Name: Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 small onion, chopped

This comforting and easy-to-make casserole, inspired by Dolly Parton’s simple Southern charm, is a delicious mix of creamy, cheesy, and hearty goodness. It’s made with just five ingredients, which makes it a go-to dish when I need something quick, satisfying, and family-friendly.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever I want to make something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It also hits that nostalgic Southern taste—rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen hash browns
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Onion (chopped)

directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, and most of the shredded cheddar cheese (I like to save a little cheese for topping).
I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
I sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
I bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is hot and bubbly.
I let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’s delicious hot and creamy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people and takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake, for a total time of under 1 hour.

Variations

If I want a little kick, I toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Swapping cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or even cream of celery gives it a new flavor twist. For a vegetarian version, I use a meatless cream soup and skip the meat additions.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the microwave for quick warming or pop it back in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of hash browns should I use?

I usually use shredded frozen hash browns, but diced ones work just as well. I make sure to thaw them before mixing so everything cooks evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven—might need a few extra minutes since it’s cold.

Can I add meat to the casserole?

Definitely. I like adding cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to make it heartier. Just make sure the meat is cooked before mixing it in.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. I’ve used Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and even mozzarella. Cheddar gives that classic flavor, but it’s fun to experiment.

How do I make it vegetarian?

I swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery, and I skip any meat additions. It still comes out creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is one of those recipes I turn to when I want simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s rich, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether I’m feeding the family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole always delivers.