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Make your meal special with Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. It’s a classic dish that mixes frozen shredded hash browns, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings. It serves 10 and fits in a 9×13-inch casserole. It’s great for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, or for a cozy family dinner anytime.
This casserole is quick to prepare, just 10 minutes. It cooks in 1 hour and 5 minutes. The secret is the mix of creamy ingredients like cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Plus, it has a lot of shredded sharp cheddar cheese that makes every bite delicious.
Key Takeaways
- Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines frozen hash browns, cheese, and a creamy base.
- The recipe is easy to make, with a total preparation and cooking time of just over 1 hour.
- This casserole serves 10 and is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or family dinners.
- The dish features a creamy, cheesy texture with the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel.
- The recipe can be customized with various cheese blends, meat additions, and vegetable mix-ins.
The Story Behind Cracker Barrel’s Famous Potato Casserole
Cracker Barrel’s cracker barrel cheesy potatoes has won many hearts and taste buds. This copycat cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe lets you enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness at home. It’s why so many people keep coming back.
The dish started in 1977 at a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in the United States. It quickly became a favorite, enjoyed by many over the years.
Like “funeral potatoes,” Cracker Barrel’s casserole is famous for its creamy, cheesy taste. It’s perfect for breakfast, dinner, or special occasions. It’s a beloved dish in America.
“The Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, bringing joy and satisfaction to countless diners across the country.”
Home cooks love to make Cracker Barrel’s cracker barrel cheesy potatoes at home. This copycat cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe helps you do just that. Enjoy the comforting flavors in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
To make a real Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole at home, you need the right ingredients. Start with 60 ounces of thawed frozen shredded hashbrowns. Then, mix in 22.6 ounces of condensed cream of chicken soup and 32 ounces of sour cream for that creamy feel.
Choosing the Right Cheese Blend
The cheese mix is key for that Cracker Barrel taste. Use 8 ounces each of shredded Colby-Jack and sharp cheddar. This mix gives you creaminess and a bit of sharpness.
Perfect Potato Selection
For this recipe, frozen shredded hashbrowns are best. They give a steady texture and are easy to use. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the casserole.
Creamy Base Components
The base needs cream of chicken soup and sour cream. You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Season it with poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns | 60 ounces |
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 22.6 ounces |
| Sour Cream | 32 ounces |
| Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Poultry Seasoning | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Ground Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the classic Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, a 9×13-inch baking dish is essential. Make sure to coat it with cooking spray to help the casserole come out easily.
You’ll also need a large mixing bowl to mix all the ingredients. A salad spinner is useful for drying the thawed hashbrowns. This ensures they’re not too wet before mixing.
For grating the cheese, a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment is best. It makes grating the cheese easy and helps you get the right mix. A sturdy spatula is also good for spreading the mixture evenly in the dish.
Lastly, an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) is needed to bake the casserole perfectly. With these tools, you’re ready to make the comforting Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole at home.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Salad spinner (for draining hashbrowns)
- Box grater or food processor with grating attachment
- Spatula
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
Having these key items ready makes the hashbrown casserole preparation smooth. You’ll get the authentic Cracker Barrel flavor and texture at home. The right kitchen tools for casseroles make the process fun and easy.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Making the cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is easy and results in a creamy, comforting dish. Start by thawing and draining the hashbrowns well. This step is key to avoid a soggy casserole and get the right texture.
Thawing and Draining Hashbrowns
If your hashbrowns are frozen, put them in the fridge a day before. This lets them thaw slowly. After thawing, put the hashbrowns in a colander and press down to get rid of extra moisture. You can also use paper towels to soak up any leftover liquid.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a big bowl, mix the drained hashbrowns with 2 cups of shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, melted butter, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix everything well so the ingredients are evenly spread.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Heat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and fill it with the hashbrown mix, spreading it out. Sprinkle the last 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake the hashbrown casserole for 45 to 55 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden.
After baking, let the cracker barrel hashbrown casserole cool for a bit. Add some fresh parsley or green onions for color and flavor. This dish is great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with your main course.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a tasty treat, but it’s high in calories and fat. One serving has about 329 calories, 23g of fat, 21g of carbs, and 12g of protein. This makes up a big part of your daily fat and sodium intake.
