Patrick Oconnell
Hash browns are a classic breakfast side dish, but they can be taken to the next level by adding cheese. There are several ways to melt cheese on hash browns, including baking it in the oven or frying it on the stovetop. For stovetop hash browns, shredded potatoes are tossed with cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper before being fried in butter. The cheese melts as the hash browns cook, creating a crispy, golden crust. For oven-baked hash browns, a mixture of shredded potatoes and cheese is baked until tender and golden brown, with an optional crunchy topping made from cornflakes and butter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, American Cheese |
| Type of Dish | Hashbrown Casserole, Hashbrown Bowl |
| Ingredients | Hashbrowns, Butter, Oil, Sour Cream, Onion, Salt, Pepper, Cornflakes, Meat, Eggs, Vegetables |
| Recipe Steps | Shred and rinse potatoes, squeeze out excess water, add cheese, salt, and pepper, heat skillet, add butter and oil, spread mixture in the pan, press flat, flip when browned |
| Calories | 625 |
| Price | $9.20-$10.30 |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a hashbrown casserole with cheese
This hashbrown casserole recipe is a great comfort food that can be served as a side dish for lunch or dinner. It is also a fantastic breakfast option. The recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared by beginner cooks. The ingredients are readily available and the dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months.
To start, gather your ingredients: frozen hash brown potatoes, a cream-based can of soup (cream of chicken or mushroom), sour cream, cheddar cheese, butter, onion, salt, and pepper. You can also add cornflakes for a crunchy topping.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thaw the frozen hash browns and combine them with the soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, chopped onion, and seasonings in a large bowl. You can also add in other ingredients like celery salt, zucchini, or different types of cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. If using cornflakes, crush them and mix with the remaining butter. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture on top of the casserole.
Finally, bake the casserole in the preheated oven until it is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. This should take around 40 minutes to an hour. If you want to add some extra colour or freshness, garnish with parsley before serving.
To melt the cheese effectively, it is recommended to use a stovetop approach. Low-fat and low-moisture cheeses like Romano and Parmesan should be avoided as they burn easily and will not create a smooth, creamy sauce. Instead, opt for cheddar or other similar cheeses. Additionally, if your casserole needs to bake longer, keep an eye on it and cover it with foil for the initial cooking time. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to melt and brown perfectly.
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Adding cheese to hashbrowns on a stovetop
Adding cheese to hash browns on a stovetop is a great way to elevate this classic breakfast dish. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results. Firstly, the type of cheese you use is important. Different cheeses melt differently, so it's not always a good idea to substitute one type for another. For example, cheddar will give you a bold and flavorful melt, while mozzarella might be better for that gooey stretchiness. Consider what kind of texture and taste you want before choosing your cheese.
Another key factor is the amount of heat you use. Overheating your cheese can cause it to turn rubbery or refuse to melt at all. Cheeses with lower fat and moisture content, like Parmesan or Romano, will only melt a little and won't give you that creamy sauce. Instead, opt for cheeses with higher moisture content and lower melting points, such as Swiss or Cheddar, for a smoother melt. Always use low heat and go slow—you can continue heating in short bursts, stirring in between, until you get your desired consistency.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of adding cheese to your hash browns on a stovetop. Start by shredding your desired amount of cheese. Freshly grated cheese will give you better control over the melting process and enhances the flavor. Next, heat a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add butter and oil, and heat until it shimmers. You can also use olive oil for a healthier option.
Once your butter and oil are hot, add your hash brown mixture. Spread it evenly in the pan and press it firmly together with a spatula to form a thin layer. Allow the hash browns to cook until you see signs of deep browning on the bottom, then flip them over. It's important not to stir or shuffle the mixture at this stage, as you want to create that crispy crust.
After flipping, it's time to add your cheese. Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the hash browns. You can use a lid to cover the pan for 3-4 minutes to help the cheese melt, or you can broil it for 2-3 minutes for a quicker melt. If you want to get creative, you can add some extra ingredients like chopped onions, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Finally, once the cheese has melted to your liking, remove the hash browns from the pan and serve immediately. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy hash browns!
