Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe (Copycat)

Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy dish that captures the true flavor of the restaurant favorite. Made with shredded hashbrowns, rich cheese, and a creamy sauce, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a gooey center and slightly crisp edges. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this classic Southern comfort dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — and it’s incredibly easy to make right at home.

What Is Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?

This homemade version of the iconic Cracker Barrel casserole combines frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onions, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, just like the original you’d find at the restaurant. The result is a comforting dish that’s perfect as a side or main course and pairs beautifully with eggs, ham, or roast meats.

Other Popular Broccoli Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Broccoli Casserole
• Southern Broccoli Casserole
• Easy 30-Minute Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Reasons to Try Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Restaurant Taste at Home – Deliciously close to the Cracker Barrel favorite.
• Easy to Make – Requires minimal prep and everyday ingredients.
• Versatile Dish – Works as a breakfast, brunch, or dinner side.
• Family-Friendly – Creamy, cheesy flavor loved by all ages.
• Make-Ahead Option – Assemble it early and bake before serving.
• Perfect for Gatherings – Great for potlucks, holidays, or weekend brunches.

Ingredients Needed to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers (optional topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions to Prepare Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Mix the base – In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
• Add hashbrowns and cheese – Stir in the thawed hashbrowns, chopped onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
• Assemble the casserole – Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Add topping (optional) – Mix crushed cornflakes or crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top for a crunchy finish.
• Bake until bubbly – Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until hot, golden, and bubbly around the edges.
• Cool and serve – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

What Goes Well With Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Scrambled or Fried Eggs – Perfect for a hearty breakfast combo.
• Baked Ham – Complements the cheesy, creamy texture.
• Grilled Chicken – Makes a balanced and filling meal.
• Biscuits or Toast – Great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad – Adds freshness to balance the richness.

Key Tips for Making Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Thaw hashbrowns completely – Prevents excess water and keeps the casserole creamy, not soggy.
• Use sharp cheddar – Provides that authentic cheesy flavor.
• Avoid overmixing – Mix gently to keep the hashbrowns fluffy.
• Add protein – Stir in diced ham, cooked sausage, or bacon for a heartier version.
• For extra creaminess – Add ¼ cup of cream cheese or a splash of milk to the mix.
• Cover if browning too quickly – Loosely cover with foil to avoid over-browning the top.
• Let it rest – Allows the casserole to firm up and makes slicing easier.

Creative Variations of Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Loaded Breakfast Casserole – Add cooked bacon, eggs, or sausage for a morning twist.
• Vegetarian Version – Substitute cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free option.
• Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
• Bacon Ranch Style – Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning and crumbled bacon.
• Healthy Twist – Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.
• Gluten-Free Option – Replace the topping with gluten-free crackers or omit it entirely.

Storage Guidelines for Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze the casserole (baked or unbaked) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Defrosting – Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Avoid sogginess – Reheat uncovered to keep the topping crisp.
• Label before freezing – Always note the date to track freshness.

Reheating Tips for Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

• Oven Method – Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until hot.
• Microwave Method – Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Air Fryer Method – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 6–7 minutes for a crispy topping.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 13 g
• Fat: 29 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Calcium: 240 mg

FAQs

Should I thaw frozen hashbrowns before making Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole?

Yes, always thaw frozen hashbrowns before mixing them into the casserole. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures even cooking. Using frozen hashbrowns directly can make the casserole watery and unevenly baked.

How do you keep hashbrown casserole from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to drain any liquid from thawed hashbrowns and mix them well with the sauce. Baking the casserole uncovered also helps evaporate excess moisture, giving you a creamy inside with a lightly crisp top.

Can I make hashbrown casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This makes it a great make-ahead dish for holidays or busy mornings.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup in hashbrown casserole?

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. These alternatives still give the casserole a rich, creamy texture without changing the flavor too much.

Final Words

Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and full of Southern flavor. It’s simple to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

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