1 (2 lb.) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated

Mix all 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into two 9 x 9 x 2 inch pans or one 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. If freezing is desired, do so at this point, then add topping before baking.

TOPPING:

2 c. crushed potato chips or corn flakes
2 tbsp. butter, melted

Mix crushed chips or flakes with butter and spread on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. If frozen, increase baking time to 1 hour at 350 degrees. (I find that it takes about 45 minutes if completely thawed.)