Introduction
If you’ve ever eaten at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, you know how amazing their Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe is—creamy, cheesy, and baked to a perfect golden brown. It’s one of those southern dishes that makes you feel at home right away.
This copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is as close to the real thing as you can get. It’s creamy in the middle and crispy on top, and it’s great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish at family gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
I finally found the trick to recreating Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole at home. Many of the copycat recipes I found online are heavy on ingredients like eggs, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. With some trial and error, this is the recipe I’ll be using going forward when the craving strikes.
Buttery, cheesy, crispy on top, tender inside, and with lots of flavor, just like the original version, this isn’t a wet and mushy casserole. The potatoes are firm—basically, strings of potatoes suspended in a casserole form, and they’re delicious.
- Full of southern comfort, cheese, and cream
- Very simple—just mix and bake
- You can freeze them (make one for now and one for later)
- Great for sides at breakfast, brunch, or dinner
- Restaurant-quality and approved by the whole family
A lot of us have good memories of going to Cracker Barrel on special occasions. This dish brings back all those memories right in your own kitchen.
What Are the Ingredients in the Original Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
The Cracker Barrel menu says that the famous hashbrown casserole has:
- Potatoes that have been shredded
- Cheese from Colby
- Onions cut up
- The special seasoning mix from Cracker Barrel
- Salt and pepper
The “Loaded Hashbrown Casserole” version has crispy bacon and extra melted Colby cheese on top. You should definitely try that!
Things You Will Need
For this easy copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, you’ll need the following:
- 8 cups of frozen hash browns that have been thawed (or use fresh grated potatoes)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup of sour cream
- ½ cup of melted butter
- 1 cup of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version)
- 2 ½ cups of shredded cheese, like cheddar, colby, or a mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: To make it a loaded breakfast casserole, add cooked bacon or sausage before baking.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole (Step by Step)
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish that is 8×16 inches or two pans that are 8×8 inches.
- Combine the ingredients: In a big bowl, mix together the hash browns, onion, sour cream, soup, 1½ cups of cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well by stirring.
- Put the mixture in the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add cheese and butter on top: Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and evenly drizzle the melted butter over it. Don’t mix.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- If you want the cheese to be extra crispy, broil it for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Let it cool down a bit before serving hot!
It’s so good that it melts in your mouth. The inside is creamy, the outside is cheesy, and it has a lot of southern flavor.
What to Serve with Hashbrown Casserole
This cheesy potato casserole can be used in so many ways. You can eat it as a side dish, for breakfast, or even as the main course (no judgment here!).
Some tasty combinations are:
- Eggs that are scrambled or fried
- Sausage or bacon
- Pork chops or ham
- Gravy and biscuits
- Waffles and chicken
- Toast with butter
- Green beans or broccoli
It goes with just about everything, but it really goes well with a cup of coffee and a lazy morning.
Is There Meat in the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
The original Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole does not have meat in it, but the “Loaded” version does.
But you can easily change this copycat Cracker Barrel casserole when you make it at home:
- Add bits of crispy bacon.
- Add crumbled sausage to the mix.
- Add diced ham and stir.
Adding any of these things makes it a filling main dish!
Nutrition Facts (Rough Estimate)
- Calories per serving: about 421
- Carbs: about 31g
- About 12 grams of protein
- Fat: about 25g
These numbers could change based on the size of your portions and the ingredients you use.
Questions and Answers About Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
🧀 Are hash browns safe for people with gluten allergies?
Yes, plain hash browns are usually gluten-free because they are just shredded potatoes, salt, and pepper. Always check the packaging to be sure.
🍠 What do hash brown patties have in them?
Usually, shredded potatoes, salt, pepper, and sometimes flour or egg to hold them together. You can also add cheese, onions, or parsley to make it taste better.
🧊 How long can I keep leftovers?
Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days.
To heat up:
- Cover with a paper towel and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Or put it in the oven at 250°F for 15 minutes to warm it up.
❄️ Can I put this casserole in the freezer?
Yes! Put the casserole together, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer at 350°F for 60 to 70 minutes.
🥄 How to Make the Best Hashbrown Casserole
- For the real Cracker Barrel taste, use Colby or cheddar cheese.
- Don’t mix the potatoes too much; you want some texture to stay in them.
- Broil to get a crispy, golden top.
- To get the perfect creamy consistency, serve warm.
Last Thoughts
This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly southern. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, whether you’re hosting brunch, serving it for a cozy weekend breakfast, or bringing a side to a family gathering. The combination of crispy hash browns, melted cheese, and rich creaminess feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.
So go ahead and make this copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole in your favorite casserole dish. Each bite brings a taste of country comfort that reminds you why southern-style home cooking never goes out of style. Pair it with warm biscuits, fried eggs, or even a sweet dessert like a Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Recipe for the perfect finishing touch to any meal.
Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday spread or just craving that Cracker Barrel goodness at home, this casserole will always be a family favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your breakfast-loving friends or pin it to your favorite recipe board for later!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who love breakfast or pin it on Pinterest! 🧡
