Ultimate Hash Browns Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (2 lb) bag O'Brien potatoes
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup onion, diced
10 ounces cream of mushroom soup or 10 ounces cream of chicken soup, undiluted
16 ounces sour cream
1 lb cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

This is very important: Microwave the whole bag of potatoes for 5-10 minutes before starting casserole. You want them completely defrosted and even slightly cooked.
Mix all ingredients, RESERVING 2 CUPS CHEESE, in large mixing bowl.
Pour mixture in a greased 9x13 casserole baking dish.
Bake covered at 375 degrees for 1 hour.
Top with remaining 2 cups cheese.
Bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes or until bubbly!