Grandma's Hash Brown Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 2-pound bag thawed frozen hash brown potatoes
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 8-ounce container sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup melted butter, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes