The Best Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Copycat

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.

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The post The Best Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Copycat appeared first on Taste of Home.