There’s just something about a warm, cheesy hashbrown casserole that feels like a big hug on a chilly day, right? This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole brings that comforting vibe straight to your kitchen without needing to step foot in the restaurant. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of creamy chicken soup and tangy sour cream. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this again and again!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole sing with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your hashbrowns are completely thawed for even cooking. And don’t skimp on the cheese; that gooey, melty goodness is what makes this dish irresistible! You can also adjust the amount of onion based on your taste—more for a stronger flavor or less if you prefer it milder. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get that copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole prepared! I promise, it’s super simple, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy masterpiece ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Mix Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown top. While the oven is heating up, grab a large bowl and throw in those thawed hashbrowns. Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, mix it all together until everything is well combined. Don’t be shy—get in there with a spatula or a wooden spoon. You want to make sure every hashbrown is coated in that creamy goodness! Then, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that extra cheesy flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Bake and Serve
Transfer your hashbrown mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is where the magic happens! Top it off with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese to create that irresistible cheesy crust. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown. Oh, the smell will be heavenly! Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to set up a bit. Then, scoop it out and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole turns out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips! First, don’t skip thawing the hashbrowns—this helps them cook evenly and prevents a soggy casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty twist! You can also swap out the cheddar for a mix of your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. And remember, let it rest for a few minutes after baking; it’ll hold together better when you serve it. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole! Keep in mind that these are estimates:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
It’s a hearty side dish that packs a punch, balancing flavor and comfort in each cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole? No worries! I’ve got you covered with answers to the most common queries that pop up. Whether you’re thinking about ingredient swaps, how to store leftovers, or making it in advance, I’ll help you out!
Can I add meat to the casserole?
Absolutely! If you want to amp up the flavor, feel free to toss in some cooked bacon or diced ham. They add a delicious savory touch and make the casserole even heartier. Just keep in mind that if you add meat, you might want to adjust the seasoning a bit.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Yum!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! This casserole is perfect for making in advance. Just prepare it as directed, but don’t bake it right away. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, but be sure to extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. It’s a real time-saver!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Rich, creamy flavor that’s absolutely comforting
- Perfect as a side dish or for breakfast any time
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like bacon or different cheeses
- Always a hit at potlucks and family dinners
Serving Suggestions
This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Serve it alongside crispy fried chicken for a classic comfort meal, or with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For breakfast, it’s delightful with scrambled eggs and a side of fruit. And don’t forget a nice cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea to wash it all down. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a breeze! Once it’s completely cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake it as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s still a bit chilly. Reheating individual portions in the microwave is also a quick and tasty option!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Chicken Pasta or Baked Mac and Cheese!
Print
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: 5 Comforting Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A copycat version of Cracker Barrel’s famous hashbrown casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hashbrowns (30 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be frozen before baking; just extend the baking time if frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: copycat, cracker barrel, hashbrown casserole
