Try This Irresistible Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casseroles are loved by many as a comforting dish that warms the soul.

The Cracker Barrel version is famous for its rich taste and has people trying to make it in their own kitchens.

This potato casserole is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food for families.

Many have been intrigued by the secret recipe that makes this dish so tasty and popular with crowds.

Restaurants such as Cracker Barrel know how to turn simple ingredients into something special that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

What makes this casserole magical is how it combines different textures and flavors to turn everyday potatoes into an extraordinary side dish.

Great Matches With Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

• Pair Savory Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces over the cheesy hashbrown casserole to add a smoky, crunchy texture that complements the creamy potato base.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Serve a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich and cheesy casserole.
• Match Hearty Red Wine: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to cut through the richness and enhance the dish's savory flavors.
• Complement Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide a comforting bread element.

Fun Takes On Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free hashbrowns to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for additional nutrients and flavor complexity.
• Low-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream, and Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream to decrease overall calorie and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, use plant-based butter alternative, and replace sour cream with coconut cream for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, comforting taste.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Q&A

• Can I use frozen hashbrowns directly from the freezer?

No, you need to thaw the hashbrowns completely before mixing them with other ingredients. Thawing ensures even cooking and helps the ingredients blend properly.

• Is it okay to substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, or swap cheddar cheese with a different type of cheese. Just maintain similar quantities and textures.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

• How do I know when the casserole is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges. The cheese should be melted and the surface should have a slightly crispy texture. A golden color indicates it’s done and ready to serve.

Why Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Is So Cozy

• Effortless Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl and bake, making this recipe foolproof for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Deliciousness: Packed with cheesy goodness and creamy texture, this hashbrown casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend brunches.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time, this dish delivers maximum flavor without complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile Side Dish Superstar: Pairs beautifully with breakfast favorites, grilled meats, or as a standalone comfort food that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, comforting flavors.

What’s In Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Frozen Hashbrowns: Classic potato shreds that form the hearty foundation of the casserole, best when thawed completely and drained.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binding agent that adds rich flavor and helps hold the casserole together, provides smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency for the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar that provides gooey, golden topping and rich flavor throughout the casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.

• Onions: Fresh chopped onions that bring subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complementary spice to balance the creamy ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that provides a fresh visual and flavor contrast to the rich casserole.

Simple Steps For Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Potato Blend

• Thawed hashbrowns
• Cream of chicken soup
• Melted butter
• Chopped onions
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like a creamy potato party.

Step 3: Spread the Goodness

Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a golden cheese blanket.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges that scream deliciousness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Pro Tips For Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

• Optimize Potato Thawing: Completely thaw frozen hashbrowns at room temperature or pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, not soggy casserole.
• Enhance Cheese Flavor: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to add depth and richness to the classic dish.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced green onions, or chopped jalapeños for extra texture and flavor variations that complement the creamy base.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free soup and low-fat alternatives to suit different dietary needs.
• Prevent Burning: Cover with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if the top browns too quickly, protecting the cheese from becoming overly dark or bitter.

Keep Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Quickly reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

Delectable Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this Copycat Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that brings Southern charm to any table. Creamy potatoes and melted cheese combine for a hearty side that connects you with home-style cooking in just one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (32 ounces / 907 grams) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup butter, melted

Dairy and Soup Base:

• 2 cups (1 pint / 473 milliliters) full-fat sour cream
• 1 can (10.6 ounces / 300 grams) cream of chicken soup (Campbells recommended)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a cozy 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the thawed potato shreds with cream of chicken soup, liquefied butter, finely diced onions, most of the cheese allocation, velvety sour cream, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of black pepper, stirring until ingredients meld into a harmonious mixture.
3. Gently transfer the potato concoction into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to create an even landscape across the surface.
4. Scatter the remaining cheese generously over the top, creating a golden blanket of dairy goodness.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and allow it to bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, watching for a transformative golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that signal perfect doneness.
6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a brief 5-minute interlude, allowing flavors to settle and temperature to moderate.
7. Finish with a delicate shower of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, then serve piping hot to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and flavor.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Use low-fat cheese and sour cream to reduce calories without compromising taste.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg