Irresistible Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

A Cheesy Little Backstory

The first time I made this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, it was pure chaos. I had zero prep, a hungry crowd, and my mother-in-law judging my every stir. I threw together some frozen hashbrowns, a scandalous amount of cheese, and hoped for a miracle.

And guess what? She took one bite and said, “This tastes better than Cracker Barrel.”

Victory.

Since then, this casserole has been my go-to for holidays, brunches, and “oops, forgot to grocery shop” nights. It’s creamy, cheesy, soul-hugging comfort—and now it’s your turn to master it.

Introduction: Why This Casserole Is a Family Favorite

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes deliver quite like a copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole. It’s rich, cheesy, golden, and practically demands second helpings. If you’ve ever scraped the bottom of the dish at the restaurant, you’ll be thrilled to know you can recreate that exact deliciousness at home.

The beauty of this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is that it’s incredibly easy, freezer-friendly, and a hit at any gathering—whether it’s holiday brunch, weeknight dinner, or a last-minute potluck. It’s made with everyday ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum cheesy goodness.

Love all things Cracker Barrel? Try our Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken—another Southern favorite turned weeknight hero. Want the perfect pairing? Our Bisquick Sausage Muffins are quick, hearty, and brunch-ready.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make this classic from scratch, customize it to your taste, and store it like a pro. Trust me—once you serve this, everyone will be asking for your “secret” recipe.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Casserole So Special?

Let’s be real—Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is more than just a side dish. It’s like a cheesy, creamy blanket that wraps your taste buds in pure comfort. It shows up at brunch tables, potlucks, and Sunday dinners like the favorite aunt who always brings dessert and the gossip.

So what makes it so irresistible?

The Creamy-Crispy Combo

Think tender hashbrowns swimming in rich, cheesy goodness, crowned with crispy golden edges—pure texture perfection. That contrast between soft and slightly crispy is pure casserole magic.

Real-Deal Southern Flavor

The ingredients are simple, but the flavor hits all the comforting Southern notes—cheddar, sour cream, butter, and just enough onion to keep it interesting. And according to cabotcreamery, freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and gives you that luscious, creamy texture you’re after.

It’s the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

You could serve this to toddlers, teens, and tired parents alike, and they’ll all ask for seconds. It travels well, reheats beautifully, and doesn’t try to be fancy—it’s just plain good. And with casseroles ranking among the top comfort food cravings according to Healthline, it’s no surprise this one has cult-favorite status.

That’s why recreating a copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole at home is such a win. You get all the nostalgic flavor, none of the waiting-for-a-table energy.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Smart Swaps)

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To make the best copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, you don’t need anything fancy—just some basic fridge and pantry staples. The magic is in the combo: creamy, cheesy, tangy, and golden.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Main Ingredients:

• Frozen shredded hashbrowns (about 30 oz, thawed)
• Sour cream (for that rich tanginess)
• Cream of chicken soup – or try homemade!
• Melted butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese – freshly grated is best (here’s why)
• Finely chopped onion (just a little for flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro tip: Use full-fat ingredients for maximum creaminess—this isn’t the time for diet food. Trust me.

Smart Swaps & Customizations:

• Vegetarian? Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
• Low-sodium option? Choose reduced-salt soup and unsalted butter.
• Want a kick? Kick things up a notch with a dash of cayenne or a handful of chopped jalapeños for a spicy surprise.
• Need gluten-free? Swap in a gluten-free condensed soup like Pacific Foods or Amy’s.

You’ll find that most copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipes follow the same foundation, but the beauty is that you can tweak it based on what you have. And if you love playing with cheesy casseroles, don’t miss our Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole—it’s messy, meaty, and a certified crowd-pleaser.

Ingredient Notes:

• Frozen Hashbrowns: You can use refrigerated or frozen, just make sure they’re thawed. For best results, pat them dry to avoid a watery casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate it yourself for a smoother melt. According to America’s Test Kitchen, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that mess with meltiness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Want to make your own? The Kitchn has a quick DIY version.

