Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

This Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe is so delicious, it might be even better than the original!

Hash brown casserole is a cheesy, creamy and hearty dish made of shredded potatoes, cheese, and sour cream.

The addicting comfort food is great either on its own or as a side dish. 

It’s also perfect for any holiday. Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any regular day, for that matter.

You can serve it any time of the day, too. So whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’ll be a hit with the family.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

This Cracker Barrel copycat recipe is so good, it’s just like eating the actual thing!

Better yet, it only takes 5 minutes and four simple steps.

1. Preheat the oven.  Set it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 

2. Grease the baking pan. Give it a spritz of cooking spray.

3. Mix the ingredients. Mix potatoes, onions, pepper, cheese, cream of chicken soup, butter, and salt in a large bowl. 

4. Bake. Pour the mixture into the baking pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Toppings

I just love adding toppings to this casserole! It’s an easy way to customize the dish to your taste.

• Make it uber cheesy. Make the dish richer by topping it with even more cheese! Sprinkle generous amounts of cheddar, American, mozzarella, or gouda on top. Then bake again until the cheese is golden. 

• In the mood for Mexican? Top your casserole with beans, chili, tomatoes, scallions, jalapenos, and sour cream.

• Top with crushed cornflakes. They give the casserole a nice, crunchy twist!

What to Serve With Hashbrown Casserole

Potato dishes are incredibly versatile. And this Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole is no exception.

In fact, you can serve it either as a main or a side dish. Your family will surely enjoy it either way!

But here are some of my favorite ways to serve the dish.

• Keep it simple with leftovers. Hash browns are super versatile. So you can serve this casserole with whatever leftovers you have in the fridge.

• Pair with protein. How about pot roast or corned beef with gravy? Or what a thick, juicy slice of ham? Pork, chicken, or seafood are other great proteins to serve with this casserole, too.

• Add a side of biscuits. If you’re really hungry, hot biscuits are a great way to go. All the carbs will fuel you up for a big day.

• Make it a juicy burger. Turn your hash browns into burger buns. Serve them with a beef patty, sauteed onions, and mushrooms. It’s a fun twist the family will love!

• Sneak in some veggies. Make it a nutritious meal by serving the casserole with vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers are a few ideas.

• Turn it into an English breakfast. Serve this dish with biscuits, beans, fried eggs, and bacon. Hash browns may not be a traditional part of the full English breakfast. But this casserole sure does taste at home with it!

• Make it hearty. Pair this casserole with with caramelized onions, chili, sour cream, and thick stews. It’s the perfect remedy for a cozy winter meal.

• Serve hash browns in a frittata. Any egg mixture will do. Just top the hash browns with your favorite frittata recipe and bake until cooked. 

Tips & Tricks 

Hash browns not crisping? Need to improvise? Don’t worry, I’ve got some tips and customization ideas to help you out.

• Thaw hash browns before bake. Frozen hash browns will take longer to bake and won’t brown as well. For quicker thawing, you can microwave them for about 3 minutes. Be sure to drain out the excess liquid.

• Use freshly shredded potatoes. Just be sure to cook them in a pan before using them. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mushy instead of crispy potatoes.

• Go big on the cheese. Add some condensed cheddar cheese soup to make it even cheesier. It’s rich and delicious!

• Make it less greasy. Use 2 tablespoons of butter and add sour cream. You still get all the flavor, so it’s a win-win!

• Opt for a healthier version. Just use fat-free cream of chicken soup. Instead of regular butter, use fat-free butter or sour cream. Also, cut down on the cheese and omit the salt. Don’t worry, it will still taste wonderful!

• Make it vegetarian-friendly. Use cream of celery or mushroom soup instead of chicken. It’s a simple modification and scrumptious to boot.

• Swap out the cheddar. Instead, use shredded Colby cheese, pepper jack, or any other melty cheese.

• Add an egg. Eggs help with binding. So add a lightly beaten egg to make it firmer and easier to slice. Plus, it gives the dish a protein boost.

How to Store Hashbrown Casserole

Got leftover hash brown casserole? Store it in the fridge for a quick workday breakfast.

You can also meal prep this casserole by freezing it unbaked. Don’t you just love options? I sure to!

To Store: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: For leftovers, place them in an airtight freezer container. For an unbaked casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze. Enjoy within 3 months.

To Reheat: Thaw your casserole in the fridge if frozen. Otherwise, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed thoroughly.

Fun Facts

The term “hash” originated from the French word, “hacher,” meaning to chop.

Some people actually call the dish “funeral potatoes” because they are commonly served during post-funeral gatherings!