Hash browns: is there a better comfort food? Crispy, savory, and oh-so-versatile, they’re amazing for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a snack.
And did you know you can make them in a crock pot? Seriously! It’s practically a hands-free way to get that perfect, comforting potato goodness.
This article is your guide to making the best hash browns in a crock pot, with plenty of variations and tips to make them your own. Let’s get cooking!
Basic Crock Pot Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Hash brown casserole is a crowd-pleasing favorite, and it’s so easy to make in a slow cooker. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started.
Essential Ingredients
- Frozen hash browns: A 30-ounce bag of frozen hash browns is the base of this casserole. Using frozen is super convenient, and it gives the casserole a great texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, and freshly grated cheese melts the best. For a little kick, try pepper jack.
- Dairy: Sour cream, cream of mushroom soup (or heavy cream), and butter are what make this casserole so creamy and delicious. Each adds its own richness and flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic are the basics. If you’re feeling adventurous, a packet of taco seasoning can add a fun twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Shred your cheese, chop any onions or garlic if you’re using fresh, and get everything else ready to go.
- Combine everything: In a big bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cook in the crock pot: Grease your crock pot to prevent sticking, pour in the hash brown mixture, and cook. On low, it’ll take about 4 hours. On high, it’ll be ready in about 2 hours.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about making hash browns in a Crock-Pot is how easy it is to customize the recipe to your preferences.
Adding protein
For a heartier dish, stir in some protein. Try:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (cook and drain before adding)
- Diced ham or kielbasa
- Ground beef or shredded chicken (especially good in taco-themed variations)
Incorporating vegetables
Add some extra nutrients with vegetables:
- Diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers (sautéing them first enhances the flavor)
- Frozen peas, corn, or green beans
- Green chilies or jalapeños for a little heat
Flavor enhancements
Change up the flavor profile with these additions:
- Taco seasoning and salsa (for a taco hash brown casserole)
- Parmesan cheese (as an alternative or addition to cheddar)
- Cream of chicken soup (instead of cream of mushroom)
Tips for Success
Ready to make the best cheesy potatoes of your life? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which keeps it from melting smoothly.
- Prevent burning. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray before adding the potatoes, and try to keep food from sticking to the sides.
- Adjust cooking time. All slow cookers are different. The cooking time may vary based on your appliance and how soft you want the potatoes to be. The potatoes are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use full-fat dairy. For best flavor and texture, opt for full-fat sour cream and milk.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Crock-pot hash browns are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Breakfast/Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage, or a refreshing fruit salad.
- Side Dish: They’re a fantastic complement to BBQ chicken, a glazed ham, or just about any main course you can think of.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Sour cream, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of hot sauce… the possibilities are endless.
- Occasions: This hash brown casserole is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, a lazy Sunday brunch, or even “brinner” (breakfast for dinner!).
Key Takeaways
Making hash browns in a crock pot is simple, convenient, and easy to adapt to your own tastes. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can add your favorite herbs, spices, and veggies to make this recipe your own.
If you want to make a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch with minimal effort and maximum flavor, cooking hash browns in a crock pot is the way to go!