This 5-ingredient slow cooker hash brown casserole is the kind of easy summer cookout dish that disappears fast because it is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and comforting all at once. It is a wonderful choice for a block party, potluck, or family barbecue since the slow cooker does most of the work, and using frozen country style hash browns keeps prep simple while still giving you that cozy, homemade casserole everyone loves.
Serve this casserole alongside burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, barbecue pulled pork, or simple sliced tomatoes and fruit for a fresh summer plate. It also fits right in on a brunch table with scrambled eggs, bacon, and melon, and if you are feeding a crowd, a spoonful of this with a crisp green salad helps balance all that rich, cheesy goodness.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Summer Block Party Crispy Golden Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Servings: 10
Ingredients
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen country style hash browns
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart oval slow cooker. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen country style hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar, the condensed soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
2. Spoon the mixture into the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is hot throughout.
3. About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese is melted. If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe and you want crisper golden edges, place the insert under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes just until the top turns bubbly and lightly browned.
4. Let the casserole rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving so it can set up a bit. Spoon onto plates or serve straight from the slow cooker for an easy party dish.
Variations & Tips
For extra crunch: If you really want that crispy top, transfer the hot casserole to a broiler-safe dish after slow cooking and broil it for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it, because that beautiful golden cheese can go from perfect to too dark in a hurry.
Make it kid-friendly: For picky eaters, use mild cheddar instead of sharp. The flavor stays creamy and comforting, and it blends right in with burgers, hot dogs, and other familiar party foods.
Swap the soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works nicely if that is what you have in the pantry. Each one gives the casserole a slightly different flavor, but all of them keep it rich and scoopable.
Keep it warm for parties: Once the casserole is fully cooked, switch the slow cooker to warm for serving. Stir gently only if needed, and avoid leaving the lid off too long so it stays hot and creamy for guests coming back for seconds.
Prep ahead: You can mix everything together the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, transfer it to the slow cooker insert and start cooking, which makes party day feel a whole lot easier.