Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole: A Deliciously Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe

Craving that warm, cheesy goodness of Cracker Barrel’s Hash Brown Casserole but don’t want to leave the house? Look no further! This copycat recipe perfectly replicates the restaurant favorite, delivering a comforting and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s the perfect side for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably tasty and incredibly simple recipe.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

Many copycat recipes fall short, but this one captures the essence of the original Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole for several reasons:

* **The Right Cheese:** Using a combination of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese is key. The cheddar provides that classic creamy, cheesy flavor, while the parmesan adds a subtle nutty undertone that elevates the dish.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** This is the base that holds everything together, creating a creamy and luscious texture. Don’t skimp on the quality! Choose a good quality condensed cream of chicken soup for the best results.
* **Sour Cream:** Sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the cheesy flavors and keeps the casserole moist and tender. It also contributes to the signature Cracker Barrel flavor profile.
* **Melted Butter:** Butter adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics provide a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
* **Proper Hash Browns:** Using frozen shredded hash browns is essential for achieving the correct texture. Thawing them slightly and removing excess moisture is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients. This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.

* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, slightly thawed
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Small skillet
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Potato ricer or cheesecloth (optional, for removing excess moisture from hash browns)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to recreate the magic of Cracker Barrel’s Hash Brown Casserole in your own kitchen.

**Step 1: Prepare the Hash Browns**

* Slightly thaw the frozen hash browns. You don’t want them to be completely thawed, just enough so that you can break them apart.
* This is crucial to avoid a watery casserole. If the hash browns are particularly wet, use a potato ricer or wrap them in cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. This will help the casserole bake properly and achieve the desired creamy texture.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly thawed hash browns, melted butter (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping), sautéed onion and garlic mixture, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

* Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
* Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the cheese topping. This will help the cheese melt evenly and create a golden-brown crust.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**Step 6: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Copycat Hash Brown Casserole

* **Don’t overmix the ingredients.** Overmixing can result in a dense casserole. Mix just until everything is combined.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking.** Taste the mixture before baking and add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.
* **Use full-fat sour cream for the best flavor and texture.** Reduced-fat sour cream can be used, but it may result in a slightly less creamy casserole.
* **For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.** Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Add a pinch of paprika to the cheese topping for a pop of color.**
* **Customize the cheese.** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick.
* **Add some ham or bacon for a heartier casserole.** Cooked and crumbled ham or bacon would be a delicious addition.
* **Make it ahead of time.** You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven.** To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

## Variations and Add-ins

This recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy Hash Brown Casserole:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese for the topping.
* **Cheesy Bacon Hash Brown Casserole:** Cook and crumble about 1/2 cup of bacon and add it to the mixture. You can also sprinkle some bacon bits on top of the casserole before baking.
* **Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole:** Dice about 1 cup of cooked ham and add it to the mixture. You can also use Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegetarian Hash Brown Casserole:** Omit the cream of chicken soup and use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup instead. You can also add some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
* **Loaded Hash Brown Casserole:** Add a combination of bacon, ham, green onions, and sour cream to the top of the casserole after baking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.

* **Breakfast/Brunch:** Serve it alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, or waffles for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
* **Dinner:** Serve it as a side dish with ham, roast chicken, pot roast, or meatloaf. It also goes well with grilled meats and vegetables.
* **Holidays:** This casserole is a popular choice for holiday gatherings, such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
* **Potlucks:** It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect dish for potlucks and family gatherings.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-400 per serving (depending on portion size)
* Fat: 25-30 grams
* Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
* Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
* Sodium: 500-600 mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams
* Sugar: 5-7 grams
* Protein: 10-12 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?**

A: While you can use fresh hash browns, frozen hash browns are recommended for this recipe. Fresh hash browns tend to release more moisture, which can result in a soggy casserole. If you do use fresh hash browns, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding them to the other ingredients.

**Q: Can I use a different type of soup?**

A: Cream of chicken soup is the classic choice for this casserole, but you can experiment with other cream-based soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

**Q: Can I freeze the casserole?**

A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

**Q: My casserole is too dry. What did I do wrong?**

A: A dry casserole could be due to overbaking or not using enough sour cream or cream of chicken soup. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and check the casserole for doneness after 45 minutes. If it starts to look dry, cover it with aluminum foil.

**Q: My casserole is too watery. What did I do wrong?**

A: A watery casserole is usually caused by using hash browns that haven’t been properly drained. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible from the hash browns before adding them to the other ingredients.

**Q: Can I use milk instead of sour cream?**

A: While you can substitute milk for sour cream, the casserole will not be as creamy or flavorful. Sour cream adds a tanginess and richness that milk cannot replicate. If you do use milk, use whole milk for the best results.

## Conclusion

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So ditch the long wait at the restaurant and enjoy this cheesy, comforting casserole in the comfort of your own home. Your family and friends will thank you!

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below. What variations did you try? What did you serve it with? I’d love to hear your feedback!