The Best Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Ever

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy hashbrown casserole coming straight out of the oven. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a cozy family dinner, or bringing a dish to your next potluck, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family gatherings, Sunday mornings, and the irresistible comfort of Southern-style cooking.

Inspired by the iconic side dish served at Cracker Barrel restaurants, this casserole is loaded with tender shredded potatoes, rich cheese, and a perfectly creamy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers that same homestyle flavor everyone craves. This recipe captures all the nostalgic goodness of the original—right from your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or butter crackers (optional, for topping)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, optional)

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Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

4. Add the topping (optional): In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or crackers with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

5. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for extra gooey goodness.

6. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

7. Cool slightly before serving. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes to set before scooping into portions.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Yield: Serves 8–10

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a family favorite that brings people together. Here’s why it stands out:

• Simple Ingredients: Everything can be found in your local grocery store, and you probably already have most of it at home.

• Quick Preparation: Minimal prep time means you can spend more moments enjoying the meal instead of fussing in the kitchen.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: From breakfast to dinner, holidays to potlucks, this dish fits right in.

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The combination of crispy, cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors makes it irresistible for all ages.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when needed—ideal for busy mornings or large gatherings.

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Tips for Success

1. Thaw the Hashbrowns Completely: Excess water can make your casserole soggy. Let the hashbrowns thaw and pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing.

2. Use Sharp Cheddar for Flavor: Sharp cheddar gives the dish that distinct Cracker Barrel taste. You can also mix in a little mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

3. Add Texture with Toppings: While optional, a crunchy topping like cornflakes or crackers adds a satisfying contrast to the soft, cheesy interior.

4. Let It Rest Before Serving: This helps the casserole firm up and makes slicing easier.

5. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture before baking. If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand.

1. Vegetable Hashbrown Casserole

Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the mix for added color and nutrition.

2. Cheesy Broccoli Hashbrown Casserole

Stir in a cup of cooked broccoli florets before baking. The cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the mild broccoli flavor.

3. Southwestern Hashbrown Casserole

Add diced green chiles, a handful of corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a flavorful twist.

4. Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal that works beautifully for dinner.

5. Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

Add scrambled eggs or cooked breakfast sausage (optional if you eat it) to turn this side dish into a full breakfast bake.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes and breakfast favorites. Here are a few serving ideas:

• With Breakfast: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and biscuits for a classic morning meal.

• With Dinner: Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish for a comforting side.

• For Potlucks or Holidays: It complements ham, turkey, or any other festive main dish.

• As a Brunch Centerpiece: Serve with a fresh salad and coffee for a crowd-pleasing brunch spread.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

To Make Ahead:

Assemble the casserole as directed (without baking) and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

To Freeze:

You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

To Store Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.

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Nutrition Overview (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 330

• Protein: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 23g

• Fat: 22g

• Sodium: 580mg

• Fiber: 2g

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on brands used and portion size.

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Why This Recipe Feels Like Home

There’s a reason this hashbrown casserole holds such a special place in so many hearts. It’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about the memories made around the table. The smell of bubbling cheese and buttery potatoes fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and never forget.

This dish captures the essence of Southern comfort food—simple, satisfying, and shared with love. Whether it’s served on Christmas morning, during Easter brunch, or a casual Sunday supper, it brings that same sense of joy and togetherness. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a reminder of the good things in life.

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Notes

• For best results, use shredded hashbrowns rather than diced ones. They bake more evenly and absorb the creamy sauce better.

• If you want a golden crust without using a topping, bake uncovered and increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 10 minutes.

• Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded packaged cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

• This casserole reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• To customize the flavor, sprinkle a little paprika or dried parsley on top for color and a mild flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you absolutely can! Fresh potatoes can bring a slightly heartier texture and a more natural flavor to your casserole. To use them, start by peeling and shredding russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, as both varieties hold up beautifully in baked dishes. After shredding, it’s crucial to rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the casserole from becoming too dense. Then, pat them completely dry with paper towels to eliminate any moisture that could make the dish watery. Because fresh potatoes contain more natural water than frozen hashbrowns, you might need to bake the casserole an extra 5–10 minutes to ensure the center sets properly.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely. This recipe can easily be adapted for a gluten-free lifestyle without losing its creamy, cheesy comfort. The key is to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup, which many brands now offer. If you like to add a crunchy topping, make sure your cornflakes or crackers are certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients—hashbrowns, cheese, sour cream, and butter—are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get that same beloved texture and flavor.

Can I use a different soup base?

Yes, and that’s one of the best parts about this recipe—it’s wonderfully flexible. If you’re out of cream of chicken soup or prefer another flavor, you can swap it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Cream of mushroom adds an earthy richness, while cream of celery gives a lighter, herb-infused note. Each variation brings a new twist, but all maintain the same creamy, savory quality that makes this casserole irresistible.

Can I add more cheese?

Of course! In fact, extra cheese is always welcome here. If you’re a cheese lover, go ahead and use up to 3 cups total. Combining sharp cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack gives the casserole a perfectly gooey, stretchy consistency and enhances its rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole delivers everything you love about the original—melty cheese, tender potatoes, and that irresistible creamy texture—all baked into one perfect dish. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, connection, and satisfaction with every bite.

Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you want to serve something truly comforting, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. One taste, and you’ll understand why it’s been a Cracker Barrel favorite for generations—and now it can be a cherished tradition in your own home.

Serve it warm, enjoy it often, and share it with the people you love most. After all, the best recipes are the ones that bring everyone back for seconds.

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