Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Craving the creamy, cheesy comfort of Cracker Barrel’s iconic hashbrown casserole? Maybe you want to recreate that golden goodness for a family brunch or a hearty side for a potluck. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen with layers of flavor, texture, and all the cheesy satisfaction you expect. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing holiday side, this dish fits any occasion and disappears fast.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Photo

What Makes Hashbrown Casserole So Popular?

Hashbrown casserole strikes that sweet spot between simplicity and indulgence. At its heart, it’s a marriage of shredded potatoes, gooey cheese, tangy sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, all baked together until melty and golden. Popular with kids and adults, it’s a dish that easily adapts to personal taste or dietary preferences. This comfort food has earned its spot on countless tables thanks to its reliable crowd appeal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Let’s look at exactly what you need and how you can tailor it:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes/Substitutions
Frozen hashbrowns	1 (32 oz) bag	Thaw before using. Fresh shredded potatoes work, too.
Cheddar cheese	2 cups, shredded	Sharp or mild; Colby or pepper jack can sub.
Sour cream	1 cup	Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Cream of chicken soup	1 (10.5 oz) can	Swap for cream of mushroom or celery for vegetarian.
Onion	1 medium, diced	Sweet, yellow, or white onion, your choice.
Butter	1/2 cup, melted	Use olive oil or plant butter for dairy-free.
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Adjust to taste.
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	For mild heat. Amp it up with cayenne.

Optional:
– Extra cheese for topping
– Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers for a crunchy finish
– Fresh herbs: chives, parsley, or thyme for color

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Thaw the frozen hashbrowns in the refrigerator or with a short microwave burst. Pat them dry to prevent extra moisture.
Dice the onion, shred the cheese (if not using pre-shredded), and melt the butter.

2. Combine the Base

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the thawed hashbrowns and cheese. Stir until every potato strand is coated and the mix looks evenly distributed.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spread the potato mixture evenly in the dish, pressing down gently with a spatula.
If desired, top with extra shredded cheese or a layer of crushed cornflakes mixed with a bit of melted butter for crunch.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
If the cheese or topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy filling set for easier slicing.

Customization Ideas

Every home cook puts their own spin on this classic. Here are more ways to make it your own:

Make it extra cheesy: Add a layer of shredded cheese in the middle in addition to the top.
Change up the soup: Use condensed cheddar cheese soup for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Add meat: Toss in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked breakfast sausage.
More veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or frozen peas.
Health-conscious: Use reduced-fat cheese, fat-free soup, or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Try plant-based cheese for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Hashbrown casserole is a bit of a chameleon on the table. You’ll find it fits right in whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or at dinner alongside your main course.

On the Breakfast Table

Pair it with:
– Scrambled or fried eggs
– Crispy bacon or sausage links
– A simple fruit salad

For Dinner or Brunch

Great with:
– Glazed ham
– Roasted chicken
– Meatloaf
– Grilled pork chops

For Special Occasions

Serve it alongside turkey, brisket, or spiral ham for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. It also shines as a comforting addition at breakfast-for-dinner nights or as a potluck staple.

Creative Toppings and Mix-ins

Here are a few topping variations for a flavor twist:

Buttery cornflake crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes with butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
Herb finish: Scatter fresh chives, parsley, or green onions for freshness and color after baking.
Tex-Mex: Top with black beans, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and serve with salsa for a southwestern feel.
Barbecue style: Drizzle with barbecue sauce and serve alongside pulled pork.

Tips for Success

Thaw and drain: Frozen hashbrowns should be thawed and well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents. Freshly grated melts smoother and delivers better flavor.
Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool slightly before slicing. The serve is neater, and flavors settle in.

Example Technique: Crispier Topping

If you love a slightly crispy, crackly top, sprinkle crushed crackers or cornflakes over the cheese layer. Drizzle with melted butter and bake until golden. This adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy potatoes beneath.

How to Store and Reheat

Hashbrown casserole is just as tasty reheated, making it a solid candidate for meal prep and leftovers.

Storage

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to three days.
To freeze, wrap unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat single portions in the microwave until hot.
For larger portions, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Fun Facts and Regional Names

Hashbrown casserole is sometimes called “funeral potatoes” in the Midwest and West, thanks to its frequent appearance at comforting community meals and family gatherings.
The word “hash” comes from the French “hacher,” meaning to chop—an apt description for this dish’s shredded potato base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the dish (without baking), cover, and keep in the fridge overnight. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen hashbrowns quickly?

Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave in short bursts, checking and stirring until thawed. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Can I use fresh potatoes?

Yes. Peel and shred russet potatoes, then soak briefly in cold water and drain well. Sauté the shreds in a bit of oil to release moisture and avoid gumminess in the casserole.

This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole delivers the creamy, cheesy comfort of the original, baked fresh in your own oven. It’s easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with a hungry crowd. Bring it to the table for breakfast, serve it as a side, or let it stand alone as the star at your next gathering—the results are always irresistible.