The warm, cheesy goodness of this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe is truly irresistible. Imagine tender, crispy-edged hash browns mingled with melty cheddar, smooth sour cream, and just the right touch of creamy chicken soup, baked to a bubbly golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels both nostalgic and wholly satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty side dish that can also shine on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its signature texture and flavor. These simple, everyday items come together to build layers of creamy richness, sharp cheese, and savory notes that are essential for that beloved taste and comforting feel.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The star ingredient offering a crispy-yet-tender base once baked.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melty goodness that binds the casserole and adds depth of flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, keeping the casserole wonderfully moist.
- Cream of chicken soup: Acts as a savory binder with rich, comforting flavors.
- Salted butter: Enhances the overall taste and lends a velvety mouthfeel.
- Kosher salt: Balances and elevates the savory notes without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and will come out perfectly when finished. This prep step is key for easy serving and clean-up.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir everything together well until the mixture is fully coated and creamy, which ensures every bite will have that signature harmony of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This even layer helps the casserole bake uniformly, creating those irresistible golden, bubbly edges we all love. To finish, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for that perfect cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for the bubbly surface and a gorgeous golden brown color on top. This signals that all the ingredients have melded beautifully and the casserole is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh burst of flavor and color, garnish your casserole with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. These toppings add texture contrast and visually brighten this hearty dish, making each serving feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a side to a variety of main dishes. Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or a simple green salad to balance its richness. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a comforting, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can elevate this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe by serving it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layering it in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the cheesy, golden layers. Another fun idea is to top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps well for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350ºF oven until heated through and bubbly again, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating can restore that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can work, frozen shredded hash browns are preferred for consistency in texture and moisture content, which are key to achieving that classic Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, and it becomes perfectly vegetarian without losing any of the comforting richness.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Most hash browns and cheeses are naturally gluten-free.
What can I add to make this casserole more nutritious?
Consider folding in chopped spinach or finely diced bell peppers for added color and nutrients. These veggies blend seamlessly without overpowering the classic flavors.
How do I get the top extra crispy?
The secret is to use the full amount of cheddar cheese sprinkled on top and bake uncovered. For even crispier results, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Its simplicity, comfort, and irresistible flavors make it the perfect dish to share with loved ones. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and enjoy the warm, cheesy magic of this southern classic right at home!
Print
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish that mimics the beloved restaurant classic. Made with shredded hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and savory cream of chicken soup, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden brown, perfect for holiday meals, family dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 (30- to 32-oz.) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz.)
- 1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to let the casserole set for perfect slices.
Notes
- Thaw the hash browns completely before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bake as directed adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup used is certified gluten-free.
