Timber Lodge’s Lumberjack Hash Browns

Ingredients:

• 40 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, about 13 1/3 Cups
• 1/3 cup onion, chopped to about 1/2 inch
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded monterey jack cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Soup: Mix in cream of chicken soup until thoroughly combined.
4. Incorporate Butter: Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
5. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter.
6. Transfer Mixture: Transfer hash brown mixture into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Do not press down.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
8. Rest Before Serving: Let the hash browns stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Breakfast Feast: Serve these hearty hash browns alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a complete breakfast spread.
• Brunch Delight: Pair with fresh fruit salad and muffins for a delicious brunch option that’s sure to satisfy.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring to potlucks or family gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side dish that can feed a group.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

By following these tips, you can ensure that Timber Lodge’s Lumberjack Hash Browns remain delicious whether freshly served or enjoyed as leftovers.

Variations:

Enjoy these creative variations to customize your Lumberjack Hash Browns:

1. Vegetarian Delight:
   • Ingredients: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian option.
   • Instructions: Follow the recipe as usual, substituting cream of mushroom soup. Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
2. Bacon Lover’s Dream:
   • Ingredients: Mix crispy cooked bacon bits into the hash brown mixture before baking.
   • Instructions: Cook bacon until crisp, chop into pieces, and fold into the hash brown mixture. Bake according to the original recipe.
3. Southwestern Kick:
   • Ingredients: Add diced green chilies and a pinch of cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.
   • Instructions: Mix diced green chilies and cumin into the hash brown mixture. Top with shredded pepper jack cheese before baking.
4. Italian Inspired:
   • Ingredients: Replace cheddar and monterey jack cheeses with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add dried Italian herbs and garlic powder.
   • Instructions: Mix mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and garlic powder into the hash brown mixture. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking.
5. Loaded Potato Style:
   • Ingredients: Top the hash browns with sour cream, chopped green onions, and crumbled cooked sausage after baking.
   • Instructions: Bake hash browns as directed. Serve topped with sour cream, green onions, and sausage crumbles.
6. Spicy Jalapeño Twist:
   • Ingredients: Add diced jalapeños and shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixture.
   • Instructions: Mix jalapeños and pepper jack cheese into the hash browns. Adjust amount of jalapeños based on desired spice level.
7. Mushroom and Swiss Variation:
   • Ingredients: Sauté sliced mushrooms and mix with swiss cheese before adding to the hash brown mixture.
   • Instructions: Sauté mushrooms until tender. Mix with swiss cheese and incorporate into the hash brown mixture before baking.
8. Herb Infused Option:
   • Ingredients: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives to the hash brown mixture.
   • Instructions: Mix fresh herbs into the hash brown mixture before baking for a burst of freshness.
9. Ham and Cheese Addition:
   • Ingredients: Fold diced cooked ham and extra shredded cheese into the hash brown mixture.
   • Instructions: Mix ham and cheese into the hash browns. Adjust seasoning to taste and bake as directed.
10. Garlic Parmesan Upgrade:
    • Ingredients: Mix minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese into the hash brown mixture. Top with additional Parmesan before baking.
    • Instructions: Incorporate garlic and Parmesan into the hash brown mixture. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish.
11. Buffalo Chicken Hash Browns:
    • Ingredients: Add shredded cooked chicken and a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
    • Instructions: Mix the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce into the hash brown mixture before baking. Top with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles after baking for an extra kick.
12. Greek Style Hash Browns:
    • Ingredients: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and black olives.
    • Instructions: Mix feta, spinach, and olives into the hash brown mixture. Bake as directed and garnish with fresh dill before serving.

These variations offer diverse flavors and textures to elevate Timber Lodge’s Lumberjack Hash Browns, providing options to suit different tastes and preferences. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to create memorable meals for any occasion.

FAQs:

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about making and enjoying Timber Lodge’s Lumberjack Hash Browns:

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
   • Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients, such as cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
4. What can I serve alongside these hash browns?
   • They pair well with breakfast classics like eggs, sausage, and toast. For brunch, consider serving with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt.
5. How can I make this dish lighter?
   • Substitute reduced-fat cheeses and use a lighter version of cream soup. You can also reduce the amount of butter used.
6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
   • Yes, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them before mixing into the hash browns.
7. How do I ensure the hash browns are crispy?
   • Avoid packing down the hash brown mixture in the baking dish. Spread it evenly and let it bake uncovered to allow for even browning.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
9. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
   • Cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce made with chicken broth and cream can be used as substitutes.
10. How do I prevent the top from burning while baking?
    • If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and solutions to common queries about preparing and serving Timber Lodge’s Lumberjack Hash Browns. Enjoy experimenting with variations and adjustments to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!