Comfort Food is Fattening

There is just no denying it--most of the foods I love are fattening. This Hash Brown Casserole is no exception. It is great for breakfast or brunch mixed with browned, crumbled sausage or bacon, and it makes a nice side dish for a beef or pork entree.

The cornflakes crisp up into a light crunchy topping and the tater tots break down into little pieces of tender potato surrounded by a melted queso-like cheese sauce. Tonight we enjoyed it as written with teriyaki greens beans and homemade bread. It is also nicely complemented with either a fruit salad or homemade cranberry sauce.

Hash Brown Casserole
Adapted from Allrecipes

Ingredients:
1 (2 pound) package frozen tater tots, thawed
1/4 cup melted butter
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup water
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded Velveeta cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping:
2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients (except topping) in a large bowl. Scoop into a 9 X 13 inch glass pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over top of casserole. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until bubbling and center is cooked through.