Cheesy Baked Potato and Spinach Casserole – Easy Hash Brown Casserole Twist!

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to cozy up with a dish that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven? Today, we’re celebrating comfort food at its finest with a Cheesy Baked Potato and Spinach Casserole – an Easy Hash Brown Casserole Twist 🧀🥔🌿. This recipe is rooted in the kind of cooking that brings people together around the table—simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and plenty of love. It’s the sort of casserole that shows up at family gatherings, potlucks, Sunday lunches, or quiet weeknights when you want something filling and reassuring.

This dish takes inspiration from classic baked potatoes and traditional hash brown casseroles, but gives them a gentle, wholesome twist with spinach folded right in. Potatoes have always been a staple in traditional kitchens because they’re affordable, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. Combined with creamy cheese, a touch of dairy, and tender greens, they transform into something truly special. The aroma while this casserole bakes is enough to make everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?” 😊

What makes this recipe especially beloved is its balance: rich but not heavy, cheesy but not overwhelming, and hearty enough to stand alone or shine as a side dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply for yourself, this casserole honors the tradition of honest home cooking—no fuss, no fancy tricks, just good food made with care. Let’s get cooking and turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings (Traditional Add-Ons):

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns and chopped spinach, gently breaking up any clumps so everything mixes evenly.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bowl, stirring to distribute their flavor throughout the potatoes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
5. Season the cream mixture with salt and black pepper, keeping the seasoning gentle so the potatoes and cheese remain the stars.
6. Pour the creamy mixture over the hash browns and spinach, folding everything together until well coated.
7. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a small handful if you’d like extra cheese on top.
8. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. If using toppings, sprinkle Parmesan and crushed crackers over the surface, then drizzle lightly with melted butter.
10. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and golden on top.
11. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set beautifully.

Nutritional Information

This Cheesy Baked Potato and Spinach Casserole offers a satisfying balance of carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from cheese and dairy, and added vitamins and minerals from spinach. While it is a comfort dish, it also provides calcium for bone health, iron from leafy greens, and energy to keep you going. Enjoy it mindfully as part of a balanced meal.

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 45 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!