Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy and Creamy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe by Liz Mervosh from Food & Wine.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for baking dish
• 1 medium-sized (8-ounce) yellow onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 medium-size (9-ounce) red bell pepper, chopped (1 1/4 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Mexican-style hot sauce (such as Cholula), plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (30-ounce) package of frozen (not thawed) shredded hash brown potatoes, shreds broken apart
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups), divided
• Fresh chive batons

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Vegetables
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, and the onion becomes translucent, about 10 minutes.
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
   • In a very large bowl, whisk 8 large eggs until blended and smooth.
   • Add 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and the remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Whisk until fully combined.
4. Combine Ingredients
   • Stir 1 (32-ounce) package of hash browns, the cooked peppers and onions, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   • Lightly coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with oil.
   • Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
   • Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the egg mixture is just set.
7. Cool and Serve
   • Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before cutting into it.
   • Garnish with chopped chives and drizzle with additional hot sauce, if desired.