Loaded Hashbrown Casserole

4.92 from 24 votes

You'll love this loaded hashbrown casserole! Not only is it easy but it's the ideal make ahead side dish to keep in the fridge or freezer.

Prep Time5

Cook Time50

Total Time55

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 288kcal

Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9"x13" casserole by spraying it with cooking oil spray, set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together shredded hash browns, 1 cup cheddar cheese, dry ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, melted butter, and salt and pepper.
Pour hash brown casserole ingredients into the prepared casserole dish and top with remaining shredded cheese and bacon.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and golden on top, and edges are puffy. Let rest 5 minutes, then top with green onion and extra crisp bacon bits before serving.

Do not rinse hash browns (fresh or frozen)! The potatoes will soak up the water and it will make your casserole soggy.

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s how you can make your own homemade ranch dressing mix: 2 Tablespoons buttermilk powder (optional), 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried dill.

Storing Instructions:

Leftovers will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Let the casserole cool completely and transfer to a sealed container before placing it in the fridge.
To reheat, use the microwave and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between to heat evenly until heated through.

Make Ahead Instructions:

Prepare the casserole as directed, without baking, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
If you plan to make ahead this casserole and freeze it, I suggest using a foil container covered with foil. Not only is it freezer-safe, but the container can be safely used in the oven as well to reheat it.
Mix the casserole as directed in the recipe (do not bake it) and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (do not defrost) as directed, adding an extra 15 minutes to the baking time until it's heated throughout and the cheese is golden.