There are few comfort foods as iconic and beloved as the cheesy, creamy delight served at Cracker Barrel. This copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe brings that signature taste right into your kitchen. It’s the perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, delivering rich, savory flavor with a wonderfully crispy top. Forget just visiting the restaurant; now you can make this crowd-pleasing classic anytime you want.
We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure it’s not just close, but virtually indistinguishable from the original. With simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re just an hour away from cheesy potato perfection. Get ready for this dish to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
If you’re wondering what makes this recipe so special, here’s why it will instantly win you over. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a versatile, comforting experience that fits any occasion.
- Authentic Flavor: We’ve cracked the code! This recipe uses the perfect combination of creamy sauces and sharp cheeses to replicate that classic Cracker Barrel taste you crave.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this is a “dump-and-bake” recipe at its finest. No complicated steps, just mix, spread, and bake.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast, as a side for a holiday ham, or with smothered chicken for dinner. It’s always a hit.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This casserole is a potluck superstar. It’s one of the first dishes to disappear, and everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
What Is Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a signature side dish from the popular American restaurant chain. It’s a rich, savory bake made from shredded hashbrowns combined in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Often called “funeral potatoes” in some regions due to its popularity at potlucks and gatherings, the dish is famous for its simple ingredients yet incredibly satisfying flavor. It features a base of shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a generous amount of Colby or cheddar cheese, all baked together until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create this masterpiece. Here’s your shopping list:
- Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns: The foundation of our casserole. Be sure to thaw them completely to avoid a watery result.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the classic binder that provides a savory, creamy base.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess that balances the richness.
- Melted Butter: Divided for use in the casserole and on top for that extra-crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Colby Cheese: Cracker Barrel traditionally uses Colby. Its mild flavor and excellent melting quality are key. If you can’t find it, a good sharp cheddar is a great substitute.
- Diced Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle, savory depth of flavor throughout the casserole.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Step-by-Step
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple instructions for a flawless hashbrown casserole every single time. It’s as easy as mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Thaw Your Hashbrowns: This is a crucial step! Ensure your frozen hashbrowns are completely thawed. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Combine the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the melted butter (1/4 cup), diced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Potatoes: Add 1.5 cups of the shredded Colby cheese and the thawed hashbrowns to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the hashbrowns are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the hashbrown mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter evenly over the cheese. This is the secret to getting that perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes. The casserole is done when it’s hot and bubbly, and the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Want to elevate your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole from great to unforgettable? These expert tips will guarantee perfect results and might even have you improving on the original.
- Don’t Skip Thawing: I can’t stress this enough! Thawing and drying the hashbrowns is the number one rule for a creamy, not watery, casserole.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt, buy a block of Colby or sharp cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- The Golden Top: For an extra-crunchy topping, crush some Ritz crackers or cornflakes, mix them with the final drizzle of melted butter, and sprinkle over the cheese before baking. Speaking of crackers, these Garlic Ritz Snacks are another savory treat you might love.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: You can assemble the entire casserole (without the final butter drizzle) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, it’s also a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Some Protein: Stir in a cup of cooked, diced ham, crumbled bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal. A Bird Dog Sandwich on the side would also be fantastic.
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. For another vegetable-forward dish, try this Beet and Feta Salad.
- Soup Swap: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken, cream of cheddar, cream of mushroom, or cream of celery soup all work beautifully as substitutes.
Serving and Storing Your Casserole
This hashbrown casserole is best served warm from the oven. It’s a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with everything from scrambled eggs and sausage for breakfast to a holiday roast for dinner.
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. For best results, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Absolutely. You can easily substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of cheddar soup for a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor.
The key to a crispy top is the layer of melted butter drizzled over the cheese before baking. For an even crunchier topping, you can mix crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes with the melted butter and sprinkle that over the top.
Cracker Barrel traditionally uses Colby cheese for its mild flavor and superior melting qualities. However, a good quality sharp or medium cheddar cheese is an excellent and widely used substitute.
The most common reason for a watery casserole is not thawing the frozen hashbrowns completely and failing to pat them dry. Excess water from the frozen potatoes will release during baking, so make sure they are fully thawed and dry before mixing.
The Best Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole (The Ultimate Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/4 cup of the melted butter, diced onion, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the thawed, dried hashbrowns and 1.5 cups of the shredded Colby cheese to the bowl. Gently fold until the hashbrowns are fully coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, then drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter.
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure your hashbrowns are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels. This is the key to preventing a watery casserole.
Tip 3: For an extra crispy topping, mix 1 cup of crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers with the final butter drizzle before topping the casserole.
Share Your Creation!
We are confident that this is the best copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe you’ll find. It’s a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to any table. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
