Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is one of those dishes that just hits different, you know? Like, you want something warm and cheesy, but also familiar, and suddenly—bam—you’re craving that classic taste from the roadside restaurant. But driving out to Cracker Barrel (and hunting for a table with zero wait) is basically a full-day mission sometimes. I figured out how to whip up a copycat at home, with all the goodness and none of the hassle. It’s probably why my kitchen reminds me a bit of my grandma’s on a cozy Sunday. If you wanna try more of that real Southern comfort, check out my spin on Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole. And oh, if you need somewhere to bookmark more cozy recipes, this is the spot.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Hashbrowns
Okay, let’s get right into brass tacks here. You don’t need to be some baking wizard to pull off this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. Toss a bag of frozen hashbrowns in a big bowl. Next, dump in about a can’s worth of cream of chicken soup. Don’t bother with fancy—store brand is fine. Get yourself some sour cream, shredded cheddar (and maybe cheat a bit and go heavy-handed), chopped onions, a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper. Swirl it all together. Melt some butter and get it mixed in, too. Then just spread it in a greased baking dish and whack it in a hot oven. Easy as saying “Pass the biscuits.”
I won’t lie, that smell drifting out of the oven? Dang. It’ll grab everyone’s attention.
My friend Becca swore she couldn’t tell the difference between this and the ‘real’ version, and her family’s been Team Cracker Barrel since the late ‘90s.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Hashbrowns | 30 oz | Use Southern-style hashbrowns for best results |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup | Full-fat gives best flavor |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups | Use freshly grated for better melting |
| Chopped Onion | 1/2 cup | You can use green onions for a twist |
| Butter | 1/4 cup (melted) | Enhances flavor; regular or salted works |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground adds more flavor |
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Casserole
Let’s talk about the secret sauce. Not, like, literal sauce, but you know what I mean. For a champion-level Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, try thawing the hashbrowns first. Makes for a creamier casserole, no weird watery bits. Always shred your cheese fresh if you can—bagged cheese doesn’t melt quite as ooey-gooey. If you’re aiming for golden bubbly bliss, broil the top for the last three minutes. Warning: don’t wander off, or you’ll have crispy instead of creamy.
Size matters, too. Too deep a dish and it takes forever to set. A nice wide baking dish, though? You get crispy edges and soft centers. If you’ve ever tried the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Copycat, you’ll know the deep vs shallow bake really makes a difference. Trust your gut (and your nose). When it smells like heaven, you’re close.
Make Ahead Hash Brown Casserole
Here’s a magic trick for busy folks or party planners: this casserole can totally be made up ahead. Just mix everything, spread it in the dish, cover, and slide it in your fridge overnight. I even do it two days ahead when I’m feeling especially lazy—er, prepared. Pop it out, let it knock the chill off a bit, then bake as usual. If it looks a bit dry, drizzle an extra tablespoon of melted butter on top. Nobody’s judging.
And hey—not just for breakfast. I’ve frozen slices of leftover casserole and reheated them later, and they’re still five-star restaurant tasty. More game-changing tips like this at Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole Copycat if you want even more make-ahead comfort food recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Seriously—this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole cozies up with anything. Here’s how I like to serve it:
- Scoop a big hunk next to grilled chicken or pork chops
- Smash some on a plate with eggs and crispy bacon for a breakfast-for-dinner win
- Stick a slice in a lunchbox (it actually tastes great cold, trust me)
- Top with a little hot sauce or chopped green onions if you want it to look restaurant-fancy
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Casserole Dish (2½-quart)
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped about ½ of a medium onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided divided in half
- 30 ounces shredded hashbrowns thawed / room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 2½-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Add hashbrowns and mix just until combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes uncovered, or until casserole is bubbling and cheese is lightly golden.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Casserole Add-Ins
Feeling wild? Do some remixing. Diced ham, cooked bacon, or some sautéed bell pepper takes this basic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole to new places. Sometimes I throw in a handful of jalapenos if I’m in a spicy mood. Spinach works too, gives you license to say “I ate my veggies” with a straight face.
Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or Colby, or combine all three if you’re feeling indecisive. I’m all about mixing it up, so don’t be shy. Use what you’ve got or what you love.
Common Questions
Q. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
A. Yep, you can! Just grate ‘em, squeeze out the water, and measure about the same amount.
Q. Is this the same as party potatoes?
A. Pretty much—people give it a dozen names, but yep, same church, different pew.
Q. Can I freeze baked hashbrown casserole?
A. Oh totally. Cut into squares, wrap ‘em up, freeze for up to 3 months. Oven heat is better than microwave, though.
Q. What if I don’t eat chicken soup?
A. Cream of mushroom soup works a treat, or there’s even cream of celery. Just don’t skip it—it’s kind of the glue.
Q. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A. Go for it! Use two pans, not one big monster pan, unless you want to wait forever for it to cook.
Cozy Casserole: You Got This!
Alright, friend. That’s everything you need to conjure up the real-deal Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole in your home kitchen. Grab the simple stuff, mix it up, bake it, and get comfy. Don’t forget, there are loads of twists you can pull, just like in this Improved Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – Spend With … or the ideas from Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat) | A Wicked …. If classic comfort is your vibe, or you just want to impress on a random Tuesday, this casserole will do the trick. Stick it in your favorites and let me know—does it taste better than you remembered? Give it a whirl!