Granny'S Hash Browns
Creamy and cheesy hash brown casserole with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and half and half together.
- Add thawed hash browns to the mixture and combine well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with crumbled Ritz crackers and melted butter.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the hash brown mixture. If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute the half and half with heavy cream. You can also use different types of crackers, like butter or garlic-flavored, for a unique topping. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or even a hearty breakfast like eggs and bacon for a filling brunch option. For a comforting dinner, it complements dishes such as Chicken Dumpling Pie or Glory Fried Chicken perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Hash Browns contains roughly 902 calories, with 10g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1565mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns directly, but be sure to adjust the baking time as they may take longer to cook through. If you choose to skip thawing, you might want to cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup by blending cooked chicken with cream, or opt for a cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian alternative. Both will maintain the creamy texture of the dish while adding their own unique flavors.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup to cut down on calories. Additionally, using olive oil instead of butter and incorporating more vegetables like spinach or broccoli can enhance the nutritional profile of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).