Tennessee Pride Hash Brown Casserole
Tennessee Pride Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked dish combining spicy sausage, creamy soups, fresh vegetables, and crispy hash browns. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it offers bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to family gatherings and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, French onion dip, chopped onions, green pepper, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the hash brown potatoes until well mixed.
- Spread half of the hash brown mixture over the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the remaining hash brown mixture over the first layer.
- Top with the cooked sausage.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until the casserole is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also replace half the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Ensure the hash browns are thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of steamed broccoli. For a complete meal, serve with a light green salad. If you're entertaining, consider offering a selection of dips alongside, which could include a classic ranch or a spicy salsa, as they complement the flavors of the casserole well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tennessee Pride Hash Brown Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Pride Hash Brown Casserole contains roughly 380 calories, with 13g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2095mg per serving (91% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth, then add seasonings to taste. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! This dish is very versatile. You can add diced mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini for more nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté any extra vegetables first to reduce moisture content before adding them to the mixture.
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).