Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – Easy Cheesy Comfort

ByBella Skye

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is one of the most iconic dishes from the famous Cracker Barrel breakfast menu. It is known for its creamy texture, cheesy layers, and crispy golden topping that makes it irresistible. This dish is more than just cheesy potatoes with hashbrowns, it is a comforting recipe that reminds many of home-style cooking at its best.

More Casserole Recipes

What sets this casserole apart from other breakfast potato casserole recipes is its perfect balance of flavors. The richness of sour cream and cheddar cheese pairs beautifully with the shredded potatoes, creating a dish that is creamy inside and lightly crisp on top. Whether served as part of a Cracker Barrel breakfast spread or enjoyed with hearty meats like roast beef, it remains one of the most beloved Cracker Barrel recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As a chef, I appreciate this dish because it delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.

  • Family favorite – It appeals to kids and adults alike, making it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or Sunday brunch.
  • Versatile – It can be served as a side to eggs, sausages, or even alongside best beef recipes like roast or steak.
  • Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare it the night before and bake in the morning, which is a lifesaver for busy households.
  • Cheese-lover’s dream – With plenty of melted cheddar, this cheesy hashbrown casserole feels indulgent yet approachable.
  • Restaurant-style at home – You can recreate the flavor of Cracker Barrel potatoes without needing to leave the house.
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 45 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour
  • Serving size: 8 servings as a side dish

Ingredients

  • 32 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Substitution notes:

  • Cream of chicken soup can be replaced with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version.
  • Sour cream can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Cheddar cheese can be replaced with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Hash brown patties can be broken up and used if shredded potatoes are not available.
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, half of the shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

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Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is leveled for even cooking.

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Step 4: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. This layer will melt into a golden crust while baking.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is bubbling, golden, and slightly crisp around the edges.

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Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.

How to Serve

Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with eggs, bacon, or sausage as part of a classic Cracker Barrel breakfast. It also works as a side for hearty mains like roast chicken, pork chops, or even best beef recipes such as pot roast.

For presentation, serve in the baking dish and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color. If you want a more refined look, cut into squares and plate individually with a small dollop of sour cream or an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Additional Tips

  • Thaw hash browns fully before mixing to avoid excess water in the casserole.
  • Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor that cuts through the creamy base.
  • For extra crunch, top the casserole with crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers before baking.
  • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting, as this helps maintain clean portions.

Recipe Variations

  • Meat Lover’s Version – Add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or crumbled sausage to the potato mixture.
  • Vegetable Twist – Stir in diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor boost.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg

Final Words

Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is more than a side dish, it is a centerpiece of comfort food. By following this recipe, you can recreate the flavor of Cracker Barrel potatoes at home with ease. From holidays to weekend brunches, it is one of those Cracker Barrel recipes worth mastering. Whether served with eggs for breakfast or paired with hearty mains like beef or chicken, this cheesy hashbrown casserole will quickly become a household favorite.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning for fresh results.

Cheddar is the classic choice, but Colby Jack and Monterey Jack also work well for a creamier texture.

Yes, grate raw potatoes and squeeze out excess water before using to avoid a watery casserole.

Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake after thawing for best texture.

You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese. Adding vegetables also boosts nutrition without losing flavor.

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole - Easy Cheesy Comfort
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Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – Easy Cheesy Comfort

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Casserole Recipes
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

  • 32 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, half of the shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it is leveled for even cooking.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. This layer will melt into a golden crust while baking.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is bubbling, golden, and slightly crisp around the edges.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

  • Thaw hash browns fully before mixing to avoid excess water in the casserole.
  • Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor that cuts through the creamy base.
  • For extra crunch, top the casserole with crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers before baking.
  • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting, as this helps maintain clean portions.

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