5 Ingredient Hash Brown Casserole

Ingredients

• 567 g (20 oz)Hash browns
• 128 g (4.5 oz)Bacon
• 128 g (4.5 oz)Cheddar cheese
• 1Onion
• 1 teaspoonPotato spice mix

Instructions

1. 1

   Grate the potatoes

   Grate the potatoes if using fresh ones. Skip this step if using frozen hash browns.

2. 2

   Prepare the ingredients

   Chop the onion and cut the bacon into small cubes.

3. 3

   Mix the filling

   Combine the hash browns with the chopped onion, bacon and potato spice mix.

4. 4

   Cover the casserole

   Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover it with aluminium foil to help prevent the top from burning.

5. 5

   Bake the potatoes

   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–40 minutes. If using frozen hash browns, follow the cooking time on the packet.

6. 6

   Melt the cheese

   Remove the foil and grate the cheddar over the hash browns. Return the dish to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

7. 7

   Serve the casserole

   Serve the hash brown casserole while warm.

What is hash brown casserole?

Hash brown casserole is an American baked dish built around shredded potatoes, often served for breakfast or brunch. This version combines them with bacon, onion and seasoning, then adds cheddar at the end.

The covered bake gives the potatoes time to cook before the cheese goes on. Removing the foil for the final few minutes lets the cheese melt without leaving it exposed for the whole bake.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 340 calories, 15g protein, 32g carbs, 17g fat.

The potatoes provide most of the carbohydrates, while bacon and cheddar contribute much of the fat and protein. Serve a portion with fruit or vegetables for a more varied plate.

Choosing the potatoes

Fresh potatoes: grate them before mixing, as directed in the method. The recipe does not specify a potato variety, so use one that is suitable for grating.

Frozen hash browns: use them straight as the recipe directs, skipping the grating step. Check their packet for the cooking time, since the method calls for following it when using frozen potatoes.

Build flavour with bacon and onion

Bacon: cut it into small cubes so it is distributed through the potato mixture. The recipe mixes it in without a separate frying step.

Onion: chop it before stirring it through the hash browns. Small pieces help it blend evenly into each serving.

Seasoning the mixture

Spice mix: use the teaspoon of potato seasoning specified, mixing it through the potatoes, bacon and onion before baking. Since the particular blend is not named, the flavour will depend on the mix you choose.

Even mixing: toss the ingredients together before transferring them to the dish, so the seasoning and other additions are not concentrated in one spot.

Cover first, then add cheese

Covered bake: keep the casserole covered with foil during the initial 30–40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The foil is there to help protect the surface from burning.

Cheese finish: remove the foil, grate the cheddar over the top and bake for about 5 minutes more, just until it melts.

Serving ideas

Serve the casserole warm as part of a breakfast or brunch spread. A fresh salad or cooked vegetables make a simple contrast to the rich, savoury potatoes.

For a fuller meal, pair it with eggs or fruit. Keep the casserole as the centrepiece and add sides to suit the occasion.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the bacon into small, even cubes so it mixes through the potatoes.
• Mix the seasoning in thoroughly before transferring the mixture to the casserole dish.
• Cover the dish with foil for the initial bake to help protect the top.
• Use the packet's cooking time if your hash browns are frozen.
• Add the grated cheddar only after removing the foil, then bake until it melts.

Variations

• Change the spice mix: choose a potato seasoning blend with the flavour you prefer.
• Use a different cheese: swap the cheddar for another cheese that melts well.
• Add more onion: increase the chopped onion for a stronger onion flavour.
• Make it meat-free: leave out the bacon for a potato, onion and cheese version.
• Serve with eggs: add eggs alongside the casserole for a more substantial brunch.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Grating frozen hash browns: skip the grating step when using frozen potatoes.
• Leaving the top uncovered: cover the dish with foil during the initial bake to help prevent burning.
• Adding cheese too soon: wait until the foil comes off, then bake for about 5 minutes to melt it.
• Ignoring the packet timing: use the cooking time on the package when the hash browns are frozen.
• Cutting uneven bacon pieces: make the cubes small so the bacon is better distributed through the mixture.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat within 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven until hot throughout, or use a microwave for individual portions.

Frequently asked questions