Ingredients:
- 32 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 16 oz sour cream
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted butter, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, diced onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Fold the freshly shredded cheddar cheese into the cream mixture until evenly distributed.
- Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl. Use a silicone spatula to fold the potatoes into the sauce until every shred is thoroughly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer without pressing down too firmly.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the edges are bubbling vigorously and the cornflake topping is deeply golden brown.