By now, you’re halfway to comfort-food glory. Up next? Mixing it all together and making your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole sing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Alright, time to get our hands cheesy! Making this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is easier than convincing your kids to eat something with cheese in it. Here’s how to get it golden, gooey, and perfectly craveable.

Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use butter or a quick spritz of non-stick spray.
• If your frozen hashbrowns are still a little icy, thaw them in the microwave or let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes.

Mix the Magic

In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 small chopped onion
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Then fold in the 30 oz thawed hashbrowns until fully coated. Don’t overmix—just enough to combine everything like a happy, cheesy family reunion.

Assemble and Smooth

• Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.
• Spread it out evenly and gently press down with a spatula to flatten the top (this helps create a beautiful, golden crust).

Bake It to Bubbly Perfection

• Pop it in the oven uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the edges have that irresistible golden crisp.
• If you want a deeper brown crust, broil for the last 3–4 minutes—just don’t walk away! Burnt cheese is a tragedy we don’t need today.

Let It Rest (If You Can)

• Give the casserole a 5–10 minute breather before serving—this lets it firm up and makes scooping way less messy.
• Use that time to set the table, wrangle the kids, or sneak a bite (no judgment).

Bonus Tip:

Want to serve it with something sweet for brunch? Try it with our soft and spicy Amish Apple Fritter Bread for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Flavor Variations Worth Trying

One of the best things about this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is how flexible it is. Think of the original as your cozy base layer—and then dress it up depending on the mood, the season, or the leftovers in your fridge.

Here are a few creative, tested-and-approved twists:

The Veggie-Lover’s Casserole

Swap the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom soup, toss in chopped broccoli or bell peppers, and maybe top it with a little parmesan. It’s still a Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole copycat recipe, just with a green goddess makeover.

Spicy Southern Kick

Love heat? Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can even top your spicy hashbrown casserole with crushed hot Cheetos. (Yes, I went there. No regrets.)

Holiday Ham & Cheese Version

Got leftover ham? Cube it and stir it in before baking. This version makes your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole more filling and totally holiday-worthy. It’s like a ham and cheese sandwich had a cheesy potato baby.

Pair it with our Bisquick Sausage Muffins for a full brunch that feeds an army.

Breakfast-for-Dinner Edition

Crack in a few whisked eggs before baking, add cooked sausage or bacon, and boom—you’ve got a full-blown cheesy breakfast casserole that works for lazy Sundays or meal prep Mondays.

Extra-Cheesy Crust Topper

Want to go full Cracker Barrel? Add an extra cup of shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This brings your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole to legendary status with a gooey golden finish.

Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating Guide

One more reason to love this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole? It’s the meal-prepper’s dream. You can make it ahead, freeze it fully or partially, and reheat it like a pro—without losing that creamy, cheesy texture we all crave.

Here’s how to make sure your hashbrown casserole copycat recipe tastes just as good the second (or third!) time around.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble the entire copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it up snugly with foil or plastic, stash it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, let it hang out on the counter for 20 minutes to warm up a bit.

Tip: You can even prep the ingredients the night before, then mix and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free brunch.

How to Freeze It

Want to freeze it unbaked? Totally doable.

• Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish (like a disposable aluminum pan)
• Cover tightly with 2 layers of plastic wrap and one of foil
• Label with date and baking instructions
• Freeze for up to 3 months

If you’re freezing leftovers:

• Let the casserole cool completely
• Slice into portions
• Wrap and store in airtight freezer bags

Need official storage times? Check the USDA food safety guide for casseroles.

Reheating Tips for Cheesy Perfection

Reheat your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil. Take off the foil during the last 5 minutes to let the top get nice and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can—it softens that golden top.

For single servings:

• Use a toaster oven
• Or microwave in short bursts with a damp paper towel to retain moisture

Bonus: Want to take leftovers to lunch? Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.

What to Serve With This Hashbrown Casserole

Whether you’re making this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it plays well with just about anything. It’s the cheesy MVP of comfort food—and it deserves a supporting cast that’s just as delicious.

Here’s how to build the perfect plate around it:

For a Southern Breakfast Spread

Pair your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole with:

• Scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole with sausage
• Crispy bacon or breakfast ham
• Fresh fruit or orange juice for balance
• And for a sweet twist, try our Amish Apple Fritter Bread—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser

Don’t forget a side of our Bisquick Sausage Muffins. They bake alongside the casserole and round out any brunch table.

