Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

If you’ve ever visited Cracker Barrel, you know that their hashbrown casserole is a legendary side dish that keeps people coming back for more. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting — the perfect companion to a hearty breakfast or a cozy dinner. The good news? You don’t have to make a trip to the restaurant to enjoy this classic dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate this crowd-pleaser right in your own kitchen. This recipe uses frozen shredded hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few seasonings to bring it all together. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is beloved for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With mostly pantry staples and a frozen bag of hash browns, it’s a great go-to dish when you want something comforting without a ton of fuss. The creamy texture from the sour cream and soup combined with the sharpness of cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to many palates.

Additionally, the casserole is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a holiday brunch, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner, it never disappoints. The dish is also a great way to feed a crowd since it’s filling and can be doubled or halved with ease. Lastly, this recipe is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a no-fail crowd-pleaser that tastes just like the original Cracker Barrel version you love.

Ingredients

• 32-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (or cubed hash browns)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (ensure it’s made with permissible ingredients or substitute with cream of mushroom soup if preferred)
• 2 cups sour cream (16 ounces total)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

How To Make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by thawing your frozen hash browns completely. If you prefer cubed hash browns, you can use those instead — just make sure they’re thawed and drained of excess water. Finely dice the yellow onion and shred the cheddar cheese if you haven’t bought it pre-shredded.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir these together until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add the Hash Browns and Onion

Fold in the thawed hash browns and diced onion into the wet mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Season and Add Cheese

Add the salt and black pepper to the mixture, then fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Save the remaining ½ cup of cheese for topping the casserole.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the center should be set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes it easier to cut. Serve as a delicious side dish or even as a comforting main course alongside your favorite protein.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to fully thaw your hash browns and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a soggy casserole.
• If you want an extra crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes — just watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
• For a lighter version, swap out half of the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
• Use a high-quality cream of chicken soup or make your own homemade version for a fresher taste.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian version: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a meat-free option.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for some heat.
• Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavors.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or halal sausage for a heartier dish.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can brighten up the casserole.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream soup varieties or homemade gluten-free sauce alternatives.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover hashbrown casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. If the casserole seems dry after reheating, add a little sour cream or a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

FAQ

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! You can peel and shred fresh potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Be sure to rinse the shredded potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using them in the recipe.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream and cheese?

Absolutely. You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or coconut cream. For the cheese, use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute made from plant-based ingredients. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor and texture but still make a delicious casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time because the casserole will be cold.

What can I serve this casserole with?

This hashbrown casserole pairs wonderfully with breakfast mains like scrambled eggs, grilled chicken, or halal sausage. It also works great as a side dish for dinner alongside roasted vegetables, baked chicken, or meatloaf.

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a true classic that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd. With creamy sour cream, savory cream soup, crispy onions, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this casserole is a reliable recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, customize it to your tastes, and enjoy that warm, cheesy goodness that keeps everyone asking for seconds!