You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, feeling defeated, wondering what you can possibly throw together that everyone will actually eat? I’ve been there, friend. More times than I care to admit! That’s when I turn to my trusty Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. It’s cheesy, comforting, and surprisingly simple – a real dinnertime win in my book.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory on a plate. The first time I made a version of Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole was after my second kiddo was born. Sleep-deprived and craving something warm and satisfying, I stumbled upon a recipe online. The family devoured it. It’s a comforting recipe that I have had since. It became a regular in my kitchen rotation, and honestly, saved my sanity more than once! My kids get so excited about Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.
The beauty of Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is that it’s adaptable. I’ve tweaked and perfected my own version over the years, adding little touches that my family loves. We think it’s just as good, if not better, than the original!
This cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is pure comfort food, plain and simple. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I’m sharing it with you because I know how much we all need those simple, satisfying meals that make life a little easier.
If you’re a busy mom searching for a dinner that will actually bring the family comfort, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking, fellow comfort seekers!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this family-favorite Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole:
- 30 oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
You can find all of these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. Trust me, this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
Don’t have cream of chicken soup? No worries! I’ve used cream of mushroom in a pinch, or even a homemade white sauce thickened with cornstarch. The key is that creamy base that makes this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole so irresistible.
For extra comfort, my family loves it when I add a little garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce. It gives the cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe a little extra kick!
A quick comfort hack: I often buy pre-shredded cheese to save time. Every minute counts in the evenings! This cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, especially when you are considering eating at home. You can learn more about an easy hashbrown casserole recipe at: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat) | A Wicked ….
If you need to use fresh hash browns in this copycat hashbrown casserole, you can! I recommend shredding them and squeezing out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to make some magic happen? Here’s how to create this comforting Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and chopped onion. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until everything is combined. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping.
- Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps it to set up a bit.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including prep time. It’s perfect to pop in the oven while you’re helping with homework or getting the kids ready for bath time.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – I was always worried the hash browns would be soggy! Now I always make sure they are completely thawed before mixing. This helps them bake up perfectly.
Don’t worry if your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole looks a little uneven when you pour it into the dish. It will all even out as it bakes.
While your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole should smell amazing by now! That cheesy, buttery aroma is pure comfort in a dish. I love seeing my family enjoy this frozen hashbrown casserole when it comes out of the oven!
You can learn more about a Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole by reading: (Improved) Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – Spend With …. Also, if you love hashbrowns, then you will also love this green bean casserole recipe.
How We Love to Eat This!
My kids devour this comforting Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole when I serve it with some simple sides like steamed broccoli or a side salad. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra ambitious, I’ll make a batch of cornbread to go with it. That really takes the comfort factor to the next level!
The adults in the family usually enjoy a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top of their Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.
This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. Everyone always asks for the recipe! I would consider this a southern hashbrown casserole because of how many people enjoy it in the South.
I’ve even made this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for breakfast before, alongside scrambled eggs and bacon. It’s a hearty and satisfying way to start the day.
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re delicious reheated the next day. You can also use them to make breakfast burritos or quesadillas. Get creative! This southern hashbrown casserole is great for almost anything.
For a festive variation, try adding some diced ham and green beans to your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole during the holidays. It’s a fun and delicious way to make it even more special. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for this broccoli cheese casserole.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, I know you probably have some questions swirling around in your head. Here are some common concerns I’ve heard from other busy moms about this cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe:
Is this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The hash browns, cheese, and creamy sauce make it a surprisingly hearty and satisfying meal. I usually pair it with a side of veggies or a protein like chicken or pork to make it a complete meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
I get it! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try letting them sprinkle their own cheese on top or add a small amount to their plate alongside something they already love. Sometimes just having a little bit of control can make them more willing to try something new. The cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is usually kid-friendly!
Can I meal prep this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for busy weeks ahead?
You bet! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Can I freeze this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. I’ve used Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and even a little bit of pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Can I add meat to this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
Definitely! Cooked bacon, sausage, or ham would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the hash brown mixture before baking.
Is there anything I can substitute for the sour cream in this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will give the casserole a similar tang and creaminess.
You can also read more about this easy hashbrown casserole recipe at: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat) | A Wicked ….
Final Thoughts:
This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and connection to your family’s table, even on the busiest of nights. I hope it brings as much joy and dinnertime success to your home as it has to mine!
Here are some of My Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Comfort Hacks:
- Thaw those hash browns! Seriously, don’t skip this step. It makes all the difference in the texture.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese. A little bit of smoked gouda can add a delicious depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead of time. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Here are a few family-tested Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the hashbrown mixture.
- Veggie-loaded: Add some steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers to the casserole.
- Meat-lovers: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham.
My son loves the veggie-loaded version, while my daughter prefers it with bacon. My husband is a purist and likes it just the way it is! It’s also a copycat hashbrown casserole that works for everyone! You can even learn how to make this cracker barrel recipe by reading: How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole.
Remember, the most important thing is to make this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what your family loves best. It is an easy hashbrown casserole to try.
I hope this simple comfort food solution helps you create more dinnertime wins and fewer kitchen meltdowns. You’ve got this, Mama!
For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out MommiesMore. We know family life is hard, and this is one way to bring that back! So enjoy this delicious Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole!
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Enjoy a creamy and cheesy side dish with this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, featuring tender hashbrowns baked in a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint (16 ounces) sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and chopped onion. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. You can also add cooked ham or bacon for extra flavor.