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Using shredded cheese on hashbrowns
Using Shredded Cheese on Hash Browns
Shredded cheese is a great way to add flavour and texture to hash browns. The type and amount of cheese you use can vary depending on your preference and the size of the potatoes. A good rule of thumb is to use between ⅓ to ½ cup of cheese for every potato. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for hash browns, as it has a tangy flavour and melts well. Other types of cheese you can use include Parmesan, mozzarella, and any other variety of cheddar.
To make hash browns with shredded cheese, start by shredding your potatoes using the largest holes of a box grater. Rinse the shredded potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Place the potatoes in a medium-sized bowl and add your desired amount of shredded cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add butter and oil. Once the butter and oil are shimmering, add the potato and cheese mixture to the pan. Spread it out evenly and press it firmly together into a thin layer with a spatula. Allow the hash browns to cook undisturbed until the bottom is deep brown, and then flip and cook the other side.
For an extra crispy and cheesy treat, try making a hash brown casserole with a crunchy cornflake topping. Simply combine your hash browns, shredded cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with crushed cornflakes tossed in melted butter. Bake in the oven until hot and crispy.
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The best types of cheese to melt on hashbrowns
The best types of cheese to melt on hash browns
Melted cheese on hash browns is a popular comfort food, and for good reason. The right cheese can add a lot of flavour and texture to this classic breakfast dish. Here are some of the best types of cheese to melt on hash browns:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for hash browns as it has a strong flavour and melts well. It can be used to create a crispy, crunchy texture when cooked in a skillet, or added to a hash brown casserole for a creamy, indulgent texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is another great option for hash browns. It has a strong, tangy flavour and a dry texture that can add a crispy element to the dish. While some recipes don't actually include Parmesan, the fried or baked cheesy bits that form around the edges of hash browns have been compared to Parmesan crisps.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a mild, creamy cheese that melts easily, making it a good option for hash brown casseroles. It can be used in combination with other cheeses, such as Cheddar, to create a rich and indulgent dish.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese, such as Greek yoghurt, can be used to add a tangy, creamy element to hash brown casseroles. It is often used in combination with other cheeses and can be adjusted to suit personal preference.
Mexican Cheese
Mexican cheese blends can also be used to create delicious hash brown casseroles. These blends often include a variety of cheeses, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Queso Blanco, which come together to create a unique flavour profile that is perfect for a hearty breakfast dish.
When it comes to melting cheese on hash browns, the key is to find a balance between flavour and texture. Whether you're looking for a crispy, crunchy texture or a creamy, indulgent dish, the right cheese can take your hash browns to the next level.
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How to make hashbrowns extra crispy with cheese
To make hash browns extra crispy with cheese, you can try the stovetop method. Start by placing shredded and squeezed potatoes into a mixing bowl. Toss them together with cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can use a variety of cheeses, but it's best to avoid low-fat and low-moisture cheeses like Romano and Parmesan as they burn easily and won't create a smooth, creamy sauce. Sharp cheddar is a good option, as it adds tanginess to the dish.
Next, place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Scoop 3 to 4 half-cup scoops of the potato mixture into the skillet, leaving about an inch between each scoop. Use the back of a spatula to flatten the piles of potatoes into thin layers.
It's important not to stir or shuffle the mixture around the pan while it cooks. Instead, press it firmly together with the spatula and let it cook until the bottom is a deep brown. Then, flip and repeat. The melting cheese will add extra fat, resulting in an exceptionally crispy texture.
For an indulgent touch, allow some of the cheese to sear and crisp up on the stovetop. You can also sprinkle some additional thyme on top of the hash browns before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for melting on hash browns due to its sharp tanginess and ability to form a crispy crust. However, other cheeses such as mozzarella, Mexican four-cheese blend, and condensed cheese soup can also be used.
To melt cheese on hash browns, you can either mix shredded cheese into the potato mixture before frying or baking, or you can top the cooked hash browns with cheese and return them to the oven to melt. For a crispy, cheesy crust, it is important not to stir the hash browns while they cook.
When melting cheese on hash browns, it is important to use a medium-heat skillet or a preheated oven set to around 350°F (180°C). This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly without burning.
