Hash Brown Casserole(Low-Fat Version)
A creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole with a lighter twist, featuring tender potatoes, colorful peppers, and a smooth, savory sauce topped with crispy corn flakes. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or comfort food cravings, it offers satisfying flavors with fewer fats, making it suitable for health-conscious meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. frozen hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream alternative
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-fat Mozzarella or Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup corn flakes, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion slightly in Pam-sprayed pan.
- Add flour, dry mustard, salt, and pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually add skim milk and low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream alternative.
- Combine the sauce with frozen hash brown potatoes and chopped green pepper.
- Transfer to a Pam-sprayed 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Top with reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, low-fat Mozzarella or Swiss cheese, and crushed corn flakes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of low-fat yogurt along with the sour cream alternative. If you want a bit more flavor, try incorporating some minced garlic or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You can substitute the green pepper with a red or yellow one for a sweeter taste. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in cooked chicken or turkey for added protein, similar to Chicken Or Turkey Tetrazzina.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some sautéed greens for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it alongside your favorite breakfast meats or a light fruit salad. It can also be a side dish at a potluck where you can browse more American recipes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover hash brown casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for faster reheating, though the oven method will maintain the crispiness of the topping better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hash Brown Casserole(Low-Fat Version) contains roughly 272 calories, with 11g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% 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 fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but you will need to pre-cook them slightly to ensure they are tender by the time the casserole is done baking. Just sauté them in a little bit of oil until they start to soften before mixing them into the dish.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that the chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
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).