Hash Brown Casserole

1/4 cup butter, plus more for dish 1 onion, minced 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream 1 (10 1/2-ounce) can cream of celery soup 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups crushed potato chips (I use Ruffles)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a casserole dish.

In a small skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until soft (I normally cook until they are almost brown and black). Pour mixture into a large bowl. Add the sour cream, cream of celery soup, cheese, garlic powder, hash browns, and salt and pepper. Combine until well blended.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top evenly with crushed potato chips and bake for 45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.