This recipe makes 10 servings in a 9×13-inch dish. It’s rich and calorie-dense, so watch your portions. Enjoying it in moderation helps keep your diet balanced.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1540 | 77% |
| Total Fat | 66.00g | 85% |
| Saturated Fat | 26.000g | 130% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 2810mg | 122% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 195.00g | 71% |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0g | 71% |
| Sugars | 4.00g | – |
| Protein | 42.00g | – |
The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a treat with a lot of fat and calories. It’s tempting to eat it all, but it’s better to control your portions. This keeps your diet balanced.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is a true comfort food. It’s great because you can make it ahead of time. This makes it perfect for brunches or cozy dinners.
Freezing Instructions
Want to start early? You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating Guidelines
Reheating leftovers or a frozen casserole is easy. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble. Or, microwave portions for 1-2 minutes for a quick reheat.
Storage Duration Tips
- Refrigerated: Store baked casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered.
- Frozen: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Learning how to hashbrown casserole storage and freezing casserole is key. This way, you can enjoy this Cracker Barrel classic anytime. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a beloved comfort food. Its beauty lies in its versatility. By making a few simple tweaks, you can create endless hashbrown casserole variations to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Start by customizing the protein. Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage can be easily incorporated for an extra savory boost. Vegetarians can opt for plant-based meat alternatives or skip the meat altogether. Diced bell peppers, spinach, or green chilies add fresh flavor and nutrition.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and cream substitutes. Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative to sour cream. Cream of mushroom or celery soup can provide a creamy base in place of the traditional cream of chicken.
- Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Colby for varied flavors.
- Sprinkle in ranch seasoning or paprika for an extra kick of flavor.
- Top the casserole with a crunchy topping of buttery cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to ingredient substitutions for this versatile dish. Experiment with different combinations to find your family’s new favorite hashbrown casserole variation.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals. This casserole goes well with many dishes.
Breakfast Combinations
For a hearty breakfast, try the hashbrown casserole with eggs, bacon, or sausage. It pairs well with these classic breakfast items. This makes for a filling and tasty start to your day.
Dinner Side Dish Ideas
As a dinner side, the hashbrown casserole is great with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday turkey. Its creamy texture and savory taste enhance the main dish. It’s also good with lighter sides like salads or steamed vegetables.
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Its rich flavors and versatility make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a satisfying side dish that goes well with many dishes.
| Breakfast Pairings | Dinner Pairings |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Grilled Meats |
| Bacon | Roasted Chicken |
| Sausage | Holiday Turkey |
| – | Salads |
| – | Steamed Vegetables |
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is versatile and delicious. It’s great for breakfast or dinner. Whether it’s the main dish or a side, it’s sure to be a hit.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Making a perfect Cracker Barrel-style hashbrown casserole is a fun journey. But, it’s key to avoid common mistakes. These errors can ruin your dish. By knowing and avoiding these mistakes, your casserole will taste and feel just like the Cracker Barrel version.
One big mistake is using wet hashbrowns. They can make your casserole soggy. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Also, avoid overmixing the ingredients. This can make the potatoes gummy.
Another error is baking the casserole too long. It should be cooked well but not dry. Use full-fat dairy for the best flavor and texture. This is what makes Cracker Barrel’s dish so good.
Season your casserole well with salt and pepper. The potatoes need enough seasoning to stand out. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This makes it easier to serve.
- Avoid using wet hashbrowns, which can lead to a soggy casserole. Ensure proper thawing and draining.
- Don’t overmix the ingredients, which can break down the potatoes and result in a gummy texture.
- Steer clear of overbaking, which can dry out the casserole and compromise its creamy, comforting appeal.
- Use full-fat dairy ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning – the potatoes need adequate salt and pepper to truly shine.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll make a hashbrown casserole as good as Cracker Barrel’s. Enjoy every delicious bite of your hard work!
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a favorite comfort food that’s easy to make at home. It has a creamy texture, cheesy taste, and is great for many events. You can make it your own by trying different tips and variations.
This dish is perfect for breakfast, holiday meals, or potlucks. It’s a hearty option that’s sure to please everyone. The recipe is simple, and you can make it ahead of time. This makes it easy to enjoy whenever you want.
Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole is a classic that never goes out of style. It shows the brand’s dedication to quality and customer happiness. Next time you want a comforting meal, try this recipe. It brings a taste of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen.