Hashbrown Casserole (Copycat Cracker Barrel Recipe)
Today I have something extra special for my fellow Cracker Barrel lovers: a Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe that’s so spot-on, that it might just outshine the original! It’s made with golden, shredded hash browns mixed with oozing Colby jack cheese, creamy sour cream, and that classic condensed cream of chicken soup. All coming together to create a hashbrown casserole that’s bursting with rich, cheesy, creamy goodness!
Here’s a confession: I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time sifting through countless recipes to nail down that iconic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casserole taste. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! I saw recipes that were egg-heavy, cream of chicken soup-laden (not that there’s anything wrong with a good cream of soup fest), but I was on a mission to keep it authentic. After a bit of trial and error, I’ve landed on a hashbrown casserole recipe that’s the real deal. It’s got everything you love about the Craker Barrel version – a buttery base, the perfect cheese-to-potato ratio, a crispy golden top, and a tender, flavorful inside! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dinner side.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 6 (excluding pepper)
Total Cook Time: 50 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Contains dairy and gluten
Key Flavor: Cheesy and creamy potatoes
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Serves a Crowd: Hosting a brunch? Need a side dish that wows at a potluck? This cheese hashbrown casserole has got you covered. It’s a crowd-favorite that serves up generous portions, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this cheesy delight.
- Quick Toss & Bake: Say goodbye to long prep times! This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is so easy to put together. Just toss all the ingredients in a bowl, give them a mix, and into the oven they go.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: With a generous helping of Colby Jack cheese inside and as a gooey, golden top layer, it’s the ultimate treat for anyone who believes cheese is life.
- Comfort Food Classic: Embrace the coziness with every bite! This hashbrown casserole brings back all those nostalgic diner vibes, making it the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Ingredients to make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Frozen Hash Browns: Shredded and thawed.
- Salted Butter: Melted. It adds richness and helps to bind all the flavors together. Plus, it helps the casserole get beautifully golden.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can for that creamy, savory base. This is what gives the casserole its true Cracker Barrel taste.
- Sour Cream: For that irresistible tang and creaminess. It’s what makes the casserole so lusciously rich, so if you can, use full-fat sour cream.
- Onion: Diced. My fav veggie to bring a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Colby Jack Cheese: 2 cups shredded, plus an extra ½ cup for topping. It’s what gives this casserole its irresistibly gooey, melty heart.
- Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon to season things up. Just a little goes a long way!
How to make Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Getting Ready
- Preheat your oven. Grab a 13×9 baking dish and give it a quick spray with some non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Combine the Hashbrown Casserole Ingredients
- Add condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, 2 cups of cheese, and black pepper to a large bowl.
- Mix well, ensuring there are no big clumps of ingredients.
- Add the hash browns and mix thoroughly.
- Scoop the hash brown mix into the baking dish and smooth it out flat.
- Sprinkle the extra jack cheese all over the top of the hash browns.
Step 3: Bake The Hashbrown Casserole
- Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for until the cheese looks all melty and the sides get crispy. Once it’s looking golden and bubbly, serve it and enjoy!
Popular substitutions & additions
- Topping Creativity: Get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or even a can of drained black beans on top before baking. These aren’t toppings you’ll see on Cracker Barrel’s OG Hashbrown casserole, but they are delicious.
- Mix In Veggies: For a veggie boost, stir in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the hash browns. They’ll add color, nutrients, and a fresh twist to the classic flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try swapping Colby Jack for sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend. They all melt and taste amazing in this cracker barrel hashbrown casserole!
- Add Some Meat: If you’re craving extra protein, toss in some cooked, crumbled sausage, diced ham, or bacon into the mix. It’s a hearty addition that’ll satisfy those meat lovers at the table.
Tips for making the best cheesy cracker barrel hashbrown casserole
- Thaw the Hash Browns: To get the texture just right, make sure to thaw your frozen hash browns before mixing them in. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours. They mix more evenly and cook more consistently.
