Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole is a classic comfort food made with shredded hashbrowns, creamy soup, melted cheese, and butter. It has a rich, cheesy texture with a slightly crispy top, making it one of the most popular side dishes at the restaurant. The good news? You can easily recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Only requires a few simple ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly – Costs much less than eating out.
- Perfect for Any Meal – Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Customizable – You can add proteins, spices, or different cheeses.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves this dish, making it great for gatherings.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious homemade Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for a hint of spice)
- 1 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- If using frozen hashbrowns, let them thaw for about 15-20 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Mixing the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Melted butter
- Chopped onions
- Salt, pepper, and optional seasonings
- Stir in the shredded cheese until well mixed.
- Add the thawed hashbrowns and mix everything together until evenly coated.
Step 3: Baking the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Hashbrown Casserole
- Use real cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese has added preservatives that can affect melting.
- Thaw the hashbrowns before mixing to prevent excess water in the casserole.
- For extra crispiness, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or broil for the last few minutes.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients—just stir until combined to maintain the perfect texture.
Variations of the Recipe
Adding Meat
- Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for a heartier dish.
Making it Spicy
- Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Using Different Cheeses
- Try pepper jack, Colby, or mozzarella for a unique twist.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Can You Make It Ahead of Time
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, simply place it in the preheated oven. If baking from cold, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What to Serve with Hashbrown Casserole
This dish pairs well with:
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
- Bacon or sausage
- Pancakes or waffles
- Roasted chicken or grilled meats
FAQs about Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
What ingredients are needed for the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
To recreate the famous Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, you’ll need frozen hash browns, melted butter, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Some variations also include a topping of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs mixed with additional melted butter.
How do I prepare the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with melted butter, onions, cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and transfer to a greased baking dish. If using a topping, mix the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Hashbrown Casserole?
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian-friendly cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian as well, particularly the cheese.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover Hashbrown Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months, thawed overnight in the refrigerator, and reheated.
Now you have the perfect Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe to enjoy anytime at home! Try it out and let me know how it turns out.
