Whether you’re wandering through their gift shop and vintage candy store or filling your belly with homestyle comfort food, it’s impossible not to enjoy a visit to Cracker Barrel. And while everyone seems to have a go-to order, the hash brown casserole is a best-seller nationwide.
Keep reading for our step-by-step Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe, along with tips for perfecting this easy and delicious side dish.
Why People Love This Dish
It can be enjoyed any time of the day and is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside steak and eggs for breakfast, with a slice of quiche for brunch or in the evening with fried chicken and green beans. Speaking from experience, plan on making a double batch, because the odds of leftovers are slim.
Homemade Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 30-ounce bag of frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Fresh chives, garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Saute onions and garlic
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and saute the onions until they soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to a large mixing bowl and then return the saucepan to the stovetop.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
To the large mixing bowl, with the cooked onions and garlic, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, thawed hash browns and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined and then spread into a greased 9×13″ baking pan.
Step 3: Top with cheese and bake
Top the potatoes with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes or until cooked throughout and bubbly. Remove promptly and sprinkle with chives, if using.
Serve warm with your other favorite breakfast foods—or something from Cracker Barrel’s online store.
Hash Brown Casserole Recipe FAQ
Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of shredded?
Of course! Cracker Barrel uses shredded potatoes in their recipe. However, if you prefer the texture of diced potatoes, you can replace the shredded frozen hash browns for a thawed 32-ounce bag of diced hash brown potatoes.
Can I use fresh diced or grated potatoes?
If your preference is to use fresh potatoes, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take to achieve great results.
- Wash and peel 6-8 russet potatoes; about 8 cups
- Shred using a box grater or dice finely
- Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch
- Soak in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 hours
- Drain and squeeze as much water as possible from the potatoes
Then, prepare casserole as directed above.
What can be used instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can easily use a homemade roux as a substitute. You’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add 1-1/2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk together with the melted butter to form a roux and cook until the mixture turns slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth stirring until smooth before adding more. Continue to whisk until the mixture has thickened and then remove from the heat. Stir in with the other ingredients listed in Step 2 of the recipe and bake as directed.
Editor’s Tip: You can use just about any condensed “cream of” soup in this recipe. Cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese condensed soup are common alternatives and cream of bacon would be a delicious option, too.
Can I add a crunchy topping to Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole?
Yes! While Cracker Barrel simply tops their taters with extra cheese, you can jazz up yours at home with a panko or cornflakes topping like you typically see on funeral potatoes. Here’s how:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1-1/2 cup crushed cornflakes cereal or panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chives, optional
To prepare the topping, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole prior to putting it into the oven and then bake as directed.
Can I make Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole ahead?
Yes! Prepare as directed and store the unbaked casserole, covered with foil, in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before your event. Prior to baking, uncover and bake as directed. Learn how to freeze a casserole the right way, too.
How should leftover casserole be stored?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container. It can be stored up to 3 days in the refrigerator or for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350° for 30 minutes until bubbly and warmed through.
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Country Ham
Browned potatoes give simple ham a tasty touch. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner is done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Baked Apple Dumplin'
I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Country Fried Steak
As a child, my grandmother taught me how to make this chicken-fried steak. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are bigger, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Chicken n' Dumplins
Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Biscuits n' Gravy
This is an old Southern biscuits and gravy recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Meat Loaf
The combination of onion, carrots, parsley and cheese—plus the tomato-mustard topping—makes this meat loaf really colorful. The recipe lends itself easily to being doubled or halved to suit the number you're cooking for, and it freezes well, too. It's the best meatloaf ever! —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Roast Beef
This well-seasoned roast is Mom’s specialty. Everyone loves slices of the fork-tender roast beef and its savory gravy, and people always ask what her secret ingredients are. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to mashed potatoes recipes, this is one of my favorites because they can be made ahead, refrigerated and then popped into the oven just prior to dinnertime. When my grandchildren come for dinner, I have to double this recipe. They love it! —Vivian Bailey, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Macaroni n' Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Buttermilk Oven Fried Chicken Breast
My family adores this recipe. The coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. With the taste enhanced by marinating, the result is delicious. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Corn Muffins
I turn classic corn bread muffins into something special by serving them with a honey butter. They're gone in a flash! —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole
My son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Chicken Pot Pie
Why look for potpie in the frozen food aisle when this easy version tastes much better? The chicken pot pie's crust is so tender and flaky, and underneath you'll find the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults. —Amy Briggs, Gove, Kansas
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Cheese Grits
Grits are a staple in southern cooking. Serve this as a brunch item with bacon or as a side dish for dinner.—Jennifer Wallis, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish
The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Chicken Fried Chicken
Here's a lightened-up take on classic southern comfort food. This chicken gravy recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
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Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, this fried okra recipe is crunchy and addicting! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Grilled Pork Chop
A little brining and a special dry rub go a long way to making the perfect pork chop. Once you've mastered how to cook thick pork chops, you'll be enjoying them all summer long. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Pinto Beans
Any time Mom had the gang over for dinner, she made these pinto beans. Once she made a batch for my cousin’s birthday and he ate the entire thing. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Fried Apples
If you’re feeling festive, scoop some vanilla ice cream over a bowl of my cinnamon spiced apples. They’re homey, aromatic and just plain heavenly. —Amie Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwich
Just like Mom or Grandma used to make—but so much quicker! Store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy and deli roast beef help you turn out this heartwarming combination before you can say, “Order up!” —Ruth Ann Bott, Lake Wales, Florida
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Homestyle Chicken
Fried chicken may have been perfected in the South, but it is loved everywhere! Seasonings add a little something extra to this recipe, as does a rich gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Buttermilk Biscuits
These fluffy biscuits are so tasty slathered with butter or used to mop up every last drop of gravy off your plate. I can still see Mom pulling these tender gems out of the oven. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's 10 oz. Ribeye Steak
A true Southerner to the core, I love to cook—especially on the grill. This recipe is one of my favorites! The seasoning rub makes a wonderful marinade, and nothing beats the summertime taste of these flavorful grilled steaks! —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Eggs-in-the-Basket
American Toad in a hole is one of the first recipes I had my children prepare when they were learning to cook. Much easier than the European version, this fun egg-in-a-hole is sure to please. My "little ones" are now grown (and have advanced to more difficult recipes!), but this continues to be a traditional standby in my home and theirs. —Ruth Lechleiter, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Inspired By: Cracker Barrel's Apple Cider BBQ Chicken Breast
I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New HampshireThe post The Best Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Copycat appeared first on Taste of Home.
source https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cracker-barrel-hash-brown-casserole-recipe-copycat/
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