Chive and Onion Hash Brown Potatoes

By kimfitz

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups half and half cream
• 1 cup spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
• 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 packages (20 oz each) hash brown potatoes
• 2 cups shredded swiss or colby jack cheese
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine the first five ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until blended; transfer to a large bowl. Add potatoes, mix well.
In a greased 13 x 9 inch pan Put in half the hash browns. Layer with half the cheese and half of the chives. Repeat layers, dot with butter. Cover and bake for 35 minutes at 375 degrees. Uncover and bake for 20 more minutes, until brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.