Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: A Comfort Food Favorite
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is an iconic side dish that has earned its place in the hearts and stomachs of many. The dish is the epitome of comfort food: cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal, a weekend brunch, or simply a cozy dinner, this casserole will never disappoint. The dish is often served at Cracker Barrel, a beloved American chain known for its homestyle cooking, and has become a fan favorite thanks to its simple ingredients and irresistible flavor. If you’ve ever tasted it, you’ll know just how good it is. But now, you can bring this restaurant-quality dish into your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed, 32-ounce package): Frozen hashbrowns are the key ingredient in this casserole. They provide the bulk and texture of the dish, and once thawed, they become soft and ready to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- ½ cup melted butter: Butter adds richness to the casserole and helps bind the ingredients together. It also contributes to the crispy texture of the hashbrowns as they bake.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (or cream of cheddar soup): This creamy base is essential to the casserole’s texture. The soup helps create a smooth, velvety filling that complements the hashbrowns. If you want a cheesier flavor, you can opt for cream of cheddar soup instead.
- 2 cups sour cream: Sour cream gives the casserole its creamy texture and adds a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients. It also helps keep the casserole moist.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion: Onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the casserole. The natural sweetness of the onion enhances the richness of the cheese and the creaminess of the sour cream.
- 2 cups Colby cheese (grated, divided into 2 portions of 1 ½ cup and ½ cup): Colby cheese is the cheese of choice for this casserole because of its smooth melt and mild flavor. It helps create the golden, cheesy crust on top of the casserole and adds richness to the filling.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds just the right amount of spice to balance the creamy, cheesy elements.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and that the cheese gets golden and bubbly on top. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking dish by greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or cooking oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Hashbrowns: Take your frozen shredded hashbrowns and thaw them before using them in the casserole. To thaw the hashbrowns quickly, place them on the counter for about an hour. Alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, be sure to drain any excess moisture from the hashbrowns and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to avoid a soggy casserole and to ensure that the hashbrowns crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely chopped onion, 1 ½ cups of grated Colby cheese, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well mixed. The mixture should be creamy and well-coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure that the mixture is level and compact in the dish.
- Top with Cheese: After spreading the hashbrown mixture in the dish, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated Colby cheese on top. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as the casserole bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is lightly browned. The casserole should be firm to the touch and golden brown on top. If you want the cheese to be extra crispy, you can place the casserole under the broiler for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to serve. Scoop out generous portions and serve it warm.
Notes
- Add Bacon or Sausage: For a heartier dish, try adding cooked bacon crumbles or cooked sausage to the casserole. This will give the casserole a savory, meaty element that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
- Use Different Cheeses: While Colby cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. This will give the casserole a subtle kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re serving vegetarians, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days before baking. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.