This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is warm and cheesy, perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s made with crispy hashbrowns, creamy sauce, and hints of onion for extra flavor!
I love how this dish can feed a crowd, making it a hit at family gatherings. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together—you’ll be the hero of brunch in no time! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns: This is the base of the casserole. If you don’t have frozen hashbrowns, you could use fresh potatoes—grate them and rinse to remove excess starch for a similar texture.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with olive oil or a buttery spread.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can skip it or use onion powder for a milder taste.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This gives the casserole its cheesy goodness. If you want a different flavor, feel free to use Monterrey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend cheese.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce.
Sour Cream: It adds tang and creaminess. If you want a healthier option, Greek yogurt works well in its place.
How Do I Get My Casserole to Be Perfectly Creamy and Cheesy?
Getting that perfect creamy and cheesy texture requires combining ingredients well and baking just right. Here are some steps to ensure success:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish. This helps it cook consistently.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; start checking for doneness at 45 minutes. You want the cheese on top to be melted and just golden.
Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve!
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
Creamy Components:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Time Estimate:
This delicious hashbrown casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake, for a total time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s a great option for meal prep and can feed a crowd!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly from the start.
2. Prepare the Hashbrown Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, melted butter, finely chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Using a spatula or spoon, mix all these ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated.
3. Grease the Baking Dish:
Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will help your casserole not stick and make it easier to serve.
4. Spread It Out:
Pour the hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
5. Add Extra Cheese:
Take the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the hashbrown mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
6. Bake It:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You want it hot all the way through, with the cheese on top melted and slightly golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and makes it easier to cut into squares.
8. Garnish:
If you’d like, you can garnish the top with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy this warm and cheesy casserole as a delightful side dish for breakfast or brunch, or anytime you want a comforting meal!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hashbrowns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Simply peel, grate, and rinse them to remove excess starch, then use them in the same quantity as the frozen hashbrowns. You may want to sauté them to soften before combining them with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce made from vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
