Hash Brown Casserole

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9-by-3-inch casserole dish.

In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add the olive oil and bacon. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally until crisp, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain the bacon on a paper towel lined plate, reserving tablespoons of the fat left the pan.

Return the pan to the stove top and over medium heat cook the onions until translucent, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 0 seconds. Let mixture cool slightly.

In a large bowl, combine the onion mixture with the hash browns, cream of chicken, 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, green pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the casserole from oven and top with remaining cheese and cook for an additional 1 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Garnish with green onions and serve warm.