Name: Best Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole with No Sour Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32-ounces frozen hash brown potatoes; 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom can also be used); 1 medium white onion, chopped; 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese; 1/2 cup melted butter; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 14 ounces Greek yogurt or dairy-free plain yogurt; 1 cup chopped ham or smoked turkey, optional; Salt and Pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a delicious and comforting cheesy casserole that's easy to prepare, our quest for the best Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole with No Sour Cream ends right here.

Whether you're looking to feed a hungry family or impress guests at your next brunch gathering, this recipe has got you covered. Say goodbye to sour cream without sacrificing flavor, as we delve into a mouthwatering alternative that will leave your taste buds tingling and your slow cooker doing all the work.

Get ready to discover a new favorite comforting side dish that's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, all without a dollop of sour cream in sight.

Easy Cheesy Hashbrown casserole is a great dish that just so happens to be an easy casserole and super simple recipe. This popular side dish is a great recipe that is amazing for family dinners, bringing to a potluck, or for a family holiday meal. The cheesy goodness in this dish is rave-worthy.

You don't need to worry about having oven space during your holiday cooking because one of the best things about easy recipes like this one is that you're able to use your crockpot for some of your prep for holiday dinners. Simple ingredients are imperative here, and this recipe wins in simplicity and is more than enough to feed the whole family.

Ingredients to Have on Hand

Cheesy hashbrown casserole (sometimes called funeral potatoes or cheesy hashbrowns) is a delicious and comforting dish. While there are various ways to prepare it, here are the typical ingredients you'll find in this Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole copycat recipe:

Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are commonly used. You can thaw them before using, but it's important to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese or other favorite cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties like Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a richer flavor.
Almost: Though your title mentions a variation without sour cream, it's a common ingredient in traditional versions. If you're avoiding sour cream, you can replace it with alternatives like Greek yogurt or a dairy-free option.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (or cream of chicken soup): This canned soup adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole. If you're looking for a from-scratch option, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
Butter: Often melted butter is used to enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.
Onion: Finely chopped onions add a nice savory flavor to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are essential to enhance the overall taste.
Toppings (Optional): Some recipes include toppings like crushed corn flakes or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to add a crispy layer on top.

These are the core ingredients you'll typically find in a cheesy hashbrown casserole. However, feel free to customize your casserole by adding ingredients like diced ham, green onions, or even diced bell peppers to suit your taste preferences.

What to Serve with Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes to Compliment the Perfect Side Dish?

When serving Crockpot cheesy potatoes, also known as hashbrown casserole, it's important to complement this creamy and indulgent dish with some well-chosen side dishes. Here are a few ideas to create a balanced and satisfying meal:

Protein: Consider serving a protein-rich dish alongside your cheesy potatoes. Grilled or roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a flavorful pot roast can pair nicely, adding variety to your meal and balancing the richness of the casserole.
Vegetables: A side of steamed or roasted vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy goodness. Green beans, broccoli, or a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing are excellent choices. The vegetables not only add color to your plate but also provide a healthy element to the meal.
Fresh Greens: A light, fresh salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber can provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy potatoes. Consider drizzling it with a zesty vinaigrette or a ranch dressing for added flavor.
Bread or Rolls: Warm and crusty bread or dinner rolls can round out the meal and help soak up the cheesy sauce from your potatoes. You can serve them with butter or even garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Fruit: A fruit salad or a fruit platter can provide a sweet and refreshing element to balance the richness of the dish. Consider a mix of fresh berries, citrus slices, or a tropical fruit salad for a delightful contrast.

Ultimately, your choice of side dishes will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Experiment with different combinations to create a meal that suits your taste and complements the Crockpot cheesy potatoes beautifully.

Should I thaw hashbrowns for a casserole?

Thawing hashbrowns for a casserole is a common practice, but whether you should or not depends on your desired result and the recipe you're using. In many cases, it's recommended to thaw hashbrowns before incorporating them into your casserole.

Thawing helps remove excess moisture from the frozen potatoes, preventing your casserole from becoming too watery during the cooking process.

Simply place the frozen hashbrowns in the refrigerator overnight, and they should be ready to use by the time you're ready to cook. And now you're on the verge of serving up Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole, an amazing dish that is sure to be a big hit.

However, some recipes may call for using frozen hashbrowns directly. If your recipe requires a shorter cooking time or if you want a slightly different texture with a more distinct potato bite, you can skip the thawing step.

Just keep in mind that using frozen hashbrowns may result in a slightly longer cooking time, as they will release moisture as they thaw in the casserole dish. Ultimately, the choice to thaw or not should align with your specific recipe and desired outcome, ensuring your hashbrown casserole turns out just the way you like it.

Why is my hashbrown casserole soggy?

A soggy hashbrown casserole can be disappointing, but understanding a few key factors can help you avoid this issue in the future. The most common reason for a soggy casserole is excess moisture. If you don't properly thaw and drain your hashbrowns before using them, they can release water during cooking, leading to a watery casserole.

