Irresistible Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat : The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you’ve ever had breakfast at Cracker Barrel, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their hashbrown casserole — creamy, cheesy, golden on top, and packed with flavor. This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat recipe is so spot-on, you might never need to visit the restaurant again. Perfectly melty, buttery, and crowd-pleasing, this is one of those iconic comfort dishes that works for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or potlucks.

What makes this version shine is how simple it is to put together. No canned soup necessary (unless you want to), no fancy tools, just a tried-and-true combo of ingredients that always deliver. Whether you’re looking for a weekend treat or an easy make-ahead cheesy hash brown breakfast casserole, this copycat recipe checks all the boxes.

This recipe is also adaptable for holidays, special occasions, or weekly meal prep. If you’re a fan of classic American comfort food and crave something cozy, creamy, and packed with potatoes and cheese, this one’s for you.

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Why This Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Is So Popular

Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole has built a cult following — and for good reason. It’s the definition of cozy, classic comfort food. The textures and flavors are perfectly balanced: creamy inside, cheesy throughout, with a lightly crispy golden top. It pairs with just about anything, from eggs and bacon to roast chicken or holiday ham.

Why people love this copycat hash brown casserole:

• Easy prep with minimal ingredients
• Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
• Reheats beautifully
• Customizable to your dietary needs
• Great for brunch, dinner sides, or potlucks

For more comfort food hits, check out Scalloped Potatoes or Crack Breakfast Casserole — two more family-friendly favorites.

Ingredients You Need for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat

This dish is all about creamy, cheesy goodness with just a few everyday ingredients:

• 32 oz frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups shredded Colby or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional:

• Extra cheese for topping
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
• Crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers for crunch

This simple list keeps the casserole close to the original while allowing room for creativity — just like how we dress up our Vegetable Casserole with seasonal veggies and cheese blends.

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How to Make the Perfect Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

This hashbrown casserole recipe is easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to impress. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cheese until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Add the Hash Browns
Fold in the thawed shredded hash browns until the mixture is fully coated and well mixed.

Step 4: Bake It
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, or top with crushed crackers for crunch if desired. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

Want to pair this with a breakfast side? Try Mini Pancake Cereal or Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a full brunch spread.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole at home:

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 baking dish
• Spatula or mixing spoon
• Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Foil (optional, for covering if browning too fast)

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

To take your casserole from good to great, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use quality cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Thaw your hash browns completely: Frozen hash browns will release water and affect texture.
• Add a crunchy topping: Crushed cornflakes or buttered Ritz crackers give that signature top crust.
• Don’t overbake: Remove when bubbly and lightly golden to keep it moist.
• Let it rest before serving: This helps it set up and keeps servings neat.

How to Adapt This Recipe for a Crockpot Version

Want to make this as a crockpot Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole? Here’s how:

1. Follow the same steps to mix the ingredients.
2. Transfer everything to a greased slow cooker.
3. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until hot and bubbly.
4. For a cheesy crust, sprinkle cheese during the last 30 minutes and cook uncovered.

Looking for more slow cooker favorites? Try our comforting Pumpkin Chicken Chili — a fall classic made easy.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

To store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

To reheat:
Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent overbrowning.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Looking to change it up? Try these fun twists:

• Add protein: Stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, or breakfast sausage.
• Go spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
• Make it vegetarian: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
• Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Swap the cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend.

You can also combine it with dishes like Cottage Cheese Egg Salad or Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions: What Goes with Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

This dish is so versatile it works any time of day:

• Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, and Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake.
• Brunch: Pair with Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl or fresh fruit.
• Dinner: Serve as a side with roast chicken or baked pork chops.
• Holidays: Include as part of your Christmas or Easter brunch menu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Hashbrown Casserole

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure success:

• Using frozen hash browns: Always thaw completely to avoid a soggy bake.
• Overbaking: Leads to dryness and tough edges.
• Too much liquid: Adding extra butter or cream can cause runniness.
• Wrong dish size: A too-deep pan can prevent even cooking.

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FAQs About Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next day.

Can I freeze it after baking?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions or whole, then thaw and reheat as needed.

Is this the exact Cracker Barrel recipe?
While not official, it’s a very close copycat Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe loved by thousands.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure all packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make it egg-free?
Yes! This recipe does not require eggs, unlike some breakfast casseroles.

Make-Ahead Tips for Holiday Breakfasts and Brunches

This dish is a dream for holiday mornings. Here’s how to make it work for a crowd:

• Prep the night before: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate.
• Bake while you get ready: Pop it in the oven when you wake up.
• Serve buffet-style: It pairs with everything and holds heat well.
• Double the recipe: Use two pans if feeding 10+ people.

You can also serve it with festive sides like Pumpkin Twists or Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese for a wow-worthy brunch table.

Final Thoughts: Why This Is the Only Copycat Hash Brown Casserole You’ll Ever Need

This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat is pure comfort food magic. It’s rich, cheesy, satisfying, and so easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday breakfast, a weeknight dinner side, or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish delivers every single time.

Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s one of the most searched and saved hashbrown casserole recipes out there. No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients — just classic flavor and a whole lot of love in every bite.

Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more delicious comfort food classics made easy!

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