Easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole: Comfort Food Made Simple
Craving that creamy, cheesy, potato-y goodness of Cracker Barrel’s hash brown casserole, but don’t want to leave the house (or spend the money)? You’re in luck! This copycat recipe brings all the warm, comforting flavors of the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
This recipe aims to replicate the texture and taste of the original Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole as closely as possible. While there might be slight variations based on personal preference, this version hits all the key notes: creamy, cheesy, savory, and utterly addictive. Prepare to have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
## Why This Copycat Recipe Works
Several factors contribute to the success of this copycat recipe:
* **Frozen Hash Browns:** Using frozen shredded hash browns is crucial for achieving the right texture. They provide the perfect base for absorbing the creamy sauce and holding their shape during baking.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** This is a classic casserole ingredient for a reason. It adds richness, moisture, and that signature creamy flavor that defines the dish.
* **Sour Cream:** Sour cream contributes to the tangy, slightly acidic flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and soup. It also helps to create a smooth and luxurious texture.
* **Melted Butter:** Butter adds flavor and helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and satisfying casserole.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Sharp cheddar cheese provides the cheesy goodness that everyone loves. Using a high-quality cheddar will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor.
* **Onion:** A touch of finely diced onion adds a subtle savory note that complements the other flavors.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (reserve 1 cup for topping)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup crushed cornflakes, for topping (for extra crunch)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Vegetable peeler (if using fresh onion)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Oven
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious copycat Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole:
**1. Prepare the Hash Browns:**
* While the recipe calls for thawed hash browns, you want to remove as much moisture as possible. Place the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
* Squeeze out any excess water. This step is essential to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Nobody wants soggy hash browns!
* Set the hash browns aside in a large mixing bowl.
**2. Preheat the Oven:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly without burning the top.
**3. Prepare the Onion:**
* Peel and finely dice the onion. Smaller pieces of onion will cook through better and distribute the flavor evenly throughout the casserole. If you dislike the texture of onion, you can grate it instead.
**4. Combine the Ingredients:**
* Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, diced onion, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the hash browns.
* Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. Make sure the hash browns are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
**5. Transfer to the Baking Dish:**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make cleanup easier.
* Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
**6. Add the Cheese Topping:**
* Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
* Optional: If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crushed cornflakes over the cheese.
**7. Bake the Casserole:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
* The cheese should be melted and slightly browned. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
**8. Let it Rest:**
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
**9. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the hot hash brown casserole as a side dish with breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with ham, bacon, sausage, eggs, or any other main course you desire.
## Tips for the Perfect Casserole
* **Don’t Skip Thawing:** Thawing the hash browns is crucial for even cooking. If you try to bake the casserole with frozen hash browns, it will take much longer to cook and may result in a watery consistency.
* **Squeeze Out Excess Moisture:** As mentioned earlier, squeezing out the excess moisture from the thawed hash browns is essential for preventing a soggy casserole. This step cannot be emphasized enough!
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** The quality of the cheddar cheese will significantly impact the overall flavor of the casserole. Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese for the best results. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby Jack or Monterey Jack, to create your own unique flavor combination.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper, but you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the mixture before baking and add more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed. Garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can also add extra flavor.
* **Customize the Topping:** While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, you can customize the topping to your preference. Crushed cornflakes add a nice crunch, but you can also use breadcrumbs, crumbled crackers, or even bacon bits.
* **Make it Ahead:** This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked later. Prepare the casserole according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier casserole, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham to the mixture. This will turn the casserole into a complete meal.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
* **Individual Casseroles:** Prepare in individual ramekins for portion control and an elegant presentation.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Healthier Version:** To make a healthier version of this casserole, you can use light sour cream, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrients.
* **Dairy-Free Version:** To make a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free sour cream, dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, and dairy-free cheddar cheese. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter.
* **Vegetarian Version:** Ensure the cream of chicken soup used is vegetarian friendly. Some brands contain chicken broth. Otherwise, the recipe is already vegetarian.
* **Gluten-Free Version:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels.
* **Spicy Version:** Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Version:** Saute sliced mushrooms and add them to the hash brown mixture for a delicious earthy flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
This copycat Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
* **Holiday Meals:** This casserole is a popular side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
* **Potlucks and Gatherings:** It’s a great dish to bring to potlucks, parties, and other gatherings. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Serve it as a side dish with chicken, pork, or beef for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
## Storing and Reheating Leftovers
* **Storing:** Leftover hash brown casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out.
## Conclusion
This copycat Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish at home. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a cheesy, creamy, and satisfying casserole that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the taste of Cracker Barrel without ever leaving your kitchen!
Enjoy!