Thaw frozen hashbrowns in the refrigerator and then squeeze them in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

Another potential culprit for a soggy casserole is overloading it with liquid ingredients. While some recipes call for ingredients like cream of mushroom soup or milk, adding too much of these can make your casserole overly wet. Be sure to follow the recipe's measurements and consider reducing the liquid slightly if you prefer a drier casserole.

Lastly, overcooking can also lead to sogginess, as the hashbrowns can become mushy if left in the oven for too long. Keep a close eye on your casserole's cooking time and adjust as needed to achieve the desired texture – a slightly crispy top and a creamy interior without excess moisture.

Are there any substitutions for sour cream in a crockpot hashbrown casserole?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a substitution for sour cream in your crockpot hashbrown casserole, there are a few options you can try. Here are a couple of delicious alternatives that will still give you that creamy and tangy flavor:

1. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in many recipes, including casseroles. It has a similar creamy consistency and tangy taste. Simply swap out the same amount of sour cream with Greek yogurt in your recipe. You'll still get that creamy texture without sacrificing any flavor.

2. Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is another great substitute for sour cream. It adds a rich and creamy texture to your casserole. For this substitution, use an equal amount of cream cheese as you would sour cream. Keep in mind that cream cheese has a slightly different flavor profile, so the taste of your casserole may vary slightly.

Remember, these substitutions may alter the taste and texture of your dish slightly, but they should work well in a crockpot hashbrown casserole. Feel free to experiment and adjust the amounts based on your personal preferences.

Is a crockpot hashbrown casserole without sour cream still tasty?

Absolutely! While sour cream adds a creamy and tangy flavor to a crockpot hashbrown casserole, it is not essential for a delicious and satisfying dish. There are plenty of other ingredients that can be used to enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.

Keep in mind that the absence of sour cream may slightly alter the taste and texture of the casserole, but it doesn't mean it won't be tasty. The key is to make sure you season the dish well with herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients to enhance the overall taste. You can still add shredded cheese, diced onions, garlic powder, or even some cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and personal preference. So feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste buds. Whether you decide to omit the sour cream or use a substitute, you can still enjoy a flavorful and tasty crockpot hashbrown casserole that will surely be a hit at any gathering or family meal.

How to Store Leftover Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes

Storing leftover Crockpot cheesy potatoes is crucial to preserve their flavor and freshness for future enjoyment. To ensure your leftovers stay safe and delicious, follow these simple steps:

Cool the Potatoes: Allow your cheesy potatoes to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the dish soggy.
Choose the Right Container: Opt for an airtight container or resealable plastic bags for storage. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the leftovers.
Portion Control: If you have a large batch of leftovers, consider dividing them into smaller portions. This not only makes it easier to reheat what you need but also helps maintain the dish's quality.
Refrigeration: Store the leftovers in the refrigerator promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking. Cheesy potatoes should be stored in the main body of the refrigerator, not the door, to ensure a consistent temperature.
Label and Date: Don't forget to label the container with the date when you cooked the dish. This makes it easier to track freshness and prevent food waste.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your leftover cheesy potatoes, reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Be sure to add a touch of moisture, like a splash of milk, to maintain the creamy texture.

Leftover Crockpot cheesy potatoes can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, provided they are properly stored. If you have a larger quantity that you can't consume within this time frame, consider freezing them for longer-term storage. Proper storage ensures you can savor the cheesy goodness of your favorite dish even after it's made its debut on your dinner table.

Can I freeze Leftover Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze leftover Crockpot cheesy potatoes to enjoy them at a later date. Freezing leftovers is an excellent way to prevent food waste and have a convenient meal or side dish on hand whenever you need it. Here are some guidelines on how to freeze and thaw leftover cheesy potatoes effectively:

Freezing Leftover Cheesy Potatoes:

Cool Thoroughly: Allow the cheesy potatoes to cool to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to ice crystals and affect the texture of the dish.
Portion Control: Divide the leftovers into meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need, minimizing food waste.
Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label and Date: Clearly label each container or bag with the date when you prepared the cheesy potatoes. This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures you use them within a reasonable time frame.
Freeze Quickly: Place the containers or bags in the freezer as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours of preparing the dish.

Thawing and Reheating:

Thaw in the Refrigerator: Transfer the frozen cheesy potatoes from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw slowly. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the portion size.
Reheat Properly: Once thawed, you can reheat the cheesy potatoes in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Add a bit of moisture, like a splash of milk, while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
Stir and Adjust: Cheesy potatoes may separate or change in texture slightly after freezing and reheating. Stir them well to distribute the flavors and texture evenly. You can also add a little extra cheese or seasoning if needed.

When properly frozen and thawed, leftover Crockpot cheesy potatoes can maintain their delicious flavor and creamy texture, making them a convenient and tasty option for future meals.

Yield: 6