Ingredients:

• 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and other cheeses)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onions, cooked bacon (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

3. Transfer to Baking Dish:

• Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

4. Add Toppings:

• Sprinkle the extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top of the casserole for a golden, cheesy crust.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be served as a side or a main course.

Optional Add-ins:

• Sausage: You can add cooked breakfast sausage for a heartier dish.
• Jalapeños: Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Bell Peppers: For extra color and flavor, add chopped bell peppers.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole!