meals! You can either prepare it entirely, then freeze or cook it and freeze it. To thaw, place in the refrigerator 24 hours in advance of cooking. Then place in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes if already cooked or 45 minutes covered if not cooked then 10 minutes uncovered.

Is this Hash Brown Casserole without Soup Gluten Free?

This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole recipe is not gluten free, as it uses flour to make the roux. To make this gluten free, replace the flour with 3 tablespoons Cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch into the cold milk before adding it to the hot pot or pan in Step #3. In step 3, you can either eliminate the butter all together or keep it is. Add the butter, broth, and milk with dissolved cornstarch to the pot all at once. Whisk the mixture and cook over medium heat until it comes to a light simmer and thickens. Turn off the heat and continue with the recipe instructions in Step 4.