Creamy Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

This Creamy Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Inspired by the famous dish served at Cracker Barrel, this cheesy and creamy casserole is packed with shredded hash browns, melted cheese, and a savory blend of seasonings. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal. The best part? It’s super easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd!

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: Loaded with sour cream, cheese, and cream of chicken soup, this casserole is incredibly creamy and delicious.
• Cheesy & Comforting: With plenty of melted cheese, this casserole has that classic cheesy flavor everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: Using frozen hash browns and a few pantry staples, this casserole comes together quickly and easily.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it as a side for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, or enjoy it on its own for a filling, comforting dish.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

1. Frozen Hash Browns

• Use shredded frozen hash browns for the best texture. You can thaw them slightly or use them frozen in the casserole.

2. Cheddar Cheese

• Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the casserole. You can also use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.

3. Sour Cream

• Sour cream gives the casserole a creamy, tangy base that makes it rich and flavorful.

4. Cream of Chicken Soup

• Cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and a savory depth of flavor. You can use homemade or canned soup.

5. Onion

• Chopped onions add a subtle sweetness and crunch to the dish, balancing the creaminess of the casserole.

6. Butter

• Butter adds richness to the casserole and helps create that golden, crispy top layer.

7. Salt & Pepper

• Simple seasonings like salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the casserole without overpowering it.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

This creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole is easy to put together and bakes to golden perfection in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, mix together 1 (30-ounce) bag of frozen shredded hash browns, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 small onion, finely chopped. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Season & Transfer to the Baking Dish

• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The center should be hot and the cheese melted.

Step 5: Serve

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Tips for Making the Best Hash Brown Casserole

1. Use Frozen Hash Browns

• No need to thaw the hash browns completely before using. Slightly thawed or frozen hash browns work best to maintain texture and avoid a soggy casserole.

2. Shred Your Own Cheese

• For the best melt and flavor, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that prevent smooth melting.

3. Customize the Cheese

• Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.

4. Add a Crunchy Topping

• For added texture, sprinkle crushed Cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or French-fried onions on top before baking for a crunchy topping.

5. Make Ahead

• You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations

1. Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

• Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, green onions, or chopped ham for a “loaded” version of this classic dish.

2. Spicy Hash Brown Casserole

• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy twist on the original recipe.

3. Vegetarian Hash Brown Casserole

• Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly.

4. Gluten-Free Hash Brown Casserole

• Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own to keep the casserole gluten-free.

5. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

• Swap out the shredded hash browns for tater tots for a fun, cheesy twist on the original recipe.

FAQs: Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, follow the regular baking instructions.

2. Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?

• Yes, but be sure to shred and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

3. How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

4. Can I Freeze Hash Brown Casserole?

• Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

5. What Can I Serve with Hash Brown Casserole?

• This casserole pairs well with eggs, bacon, sausage, or grilled chicken. It’s also great as a side dish for holiday meals or large gatherings.