Craving the ultimate comfort food side dish? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman-inspired hash brown casserole with sour cream! This recipe takes the humble hash brown to a whole new level of deliciousness, creating a cheesy, creamy, and utterly satisfying casserole that will be a hit at any breakfast, brunch, or potluck. Easy to throw together with simple ingredients, this dish is destined to become a family favorite.
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole, golden brown and bubbly, served in a white dish.
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing side that’s both effortless and incredibly tasty, this hash brown casserole is your answer. Imagine tender shredded hash browns enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, loaded with cheese and a hint of savory onion. The addition of sour cream elevates this classic, adding a delightful tang and extra layer of creaminess that makes it truly irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at gatherings, with everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe!
Ingredients for hashbrown casserole laid out on a wooden surface, featuring frozen hashbrowns, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, onion, butter, and spices.
What makes this Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Casserole With Sour Cream so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The frozen hash browns provide a hearty base, while the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, and generous amount of Colby cheese create a luxuriously creamy and cheesy sauce. The finely diced onion adds a subtle savory note that complements the richness of the cheese and sour cream beautifully. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
The Magic of Sour Cream in Hash Brown Casserole
Sour cream is the secret ingredient that takes this hash brown casserole from good to outstanding. Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream soup, adding a bright and refreshing element. It also contributes to the casserole’s incredibly creamy texture, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This isn’t just your average hash brown casserole; it’s a Pioneer Woman-inspired masterpiece with the perfect touch of sour cream.
Pioneer Woman Sour Cream Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
This recipe is adapted from classic hash brown casserole recipes, enhanced with the creamy goodness of sour cream and inspired by the hearty, family-friendly cooking style of the Pioneer Woman.
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 (30oz) bag frozen country style shredded hash browns, thawed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz Colby cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
- Cutting board
- Knife
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded Colby cheese, finely diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Add hash browns: Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the bowl. Gently mix everything together by hand until the hash browns are evenly coated with the cheese and sour cream mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared greased baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
- Bake until golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the casserole is heated through and golden brown on top. For a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious served hot and bubbly!
Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole
- Cheese is key: Freshly grated Colby cheese is highly recommended for its flavor and melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese can also be used for convenience, but freshly grated will melt more smoothly.
- Don’t skip the onion: Even for picky eaters, finely diced onion adds essential savory flavor. Dice it very small so it blends seamlessly into the casserole.
- Thaw hash browns: Thawing the hash browns slightly before mixing helps them combine more easily with the other ingredients and ensures even baking.
- Customize your cheese: While Colby is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- Add extra flavor: For a bolder flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the mixture.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole with sour cream is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or ham for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch spread.
- Dinner Side Dish: It’s a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, baked ham, meatloaf, or grilled steak.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners.
- Comfort Food Meal: Enjoy it as part of a comforting meal with a simple salad and your favorite protein.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Explore
Looking for more tasty side dish inspiration? Check out these other recipes:
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Apple Cider Vinegar
- Southern Style Green Beans with Tomatoes & Bacon
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
- Balsamic Glazed Roasted Asparagus
- Steakhouse Mushrooms
- Lemon Butter Mushrooms
- Southern Style Peas with Bacon & Onion
- The BEST Southern Style Creamed Corn
Slice of hash brown casserole on a fork, showcasing the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
This Pioneer Woman hash brown casserole with sour cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and ease of preparation make it a winning recipe. Give it a try and experience the comfort food magic for yourself!