- Drain Those Taters: After thawing, give your hash browns a good squeeze or pat down with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key to avoiding a soggy hashbrown casserole! You can also sprinkle a little salt on them and let drain in a colander.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring ingredients like sour cream and cheese to room temp before mixing. It helps them blend more smoothly into the hash browns, ensuring an even, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Rest and Set: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows it to set a bit, making it easier to cut into neat, hearty servings that hold their shape on the plate.
How to store & reheat Hashbrown Casserole
Once your hashbrown casserole cools down, store any leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge. If you have a large amount left, you can also cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep the freshness locked in!
To reheat, pop the casserole back into the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. This usually takes about 20 minutes. If you’re just warming up a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick.
How long will Hashbrown Casserole last in the fridge?
In the fridge, your hashbrown casserole will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days. So, if you’re meal-prepping or planning for leftovers, you’re in good shape.
Can i freeze This easy hash brown casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and again with foil. Label it with the date, and into the freezer it goes. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
What to serve with Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Meatloaf: What better way to pair your hashbrown casserole than with a Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf! Serve with a side of green beans and corn muffin, and you will swear you’re eating at Cracker Barrel! You can even finish the meal off with a simple 2 ingredient pineapple angel food cake if you’re feeling fancy!
- Pancakes: Of course, you can always serve up a big ol’ helping of hashbrown casserole with my fav, Cracker Barrel Pancakes!
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: The rich and creamy texture of the hashbrown casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. Roasted meats, such as a whole roast chicken or beef roast, also complement the flavors well.
- Vegetable Sides: Balance the richness of the casserole with some lighter vegetable sides. Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad can add a refreshing contrast.
- Scrambled or Fried Eggs: For a breakfast or brunch spread, serve the hashbrown casserole alongside eggs prepared your favorite way, of one of my favorite ways – in a Denver Omelette. The combination makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Biscuits & Gravy Casserole: I mean, if you feel like you want to pop a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole in the oven next to your hashbrowns casserole for a true hands-off breakfast. I am with you!
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm biscuits or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce from the casserole. They add a comforting, homey touch to the meal.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with a mix of berries, melon, and citrus can offer a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory casserole, lightening up the overall dining experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients, place them in the baking dish, cover it up, and store it in the fridge for 1 day. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out and let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Is there a way to make this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole lighter?
Sure thing! You can lighten it up by using low-fat sour cream and a reduced-fat cheese blend. It’ll still be tasty but with fewer calories.
What’s the best way to get a really crispy top?
For that perfect crispy top, try broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
There you have it, a spot-on Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! The ooey-gooey cheese, the golden crispy edges, and that creamy, dreamy center… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to dazzle your taste buds.
More of my fav copycat recipes
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe or any other of my 5 ingredient or less recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Hashbrown Casserole (Copycat Cracker Barrel Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen hash browns shredded and thawed
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 1 can (10 ¼ ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion chopped up
- 2½ cups colby jack cheese shredded, 1/2 cup for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9 baking dish and give it a quick spray with some non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside for now.
- Add hash browns, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, 2 cups of cheese, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Scoop the hash brown mix into the baking dish and smooth it out flat.
- Sprinkle the extra jack cheese all over the top of the hash browns.
- Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese looks all melty and the sides get crispy.
- Once it’s looking golden and bubbly, serve it and enjoy!
Notes
- Thaw the Hash Browns: To get the texture just right, make sure to thaw your frozen hash browns before mixing them in. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours. They mix more evenly and cook more consistently.
- Drain Those Taters: After thawing, give your hash browns a good squeeze or pat down with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key to avoiding a soggy hashbrown casserole! You can also sprinkle a little salt on them and let drain in a colander.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring ingredients like sour cream and cheese to room temp before mixing. It helps them blend more smoothly into the hash browns, ensuring an even, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Rest and Set: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows it to set a bit, making it easier to cut into neat, hearty servings that hold their shape on the plate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
