Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
Do I need to thaw the frozen hash browns?
No. Use them straight from the freezer. There's no need to thaw before layering into the casserole.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, but squeeze out excess moisture from shredded fresh potatoes before using to prevent a watery casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Bake until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly around the edges, typically 45–50 minutes at 350°F.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. Alternatively, mix 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tsp chicken bouillon for a from-scratch binder.