The Only Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Need
There are some dishes that just taste like home, like comfort, like cherished memories. For countless fans across America, the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is exactly that. It’s the quintessential side dish that evokes feelings of cozy family gatherings, Sunday morning breakfasts, and road trip pit stops. That perfectly creamy, incredibly cheesy potato goodness has a way of making any meal feel special.
But what if you could recreate that beloved restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen? This copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe brings all that delightful taste and texture directly to your home, and here’s the best part: it’s surprisingly simple to make. Forget longing for a visit to the restaurant; you can now whip up this iconic dish for holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this legendary comfort food side dish!
Why This Copycat Recipe is the Best
When it comes to recreating a classic, authenticity is key. This recipe doesn’t just aim to replicate; it perfects the art of the cheesy hashbrown casserole, delivering all the reasons why you fell in love with Cracker Barrel’s original. Here’s why this version stands out as the ultimate:
- Perfectly Creamy & Cheesy: We’ve nailed the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor that makes Cracker Barrel cheesy potatoes so irresistible. Every bite is loaded with gooey, flavorful cheese and tender potatoes.
- Incredibly Easy: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master this dish. Made with simple, accessible ingredients, this easy hashbrown casserole recipe requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s the ultimate potluck potato recipe and disappears quickly at any gathering, from casual brunches to formal holiday dinners.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving it alongside breakfast eggs, a holiday ham, or a hearty dinner, this casserole is a perfect companion. It effortlessly elevates any meal, making it a true comfort food side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the simple components that come together to create magic:
Frozen Shredded Hash Browns
The foundation of our casserole! Shredded hashbrown potatoes are essential for achieving that soft, tender texture. While diced potatoes can work in some casseroles, shredded is key for this classic. Crucially, you must thaw them completely before mixing. Placing frozen hash browns directly into the casserole will release excess water during baking, resulting in a runny, watery casserole. After thawing, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture.
Cream of Chicken Soup
This is the creamy binder that holds everything together and infuses the casserole with its signature savory depth. Campbell’s cream of chicken soup is the classic choice and provides a consistent flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup. For those who want a from-scratch option, a simple homemade cream sauce (made with butter, flour, milk, and chicken bouillon) can be used, though it adds an extra step to this otherwise easy recipe.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a delightful richness and a subtle tang that balances the savory flavors. For the best, most authentic texture and taste, opt for full-fat sour cream. While Greek yogurt can be a substitute for a lighter option, be aware it may introduce a more pronounced tang and slightly alter the overall creaminess of the dish.
Melted Butter
Butter is truly a flavor powerhouse here, contributing to the casserole’s rich taste and helping to create that irresistible golden crust. You can use either salted or unsalted butter; just be mindful to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
Cheese
What’s a cheesy hashbrown casserole without plenty of cheese? A combination of Colby cheese recipe and sharp cheddar cheese casserole is classic for this dish, offering both mild creaminess and a sharp, satisfying bite. For superior melting and a smoother, creamier sauce, it is highly recommended to shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bags often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting as beautifully.
Onion
Finely diced yellow onion provides a subtle aromatic background and enhances the overall savory profile. For a smoother texture or if you’re not a fan of onion pieces, you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of onion powder or 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion.
Seasoning
Sometimes, less is more. Simple salt and freshly ground black pepper are all you need. These basic seasonings allow the natural flavors of the potatoes, cheese, and creamy base to truly shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Making this incredible copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Ensure your frozen hash browns are fully thawed – this is non-negotiable for a non-watery casserole! Once thawed, pat them very dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely diced onion, salt, pepper, and 1.5 cups of your freshly shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well-blended and forms a smooth, creamy base. This is the heart of your hashbrown casserole with sour cream and hashbrown casserole with cream of chicken soup.
Step 3: Add Hash Browns
Gently fold the thawed and dried hash browns into the creamy mixture. Mix carefully until every single potato shred is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce. You want an even distribution of flavor throughout the entire casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Pour the hash brown mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer using a spatula. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s hot and bubbly around the edges, and the cheesy topping is beautifully golden brown. This is how to make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole baked to perfection.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
This step is often overlooked but is absolutely critical for the best texture! Once you remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy potato mixture to set up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole Every Time
Achieving that iconic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole perfection is within reach with these expert tips:
- Thaw Those Taters!: We can’t stress this enough. Reiterate why thawing and then *drying* your frozen hashbrown casserole potatoes is the absolute secret to avoiding a runny, watery casserole. Excess moisture leads to a less-than-ideal texture.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: For the ultimate creamy, smooth sauce and superior melt, always grate your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can make your casserole slightly gritty and prevent it from melting into that luscious, gooey goodness.
