Hash Brown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat!) – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you've ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their Hash Brown Casserole is an irresistible side dish that keeps customers coming back for more. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on top, this southern favorite is the epitome of comfort food. 

Now, you can recreate this classic at home with this easy, foolproof recipe! Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or a holiday gathering, this homemade version will become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.

• Versatile: Great as a side dish or standalone meal.

• Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Ingredients

To make this Cracker Barrel copycat hash brown casserole, you’ll need:

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes (optional topping for extra crunch)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, if using)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, diced onion, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If you’d like an extra crunchy topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness!

Expert Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole

• Thaw the Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns contain moisture that can make your casserole soggy. Let them thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels before using.

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheddar will give you the best texture and flavor.

• Customize It: Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for a meaty twist. You can also mix in diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms for extra flavor.

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.

• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! Peel and shred fresh russet potatoes, then soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain well and pat dry before using.

2. Can I make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute with a homemade version by combining 3/4 cup chicken broth with 3/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk over medium heat until thickened.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! If feeding a large crowd, double the ingredients and bake in two separate 9x13-inch pans.

6. What can I serve with hash brown casserole?

This dish pairs perfectly with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, or even as a side for roasted meats like ham or turkey.

Final Thoughts

This Hash Brown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat) is the ultimate comfort food! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish will quickly become a staple in your home. Try it today and experience the warm, satisfying taste of homemade goodness!

Let me know how your casserole turns out in the comments! Happy cooking!