Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole is a beloved dish that has become a staple for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and brunches. This hearty, creamy casserole combines crispy hash browns, melted cheese, and savory seasonings to create a comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple to make and can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you’re serving it for a crowd or preparing a meal for a cozy family dinner.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make a delicious Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, provide tips for customizing and enhancing the recipe, suggest ways to store leftovers, and discuss dietary adaptations for different needs.

For more comforting side dish ideas, you can check out these easy potato casserole recipes or discover more cheesy comfort food with this mac and cheese recipe.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic Side Dish

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Cracker Barrel-inspired Hashbrown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to any meal. With shredded hashbrowns, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is rich and flavorful. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will surely be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

30 oz frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (1 bag)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
10.75 oz condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups colby cheese, shredded

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, melted butter, salt, pepper, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded colby cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you do this, you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to use other types of shredded cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
Cream of Chicken Substitute: If you want a vegetarian version, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, you can top the casserole with additional shredded cheese or some crushed cornflakes before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
Calories: 290
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (no need to thaw them), melted butter, salt, pepper, finely chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and bubbly on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish is perfect for pairing with your favorite meats, such as roast chicken or steak, or serving as a comforting side dish at any meal.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe is simple and delicious, there are a few advanced techniques you can use to elevate the flavor and texture of this casserole.

1. Add Crispy Toppings

For a bit of crunch, consider adding a topping of crispy fried onions or crushed cornflakes before baking the casserole. This will give the dish an extra layer of texture and enhance its flavor.

2. Use Different Cheeses

While Colby cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese to create a unique flavor profile. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these cheeses will melt beautifully and add a different dimension to the casserole.

3. Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the casserole mixture. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

4. Make It a Meal

To turn the Hashbrown Casserole into a complete meal, add cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to the casserole mixture. These additions will make the dish heartier and more satisfying.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have any leftovers, don’t worry! Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole stores well and can be enjoyed for several days.

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.
In the Freezer: You can freeze Hashbrown Casserole for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake it at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: For individual servings, the microwave works best. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Oven: If you prefer reheating the entire casserole, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake it at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are a few suggestions:

Gluten-Free Version:

This casserole can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free. Additionally, make sure the ranch seasoning and other ingredients do not contain any hidden gluten. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a crispy topping.

Vegetarian Version:

To make the casserole vegetarian, simply use a vegetable-based soup, such as cream of mushroom, in place of the cream of chicken soup. This will give you the same creamy texture while keeping the dish meat-free.

Dairy-Free Version:

For a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream and cheese with non-dairy alternatives. There are excellent plant-based sour creams and cheese shreds available on the market that work just as well in this recipe.

Low-Fat Version:

To reduce the fat content, you can substitute reduced-fat or fat-free sour cream and use a reduced-fat cheese. You can also swap the butter for a healthier fat alternative, like olive oil or a small amount of vegetable oil.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

While frozen hash browns work best for this recipe, you can use fresh hash browns. Be sure to cook the fresh potatoes slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook fully during baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, bake it according to the instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe can be doubled. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish or bake it in two separate dishes. If doubling the recipe, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I add meat to the casserole?

Yes! You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken to make the casserole a more filling main dish. Just mix it in with the other ingredients before baking.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this cheesy, creamy casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone. With its rich flavor and versatile nature, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making time and time again.

With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses, add a crispy topping, or incorporate your favorite meat to make the dish even more delicious.

So, the next time you’re craving a comforting casserole, try making Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to eat!