#541: Cheesy Hashbrowns

This isn't exactly a totally new recipe.  I've had one very similar to it before.  In fact, it could have been the same recipe...I don't know.  But regardless, this is delicious.  Thankfully my mom remembered to go back to the house to put this in the oven, or I would have been very unhappy to return from church and see this sitting on the counter!

2 lbs. frozen hash browns, thawed
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted and divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped onion (I used minced onion)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pint (2 cups) sour cream
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups crushed corn flakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns with 1/2 cup melted butter and all the remaining ingredients except the corn flakes. Spread into a 9×13″ baking dish. Mix 1/4 cup melted butter and the crushed corn flakes together and sprinkle over top of casserole. Bake at 350 degrees, uncovered, for 1 hour. Serve hot.