This 5-ingredient slow cooker hash brown casserole is the kind of easy, comforting side dish that disappears fast at a Labor Day gathering. Using frozen shredded hash browns keeps prep simple, while the slow cooker does the work of turning them tender and creamy underneath a golden, cheesy top. It has that familiar potluck-style comfort people love, and it travels well for cookouts, family dinners, and holiday weekends when you want something hearty without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.
Serve this casserole alongside burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or pulled pork for an easy holiday spread. It also fits right in with baked beans, corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, watermelon, or a plate of fresh sliced tomatoes. If you are setting out a buffet, this dish holds nicely and gives everyone a warm, cozy option next to all those smoky grilled favorites.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Labor Day Weekend Golden Crust Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
Servings: 10
Ingredients
1 bag (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar, the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
2. Spoon the mixture into the prepared slow cooker and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the casserole is hot and the edges are lightly browned. If your slow cooker runs hot, check a little early so the bottom does not overbrown.
4. For a more golden top, turn the slow cooker to high for the last 20 to 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar if your model allows moisture to escape safely. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before scooping and serving.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: Use mild cheddar instead of sharp cheddar for a softer cheese flavor that still gives you that lovely golden top. This is a nice option when you are feeding a crowd with lots of kids at the table.
Make it extra savory: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if that is what you have on hand. Each one gives the casserole a slightly different flavor while keeping the same creamy texture.
For a crisper finish: Slow cookers hold in moisture, so the top will not bake up exactly like an oven casserole. If you want more crust, keep the lid slightly ajar near the end of cooking if your appliance allows it, or transfer a portion to an oven-safe dish and run it briefly under the broiler before serving.
Easy potluck tip: This casserole travels especially well for a cookout or neighborhood gathering. Keep it warm right in the slow cooker and bring a sturdy serving spoon so guests can help themselves without the casserole breaking apart too much.
Add-ins if you want them: Even though this version keeps things to five ingredients, you can stir in chopped green onions, crumbled cooked bacon, or a pinch of black pepper if you want to dress it up a bit for the holiday weekend.