Save to Pinterest There's something incredibly comforting about the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole that makes it a beloved classic across America. This copycat recipe brings that same heartwarming goodness right to your kitchen. With its golden-brown top and creamy, cheesy interior, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or as a side dish that complements almost any main course, this hashbrown casserole has earned its place as a true comfort food staple.
Save to Pinterest This hashbrown casserole has been a fixture at family gatherings for generations. The combination of crispy edges and creamy center creates a texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. What makes this recipe special is its versatility - it works as a breakfast side with eggs, a complement to dinner, or even as a potluck contribution that's guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Ingredients
- 30 oz (850 g) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 stick (8 tbsp / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 10.75 oz (305 g) condensed cream of chicken soup (can substitute with cream of mushroom for vegetarian option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Combine dry ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, 1 cup cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Add wet ingredients
- Add the sour cream and condensed cream of chicken soup; mix until smooth.
- 4. Incorporate hash browns
- Fold in the thawed hash browns and melted butter until evenly coated.
- 5. Prepare the baking dish
- Lightly grease a 9×11 inch (23×28 cm) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- 6. Transfer mixture
- Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- 7. Add cheese topping
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- 8. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- 9. Rest before serving
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed before mixing them with other ingredients to ensure even cooking. For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions in a bit of butter before adding them to the mixture. When checking for doneness, look for bubbling around the edges and a golden-brown color across the top.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a heartier meal, add ½ cup chopped cooked bacon or ham to the mixture. You can make a vegetarian version by using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken. For a lighter option, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, though the texture may be slightly different. Some home cooks like to add a cornflake or crushed potato chip topping for extra crunch.
Serviervorschläge
This casserole pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast, or alongside grilled chicken or steak for dinner. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for color and a bright, herbaceous note. For a complete Cracker Barrel-inspired meal, serve with fried apples and buttermilk biscuits. The casserole reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Save to Pinterest This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole has become a staple recipe in countless homes, offering that perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that makes home cooking so rewarding. The beauty of this dish lies in its unpretentious nature - humble ingredients transformed into something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether you're looking to recreate a restaurant favorite or simply want a reliable crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this casserole delivers comfort in every creamy, cheesy bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- → How do I achieve a crispy top layer?
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top before baking to create a golden, crispy crust.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly.
- → Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding ½ cup cooked bacon or ham can enhance the flavor and add a savory touch.
- → Which herbs complement this dish well?
Fresh herbs like chives or parsley make excellent garnishes that brighten flavors and provide freshness.