Bacon and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

 

Looking for a quick side dish to feed to a hungry crowd? This is very similar in taste to double baked potatoes with a lot less work. Variations of this dish are sometimes called Funeral Potatoes...not sure why... but it was a much requested dish that my sister-in-law would bring to holiday gatherings.  It is best served warm and can be kept in a 170 degree oven until ready to serve. Such a comfort food!

Bacon and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole

28 oz bag frozen hash browns (shredded)
1 cup sour cream
1 - 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or colby jack)
1 can (10 ½ oz ) cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery)
2 tablespoons Hidden Valley Ranch Mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper
1 small minced onion
6 slices cooked crispy bacon, crushed, divided
1/2 cup melted butter,divided
1 cup potato chips, crushed

chopped jalapenos for garnish, optional

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen hash browns, sour cream, cheese, soup, Ranch mix, garlic powder, pepper, onion, half of the bacon (I had some leftover ham, so diced that up and added it too and 1/4 cup of the melted butter. Mix until thoroughly combined. Pour into a 13x9 baking dish.

3) Bake for 45 minutes

4) Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with crushed potato chips (crushed cornflakes is a great alternative).

5) Remove from oven, sprinkle with potato chips, top with remaining bacon and chopped jalapenos (if using and return to oven for 10 minutes.

6) Turn on broiler and toast for a couple of minutes, until brown and bubbly.

7) Let sit for 5 minutes before you dig in. Refrigerate leftovers - see below

Adapted from shugarysweets.com website

Bonus!

Potato Fritters!

If you have leftovers the next morning, mix in one beaten egg into cold potatoes, create a patty using approx two tablespoons of potatoes, coat in a mixture of Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs with fresh grated Parmesan, fry in some butter and/or oil until crispy and enjoy with some sour cream or ranch dressing!