For a Cozy Dinner Combo

Serve this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe with:

• Baked BBQ chicken or Southern-style fried chicken
• Meatloaf or pork chops
• Green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
• A fresh salad to cut through the richness

This cheesy side dish is also perfect next to our Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. Match made in heaven.

For Holiday Meals & Potlucks

This hashbrown casserole copycat recipe travels well, reheats like a champ, and satisfies even the picky eaters. Bring it to:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner
• Easter brunch
• Work potlucks
• Or anytime you want people to ask, “Who made the potatoes?!”

Nutritional Info & Portion Guide

Look, we all know this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole isn’t health food—it’s happy food. It’s cheesy, creamy, carb-loaded comfort, and we’re not mad about it. But if you’re curious about the calories (or portion control for your guests), here’s what you need to know.

Typical Nutrition (per serving)

A standard 1-cup serving of copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole contains approximately:

• Calories: 320–350
• Fat: 20–25g
• Carbs: 20–25g
• Protein: 6–8g
• Sodium: 600–750mg (depending on your soup and cheese)

📌 Note: Exact values vary based on the cheese, soup, and butter used. This is a ballpark based on common ingredients.
Healthline breaks down more about hashbrowns and how they fit into a balanced diet.

Portion Size Tips

Planning a meal? Here’s a rough serving guide:

• For breakfast or brunch: 1 cup per person
• For potlucks or holidays with other sides: ½ to ¾ cup per person
• For main-dish servings (with add-ins like ham or sausage): up to 1½ cups

Whether you’re making this hashbrown casserole Cracker Barrel copycat recipe for 4 or 14, it’s easy to scale. You can even bake it in two smaller pans and freeze one for later. (Because yes—you’ll want more later.)

Lightening It Up (Optional)

If you want to make your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole a bit lighter without losing flavor:

• Use light sour cream
• Try a reduced-fat or low-sodium soup
• Cut back slightly on butter (but not too much—we’re not monsters)
• Add in some sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms to stretch it

Storing Leftovers & Shelf Life

The good news? This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole keeps like a champ. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or accidentally made enough to feed a small army (been there), this casserole holds up well for days—and it reheats like a dream.

Here’s how to make your leftovers last while keeping that cheesy, creamy goodness intact.

How to Store Leftovers

• Let your copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole cool completely before refrigerating.
• Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container or wrap them up tightly in foil or plastic to keep them fresh.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Want to reheat just one serving? Pop it in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess—or use a toaster oven for crispier edges.

Can You Freeze It?

Absolutely. This hashbrown casserole Cracker Barrel copycat recipe freezes surprisingly well—just follow a few simple rules:

• Cool completely after baking.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic + foil or use freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing tip: Portion it out before freezing so you don’t end up defrosting a whole tray just for lunch.

How to Reheat Like a Pro

Whether you’re heating up one slice or the entire dish, you want that gooey-cheesy consistency back—without turning it to mush.

• For whole casseroles: Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
• For single servings: Use the microwave in short bursts or a toaster oven for a crispier top.

Need to brush up on food safety for leftovers? Check the USDA guidelines on storing cooked casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole gets a lot of attention online—and a lot of questions. Here are the most common ones, answered with love, cheese, and zero judgment.

Why This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Belongs in Your Recipe Box

There’s a reason this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole has stood the test of time—it’s warm, cheesy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for Sunday brunch, a cozy weeknight dinner, or a holiday potluck, it never disappoints.

This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe has become a go-to in kitchens everywhere for a reason: it delivers restaurant-level flavor using simple, everyday ingredients. Plus, it’s flexible enough to dress up or down, freeze or reheat, and serve to kids, picky eaters, or full-grown Southern grandmas.

For more family-loved ideas like this, check out our Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole or the ever-cozy Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken—both guaranteed to keep the comfort food vibes going strong.

So next time you’re craving that golden, creamy goodness, skip the takeout and bake up your own Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole copycat right at home.

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