Okay, friend—get ready, because this Cracker Barrel-style hash brown casserole is about to become your new comfort food obsession. It’s creamy, cheesy, golden on top, and packed with all the cozy, homestyle vibes you could ask for. You know the one—it’s that dreamy side dish they serve up at Cracker Barrel that makes you forget all about the main course. And now? You can make it right in your own kitchen.
This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for lazy weekends, brunches, potlucks, or holiday dinners. It’s rich, warm, and practically melts in your mouth. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Seriously—just mix, spread, bake, and boom: you’ve got yourself a side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).
Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel-Style Hash Brown Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Brunch? Check. Dinner? Check. Holiday feast or a quiet night in? Double check. This dish fits in wherever delicious comfort food is welcome.
Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday ingredients like frozen hash browns, shredded cheese, and sour cream. No need to make a special grocery trip—it’s likely already in your fridge and freezer.
Quick and Easy: It’s as simple as mixing everything in one bowl and popping it in the oven. Beginner-friendly, stress-free, and still tastes like a million bucks.
Customizable: Want to spice it up with jalapeños or toss in some ham or bacon? Go for it. Prefer it lighter? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You do you.
Crowd-Pleasing: You can bet your biscuit this will be gone in minutes. Adults love it. Kids devour it. There’s just something universally lovable about cheesy potatoes.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
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Ingredients in Cracker Barrel-Style Hash Brown Casserole
This is one of those recipes where the whole is way more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Frozen Hash Browns
The heart and soul of the dish. You can use shredded or diced, depending on your texture preference. Just make sure they’re thawed!
Cream of Chicken Soup
This adds that rich, savory backbone. It brings all the flavors together in that unmistakable comfort-food way.
Sour Cream
For creaminess and a little tang. It lightens up the richness and gives that luscious, velvety bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melted, gooey, cheesy goodness—need we say more? Sharp cheddar gives the best punch of flavor, but use your favorite!
Butter
Because butter makes everything better. It helps bind the casserole and gives it that golden top.
Onion
A little finely chopped onion adds just the right kick of flavor and texture. It rounds everything out beautifully.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring all the ingredients to life.
Optional Add-Ins
Chopped ham, crispy bacon, jalapeños, or even green onions if you want to jazz things up.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). That warm oven is going to transform this dish into bubbly, golden perfection.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together your thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, melted butter, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
Assemble the Dish
Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Smooth the top so it bakes evenly. If you want an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle more cheese on top now.
Cook to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The smell? Absolute heaven.
Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up and makes serving a breeze.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop it onto plates while it’s still warm and melty. It’s perfect just as it is, or served alongside eggs, ham, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8–10
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Cracker Barrel-Style Hash Brown Casserole
This dish pairs beautifully with a whole bunch of meals:
With Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with scrambled eggs, sausage links, or pancakes for a full-on feast.
At Dinner: It’s a fabulous side for roasted chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
With a Holiday Spread: It shines next to turkey, ham, or any festive centerpiece.
As a Potluck Dish: Make it ahead, keep it warm in a slow cooker, and prepare to be the most popular guest at the party.
On Its Own: Don’t underestimate the power of a warm bowl of cheesy potatoes for lunch. You don’t always need a main course to go with it.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
Spice It Up: Add chopped green chilies, cayenne, or hot sauce for a little heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Sub in low-fat sour cream and cheese if you’re lightening things up. For a vegetarian version, use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? Just double everything and use two baking dishes. It’s a guaranteed hit.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A1: You can! Just peel, shred, and rinse them to remove extra starch. Pat dry before mixing in.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You bet. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely—just use a larger pan or two smaller ones. Keep an eye on baking time; it might need a bit longer.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A7: Yes, with one swap—use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom or celery soup.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Try a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a simple fruit salad to lighten up the plate.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Use low-fat dairy, reduce the cheese, and add in some chopped veggies like spinach or peppers.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish works best for even cooking and easy serving.
Conclusion
This Cracker Barrel-style hash brown casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish: rich, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, this casserole hits all the right notes. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your table—it’s that good. Now go grab your favorite spoon and dig in!
Print
Cracker Barrel-Style Hash Brown Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting hash brown casserole just like the one from Cracker Barrel — perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in thawed hash browns until well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version.
- Add crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers on top with a bit of melted butter for a crispy topping.
- Great for make-ahead: prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg