Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Made with shredded hash browns, sour cream, butter, and cheese, this casserole bakes into a golden, bubbly classic that’s loved at family gatherings and holiday tables. It’s rich, satisfying, and simple to prepare, making it one of those recipes people ask for again and again.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

This casserole combines frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream soup, melted butter, and cheddar cheese, baked until hot and bubbly with a lightly crisp top. The inside stays creamy and soft, while the edges turn golden and flavorful.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman BBQ Chicken Thighs
• Pioneer Woman Sausage and Potato Soup
• Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Roll

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Pure Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and filling
• Easy to Prepare: Simple mixing, no complicated steps
• Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd with ease
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holidays and brunch
• Versatile Dish: Works as a side or main

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Useful Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the mixture

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Transfer to a baking dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula so it bakes uniformly.

Step 4: Bake the casserole

Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set slightly for easier serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Watery Texture: Fully thawed and drained the hash browns
• Bland Flavor: Added more seasoning and onion
• Uneven Baking: Spread the mixture evenly before baking
• Too Soft on Top: Baked uncovered for better browning

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

• Use light sour cream
• Choose reduced-fat cheese
• Replace cream soup with homemade white sauce
• Add extra onions or bell peppers
• Serve with fresh vegetables for balance

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

• Cream of Chicken Substitute: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery
• Cheddar Cheese Substitute: Colby Jack or Monterey Jack
• Butter Substitute: Olive oil or plant-based butter
• Onion Substitute: Green onions or shallots
• Hash Browns Substitute: Diced frozen potatoes

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

• Breakfast Plate: Serve with eggs and bacon
• Brunch Spread: Pair with fruit and pastries
• Dinner Side: Works well with chicken or ham
• Potluck Dish: Easy to transport and reheat
• Leftover Skillet Meal: Pan-fry slices until crisp

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole Success

• Drain Hash Browns Well: Prevents excess moisture
• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything blend smoothly
• Bake Uncovered: Gives a lightly crisp top
• Taste Before Baking: Adjust seasoning early
• Let It Rest: Improves texture when serving
• Use Sharp Cheddar: Adds stronger flavor

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

• Cheesy Bacon Version: Add cooked crumbled bacon
• Spicy Style: Mix in diced jalapeños
• Breakfast Casserole: Add scrambled eggs and sausage
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add bell peppers or spinach
• Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle more cheese on top before baking

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months
• Thaw Overnight: Refrigerate before reheating
• Store in Portions: Makes reheating easier

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F until warmed through
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring if needed
• Skillet: Warm slices on low heat for crisp edges

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg

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FAQs

Do I need to thaw hash browns before making hash brown casserole?

Yes, thawing hash browns is important. Fully thawed and well-drained potatoes prevent excess moisture, helping the casserole bake evenly and stay creamy instead of watery.

Why is my hash brown casserole watery after baking?

A watery casserole usually means the hash browns weren’t drained properly or the dish was covered while baking. Always bake uncovered and squeeze out extra liquid from the potatoes before mixing.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking for even cooking.

How do I get a golden top on hash brown casserole?

For a golden top, bake the casserole uncovered and use shredded sharp cheddar cheese. If needed, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole is a timeless comfort dish that delivers creamy texture, rich flavor, and pure satisfaction in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, it fits just as well on a holiday table as it does at a relaxed family dinner. Once it’s baked and bubbling, it rarely lasts long.