Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole

Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole is perfect for brunch. No cream of condensed soups here! Refrigerated hash browns mix with a creamy mushroom-onion base and lots of cheese. Top with cooked bacon and fresh chives!

Pair this casserole with some other brunch favorites like Homemade Crepes, this Ham and Cheese Quiche, or this country breakfast Egg Skillet.

Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole

This cheesy hash brown casserole is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a holiday side dish. It pairs wonderfully with ham or turkey and is ideal for saving oven space, as it cooks in the slow cooker.

Unlike many recipes that use canned soups, this one features a homemade creamy base, adding freshness and flavor without any questionable ingredients. Making the sauce is similar to making gravy and worth the extra effort.

Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole Ingredients

• Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can perfectly control the amount of salt that goes into this casserole.
• Onion: The onion adds loads of flavor and texture, so dice it into small pieces so it will be well distributed in the casserole.
• Mushrooms: Any variety works, and I prefer baby bella or cremini mushrooms.
• Seasonings: The seasonings make this casserole! I use dried parsley, thyme, chicken bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and a good amount of salt and pepper. Potatoes need a lot of salt and pepper to boost the flavor. Add more at the end if needed to really enhance the flavor.
• Flour: White, all-purpose flour will thicken this creamy base.
• Chicken broth: This adds more flavor and seasoning to the base.
• Milk: I use whole milk for a thicker and creamier base, but 1% or 2% will also work. I don’t recommend a milk alternative or skim milk.
• Sour cream: Low-fat, fat-free, or regular — any works. Obviously, full-fat sour cream is going to be the creamiest, but we’ve tried all different kinds and there isn’t too much of a noticeable difference.
• Dijon mustard: It adds a nice depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Hash browns: I recommend fresh, refrigerated hash browns (as opposed to frozen) for this casserole. I use Simply Potatoes® hash browns (not sponsored).
• Extra- sharp Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated cheese is best since it melts better into the casserole.

Adding Protein To This Casserole

I love topping this casserole with freshly cooked, chopped bacon. To make Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole a full meal, add a protein like bacon, or stir in chopped ham or sausage. For best results, use smoked, diced ham and/or sausage. If using raw sausage, brown it first before adding it to the crockpot.

Garnish

Since this is a rich and cheesy casserole, herbs cut the richness and add a fresh flavor. We love fresh chives or freshly chopped parsley. Fresh thyme would also pair nicely.

More Delicious Brunch Recipes

• Quiche Lorraine onion, bacon, and cheese quiche
• Homemade Pancakes reader favorite!
• One-pan Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon
• Healthy Breakfast Cookies with peanut butter chips
• Strawberry Scones made with Greek yogurt