- For a Crispy Topping: If you love a little crunch, mix the topping cheese with a cup of crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs and a couple of tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling it over the casserole. This technique is often seen in traditional funeral potatoes recipe and adds a delightful textural contrast.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Full-Fat: For the most authentic, rich flavor and luxurious texture, stick to full-fat sour cream and cheese. This is a comfort food, after all, and these ingredients contribute significantly to the overall indulgence.
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
While the classic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is perfect on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it and create your own signature loaded hashbrown casserole:
- Make it a Meal: Transform this side dish into a hearty main course by stirring in 1-2 cups of diced cooked ham, crumbled cooked breakfast sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken. It makes for a fantastic leftover dinner!
- Add Some Bacon: Who doesn’t love bacon? Mix in ½ to 1 cup of crumbled, cooked bacon bits for a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy potatoes.
- Spice it Up: For those who like a little heat, add a kick with finely diced jalapeños (seeded for less heat), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
- Add a Veggie Boost: Finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) or sautéed mushrooms can be added to the mixture for extra flavor, color, and texture. Just make sure to sauté any mushrooms first to release their moisture.
What to Serve with Hashbrown Casserole
This incredibly versatile holiday side dish casserole pairs wonderfully with a wide array of meals, making it a go-to for any occasion:
- Breakfast & Brunch: Serve it alongside classic breakfast staples like fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage patties or links, and a refreshing side of fresh fruit for the ultimate morning feast.
- Dinner: The creamy, cheesy potatoes are the perfect complement to classic main courses. Think succulent Glazed Ham, crispy Fried Chicken, tender Pork Chops, or a hearty Meatloaf. It also works beautifully with roasts.
- Holiday Feasts: The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a non-negotiable, must-have side dish for major holiday dinners. It’s always a star at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter tables, often outshining other sides!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
One of the best things about this easy hashbrown casserole recipe is how well it holds up to making ahead, storing, and freezing. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
Making Ahead
You can assemble the casserole (combine all ingredients, place in the baking dish, and top with cheese) up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any delicious leftovers (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the remaining casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. These leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day!
Freezing Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for future meals.
- Unbaked: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe aluminum baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil.
- Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
Either way, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen (unbaked), remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for another 30-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. For frozen baked casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat hashbrown casserole in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- From Refrigerated: Place the covered casserole in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. If uncovered, cover with foil to prevent drying out, then remove for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the top.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, follow the instructions for reheating from refrigerated. If reheating directly from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Funeral Potatoes and Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
They are indeed very similar and share many common ingredients like hash browns, cream soup, sour cream, and cheese. The primary distinguishing factor is the topping: Funeral Potatoes recipe traditionally feature a crunchy topping, most commonly made from crushed cornflakes or potato chips mixed with melted butter, while the classic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole typically has a simple, golden-brown cheese topping.
Do I have to thaw frozen hashbrowns before making a casserole?
Yes, it is highly recommended and, frankly, essential for the best outcome. Using frozen hash browns will cause them to release a significant amount of water as they bake, which can lead to a soupy, runny, and unappetizing casserole. Thawing them completely and then patting them dry removes this excess moisture, ensuring your casserole is creamy, not watery, and bakes evenly.
Why is my hashbrown casserole greasy or watery?
A watery casserole is almost always caused by not thawing and thoroughly drying the frozen hash browns before mixing them in. The ice crystals melt during baking, creating excess liquid. A greasy casserole can result from using too much butter, or if you’ve added greasy ingredients like bacon or sausage without properly draining them first.
Can I make this hashbrown casserole in a Crock Pot or slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe to be a fantastic slow cooker hashbrown casserole or Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Crock Pot recipe. Simply combine all the ingredients as instructed in a large bowl, then transfer the mixture to your greased slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is heated through. Keep in mind it won’t develop the same golden-brown, crispy top as an oven-baked version, but it will be just as delicious and comforting.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup or prefer an alternative, there are several great substitutes. Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are excellent choices that provide a similar creamy texture and savory base. For those looking for a cheesy twist, condensed cheddar cheese soup can also work. Alternatively, you can make a simple homemade cream sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour to make a roux, and then gradually adding milk and a touch of chicken bouillon or stock until thickened. This offers a great hashbrown casserole without soup option.
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