The Best Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Ever

Noshing on a hearty copy cat cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe always reminds me of cozy weekend breakfasts with my grandma.

Warm memories flood back from childhood mornings spent around her kitchen table.

Crispy potato edges and melted cheese create a comfort food masterpiece that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Simple ingredients come together in magical ways, turning ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.

Creamy textures and sharp cheddar notes dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Overview

• Conquer Comfort Food: Recreate the beloved Cracker Barrel classic right in your own kitchen, satisfying those hearty comfort food cravings with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and weekend brunches, this cheesy hashbrown casserole guarantees smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment by adding crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or green onions to personalize the recipe and make it uniquely yours, transforming a simple side dish into a memorable meal.
• Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Combines everyday pantry staples with minimal prep work, delivering a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients for Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that form the hearty foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Margarine or Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Provides a creamy and tangy element to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese flavor that complements the potatoes.

• Onion: Adds a subtle savory depth to the overall dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy base and enhances the casserole's moisture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavor profile.

Instructions for Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Let it warm up while you prep your cheesy masterpiece.

Step 2: Grease the Baking Arena

Grab your cooking spray and give an 11 x 14-inch baking dish a quick, even coat. This prevents any sticky situations.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Thawed hashbrowns
• Melted butter
• Chopped onion
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Salt
• Pepper

Dump everything into a massive mixing bowl. Channel your inner chef and mix until every single hashbrown is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Spread the Love

Carefully transfer your hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a smooth landscape of deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it dance and bubble for about 45 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top that screams “comfort food heaven” – crispy edges, creamy center, pure magic.

Pro Tips for Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist that adds natural sweetness and extra vitamins to the dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and cutting back on added salt for a heart-healthier version.
• Create a vegetarian option by substituting cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom and adding extra cheese for depth of flavor.
• Enhance the texture by mixing in crispy bacon bits or diced ham for added protein and a smoky dimension to the casserole.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Variations to Try on Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap chicken soup with cream of mushroom and add diced bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini for a plant-based protein-rich version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace regular hash browns with sweet potato hash browns for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hash browns with riced cauliflower and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly rendition that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.

Pairing Suggestions for Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Pair this creamy hashbrown casserole with a crisp chardonnay that cuts through the richness and complements the cheesy depth.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or honey-glazed ham to balance the casserole's creamy texture and provide a protein-rich complement.
• Add a fresh, tangy mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's heaviness and introduce a refreshing element to the meal.
• Include roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add nutritional balance and a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the casserole's comfort food profile.

Storage Guidelines for Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze flat for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread casserole in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?

The key ingredients include thawed hash browns, butter or margarine, chopped onion, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. These ingredients create a creamy, cheesy potato dish that mimics the popular restaurant recipe.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is not vegetarian due to the cream of chicken soup and butter. To make it vegetarian, you’ll need to substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian cream soup alternative and use plant-based butter.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply mix the ingredients, transfer to the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to homestyle cooking. Cheesy potatoes combine creamy textures with crispy edges, delivering a satisfying side dish that connects families around warm dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lb (0.9 kg) cheddar cheese (finely grated)
• 1 pint (473 ml) sour cream
• 2 lb (0.9 kg) frozen hash browns (thawed)
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) margarine or butter (melted)
• 1 can (10 1/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup (80 g) onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for consistent heat distribution.
2. Generously spray an 11 x 14-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend thawed hash browns with melted margarine, creating a foundational texture for the casserole.
4. Incorporate finely diced onions, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper into the hash brown mixture, stirring until all ingredients are uniformly integrated.
5. Spread the creamy mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a smooth, consistent layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a rich golden brown and the edges become bubbly and slightly crisp.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and making it easier to serve in neat portions.

Notes

• Make sure hash browns are completely thawed to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Consider reducing sodium by choosing low-sodium cream of chicken soup and adding herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor without salt.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce and use gluten-free hash browns.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg