Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s absolute favorite comfort foods: Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.

You know those days, right? The kind where you feel like you’ve run a marathon before 9 AM, and the thought of making dinner sends shivers down your spine? That’s when this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole saves the day. I remember the first time I made it. My kids were going through a picky phase, and I was desperate for a dish that everyone would actually eat. I stumbled upon a hashbrown casserole recipe online, tweaked it to be a Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, and crossed my fingers.

The silence that fell over the dinner table as everyone dug in was pure magic. My youngest, the official picky eater, even asked for seconds! That’s when I knew I had a real winner. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a dinnertime win, a comfort food hug on a plate. I’m so excited to share this with you because as busy moms, we deserve simple comfort food solutions, right? Let’s make mealtime a little less chaotic and a lot more delicious. Trust me, you and your family will adore this cheesy, comforting dish!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. It’s all simple stuff you can find at your regular grocery store. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.

30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed: The star of the show! I usually grab the store brand to save a few bucks.
1/2 cup butter, melted: This adds richness and flavor. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup: This gives the casserole its creamy texture.
1 pint (16 ounces) sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and helps keep the casserole moist. No worries if you don’t have sour cream – I use plain Greek yogurt for extra comfort in my Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a savory element. Sometimes, if I’m really short on time, I’ll use dried minced onion.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The more cheese, the better, right? My family gets extra comfort when I add a little bit of Monterey Jack cheese too.
1/4 cup crushed cornflakes: This adds a crunchy topping. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

Ingredients for copycat cracker barrel hashbrown casserole laid out on a white marble surface

Trust me, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, fellow comfort seekers, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, step-by-step:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is important so your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole doesn’t stick!
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrown casserole recipe, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and onion. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for topping. Make sure the cheese is distributed evenly throughout the cheesy hashbrown casserole mixture.
Pour the cracker barrel casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole looks a little lumpy at this point – it will all even out in the oven.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the cheese. This adds a nice crunch to the easy hashbrown casserole.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. Your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole should smell amazing by now! In my busy kitchen, this comforting Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole usually takes about 48 minutes.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and prevent you from burning your mouth!

While your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – learn from my experience! I used to not thaw the hash browns enough, and the casserole would be watery. Now I make sure they are fully thawed and I even squeeze out any excess moisture with a paper towel.

How We Love to Eat This!

Now for the fun part: serving this delicious Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole!

The kids devour this comforting Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole when I serve it with some simple scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast or brunch. For dinner, it pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or ham. It’s also great with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. It’s always a hit, and people are always asking for the hashbrown casserole recipe. I also love making this for holiday breakfasts – it’s so easy and satisfying. Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little bit of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. And if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they’re great reheated for lunch the next day.

I even made a Taco Hashbrown Casserole version once! This comforting Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole reminds me of another family favorite. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for another version of Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions about this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole:

Is this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The hash browns, cheese, and creamy sauce make it a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s packed with carbs and protein to keep them going.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole? Try adding some familiar flavors they already love, like crumbled bacon or shredded chicken. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, like ketchup or ranch dressing. My youngest used to only eat it if I put a dollop of sour cream on top.
Can I meal prep this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for busy weeks ahead? Yes! 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 to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I freeze this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I use a different kind of cheese? Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a little kick. My family loves it with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Can I add vegetables to this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole? Absolutely! Add some steamed broccoli, chopped bell peppers, or even some sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup? If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even cream of celery soup. You can also make your own cream sauce from scratch using butter, flour, and milk.
My Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is too dry, what did I do wrong? Make sure you are using enough sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Also, be careful not to overbake it.
Can I make this easy hashbrown casserole in a slow cooker? Yes! Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray, then add the casserole mixture. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Final Thoughts:

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a true comfort food champion in my house. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s a guaranteed dinnertime win that everyone enjoys. This is a guaranteed way to feed my family well without stress. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole!

My Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Comfort Hacks:

Thaw those hash browns! Don’t skip this step – it makes a huge difference in the texture.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese. Try different combinations to find your family’s favorite.
Add a little bit of spice. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Family-Tested Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Variations:

Bacon Cheddar: Add crispy cooked bacon to the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
Broccoli Cheddar: Mix in steamed broccoli florets for a healthier and more nutritious version.
Spicy Jalapeño: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. My husband loves this version!

I hope you and your family enjoy this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole as much as we do. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Make it your own, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the cozy chaos of creating comfort food for your loved ones. I have faith that this easy homemade hashbrown casserole will be a success in your family. You got this, fellow mom! 💖 You can also find my own Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole and hashbrown casserole variation.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Print Recipe

Craving that creamy, cheesy Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole? This copycat recipe brings the comfort food classic to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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 cup chopped onion
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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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, chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. 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 shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a crispy topping, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.