Savor the rich flavors of our Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe, featuring cheesy, creamy hash browns with a golden crust, perfect for any gathering. Main ingredients include frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a creamy chicken soup base.
Growing up, weekend breakfasts were a big deal in our household. My parents, both ardent fans of Cracker Barrel, often lamented the long drive to the nearest location. One sunny Saturday morning, my dad decided we would bring a piece of Cracker Barrel home by attempting to recreate their beloved Hashbrown Casserole. After several attempts and tweaks, he nailed it. It wasn’t just the taste that was spot on; it was the laughter and teamwork in the kitchen that made this recipe a family treasure. Now, whenever I make this casserole, it’s more than a meal; it’s a delightful journey back to those cherished mornings with my family.
Why You’ll Love This Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Our Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole brings the comfort of a beloved restaurant classic into the warmth of your home kitchen with unique twists that make it a standout dish.
- Effortless Prep: With a preparation time of just 5 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it gets, freeing up your morning for more family time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, as a dinner side, or a potluck highlight, this casserole fits beautifully into any meal plan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Designed to delight a crowd, this cheesy, creamy casserole will have guests asking for the recipe by the end of the meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various add-ins or substitutions, this recipe can be tailored to fit dietary preferences or to just switch things up.
Ingredients Notes
Every ingredient in our Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole plays a pivotal role in crafting its unforgettable taste and texture. Here are some insights to help you make the best casserole possible.
- Frozen Hash Browns: The base of the casserole, ensure they’re thawed for even cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Opt for grating your own cheese for better melt and a fresher taste.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together, but cream of mushroom can be a great alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: For that irresistible tang and creamy texture, full-fat sour cream works best.
- Onions: Provides a subtle sharpness that contrasts nicely with the creamy, cheesy elements.
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How To Make Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Let’s dive into making your very own Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole with these simple, detailed steps.
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it’s warming up, grab an 11 x 14 baking dish and generously spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, chopped onions, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed, ensuring that the hash browns are thoroughly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and crispy.
Storage Options
For those who manage to have leftovers of our Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, you’re in luck because it stores wonderfully. You can keep it refrigerated for up to three days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven to maintain its delightful texture.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is fantastic on its own, here are some creative tweaks to customize it to your taste.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based cream substitute to cater to those with dairy restrictions.
- Add Meats: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for an extra protein punch that turns this side into a hearty main dish.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in some green chilies, diced bell peppers, or even spinach to add color and nutrients.
- Alternative Soups: Swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor profile.
Each variation allows you to make the dish uniquely yours while still keeping the heartwarming essence of the original recipe.
Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of frozen hash browns thawed
- 1/2 cup of margarine or butter melted
- 1 can 10 1/4 ounces of cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of onion finely chopped
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese finely grated
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting the oven to a temperature of 350°F (177°C). It is crucial to allow the oven to reach the desired temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Using a cooking spray, lightly coat an 11 x 14-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the casserole once cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the melted margarine or butter. Add the finely chopped onion, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Mix these components thoroughly to ensure that the hash browns are evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish to promote uniform cooking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges when it is fully cooked.
