The oven makes that low bubbling sound that wafts through the kitchen—and you already know it’s ready. Hashbrown casserole is the recipe you make when you want it to look like it took a long time. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
The surface is a deep golden brown, like light caramel just starting to set. In places, the cheddar has browned slightly, forming those irregular little crusts everyone fights over. Underneath, the shredded potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender, held together by a creamy sauce that smells of butter and caramelized onion. Cut into it with a large spoon and you hear the crackle of the cornflakes before feeling the steam rise.
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