Hash Brown Casserole

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix the base ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add hash browns
   Fold in the thawed hash browns, gently mixing until all potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare the topping
   In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the potato mixture, then top with the buttered cornflakes.
5. Bake the casserole
   Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Rest and serve
   Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to serve.