As summer’s end approaches, a warm dish fills the air. It takes you back to the cozy Cracker Barrel. The hashbrown casserole, a Southern favorite, brings back family memories and home-cooked meals.
We’ll show you how to make the famous Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole at home. With a few ingredients and some time, you can enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a classic Southern comfort food dish.
- This recipe features shredded hash browns, melted cheeses, and a creamy sauce.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked for an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish.
- Customizable with different cheese varieties, seasonings, and toppings.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a holiday side dish.
What is a Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a favorite southern comfort food dish. It’s a cheesy hashbrown bake with a creamy, buttery base. It’s made with shredded hash browns and melted cheeses.
This dish is comforting and indulgent. It’s great with many main courses. It’s a hit for holiday side dishes, potlucks, and family meals.
A Southern Comfort Classic
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole comes from the South. It’s a true southern comfort food dish. It mixes cheese, butter, and hash browns for a rich taste.
The creamy, savory, and slightly crispy textures make it a favorite. It’s a dish that everyone loves.
Cheesy Hashbrown Bake
The heart of the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is its creamy, cheesy base. It’s made with shredded hash browns, melted cheeses, and seasonings. This cracker barrel copycat recipe is both comforting and indulgent.
“The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a true Southern classic, capturing the essence of comfort and indulgence in every bite.”
cracker barrel hashbrown casserole Ingredients
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is made with a few key ingredients. The frozen shredded hash browns are at the heart of it. They give the dish its creamy, cheesy, and comforting texture.
The shredded Colby-Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses add a rich, melty quality. This makes the casserole even more delicious.
The recipe uses condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream to bind everything together. These ingredients add a creamy and tangy flavor. Melted butter, onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper also play a role. They all work together to make the dish irresistible.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen Shredded Hash Browns | 60 ounces |
| Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese | 1 lb |
| Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 1 lb |
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (10 1/4 oz) |
| Sour Cream | 1 pint |
| Melted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Finely Chopped Onion | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
With these ingredients, you can make the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole at home. It’s a mix of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. It’s sure to please your taste buds.
Preparing the Hashbrown Casserole
Getting your Cracker Barrel-inspired hashbrown casserole ready for the oven is easy. First, thaw and drain the frozen hash browns. Then, mix them with other ingredients for a creamy, cheesy dish.
Thawing and Draining the Hash Browns
Begin by thawing the 20 ounces of refrigerated shredded hash browns. It’s important to avoid excess moisture. After thawing, drain the hash browns well. This ensures they cook evenly and the casserole has the right texture.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the thawed and drained hash browns with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Add 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 1/4 cups of sour cream, and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Don’t forget a sprinkle of onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
Now, your Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is ready. Transfer it to a greased baking dish and bake in the oven.
Baking the Cracker Barrel Copycat Casserole
Now that you’ve put together your Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, it’s time to bake it. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Get ready to make a cheesy, golden-brown masterpiece.
Patience is key when baking the perfect hashbrown casserole. It needs 45-55 minutes in the oven. This lets the cheese melt and the potatoes get tender.
Keep an eye on it while it bakes. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil. This helps the center cook evenly.
When it’s done, you’ll have a dish that’s bubbly and irresistible. The creamy, cheesy hashbrowns will be the highlight. It’s a baking experience you won’t forget.
| Baking Details | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F |
| Baking Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Serving Size | 1 |
| Yield | 10 servings |
The wait for the perfect baked hashbrown casserole is worth it. Relax and enjoy the aroma of the baking hashbrown casserole. You’re about to make your cracker barrel copycat recipe come to life.
Serving Suggestions for Hashbrown Casserole
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish. It’s perfect for holidays and family gatherings. This creamy, cheesy casserole is sure to please everyone.
Breakfast or Brunch
For a hearty breakfast or brunch, the hashbrown casserole is a great choice. It goes well with eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast. Its savory flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect side for morning dishes.
Serve it with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a classic Southern-style breakfast. Or, top it with a fried egg and fresh chives for a delightful morning meal.
Holiday Side Dish
This hashbrown casserole is also a great holiday side dish. It complements main courses like ham, turkey, or roast beef. Its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors are perfect for a holiday feast.
Serve it alongside your holiday main dish, or bring it to a potluck as a breakfast casserole or side dish.
No matter how you serve it, the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole will be a hit. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a staple for any meal, from breakfast to holiday celebrations.
Adjusting Portions for a Crowd
Scaling up the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole for a big group is easy. You can adjust the recipe for 20, 50, or even 100 people. It’s all about making the right changes.
Large Batch Instructions
To make a big batch of large batch hashbrown casserole, follow these steps:
- Use hotel pans or divide the recipe into several baking dishes. This makes it easy to double or triple the ingredients for more guests.
- When you increase the portions, the baking time will also go up. You might need 20-30 more minutes to cook the center fully.
- Try mixing shredded cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack. It adds more flavor to your large batch hashbrown casserole.
- Offer toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, or sour cream. This lets your guests add their favorite touches to their portions.
These large batch hashbrown casserole tips help you serve a crowd at any event. Whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or special occasion, you’ll impress everyone.
| Servings | Frozen Hash Browns | Shredded Cheese | Condensed Soup | Sour Cream | Butter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2 1/2 – 3 lbs | 8 oz, divided | 2 cans | 12 oz | 1/2 cup, melted |
| 20 | 4 – 5 lbs | 13 oz, divided | 3 cans | 20 oz | 3/4 cup, melted |
| 50 | 10 – 12 lbs | 32 oz, divided | 7 cans | 48 oz | 1 1/4 cups, melted |
| 100 | 20 – 24 lbs | 64 oz, divided | 14 cans | 96 oz | 2 1/2 cups, melted |
By adjusting the portions and following these large batch hashbrown casserole tips, you can make hashbrown casserole for a crowd. Your guests will love the delicious, hearty dish you serve.
Tips for the Perfect Hashbrown Casserole
Making a perfect Cracker Barrel-style hashbrown casserole is easier than you think. Just follow a few simple tips to make sure your dish is delicious every time. Here are the secrets to the best hashbrown casserole:
- Thaw and Drain the Hash Browns: It’s important to thaw and drain the frozen shredded hash browns well before making the casserole. This step helps avoid a soggy or watery dish. A salad spinner can help with draining.
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Use the best brands for the condensed soup and shredded cheeses. Good ingredients make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Bake with Patience: Hash browns need time to cook through. Be patient while baking. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil to cook the inside fully.
By following these tips, you’ll make a perfect Cracker Barrel-inspired hashbrown casserole every time. Enjoy!
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Thaw and Drain the Hash Browns | Thoroughly thaw and drain the frozen shredded hash browns before assembling the casserole to prevent excess moisture and a soggy final dish. |
| Choose High-Quality Ingredients | Use premium brands for the condensed soup and shredded cheeses to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the casserole. |
| Bake with Patience | Allow the hash browns sufficient time to cook through the center, and lightly tent the casserole with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly. |
“With a few simple tips, you can create a Cracker Barrel-worthy hashbrown casserole right in your own kitchen!”
Remember, by following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect hashbrown casserole that will impress your family and friends.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Options
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is great for busy days. You can make hashbrown casserole in advance by putting it together up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake and serve.
But, it’s best not to reheat hashbrown casserole after it’s cooked. The potatoes and cheese can get dry and separate when reheated. For the best taste, bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it.
“The key to a perfect hashbrown casserole is baking it fresh. Reheating can cause the potatoes and cheese to become dry and unappealing.”
If you have leftover casserole, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve, reheat it in the microwave or oven until warm. But, it won’t taste as good as when it’s freshly baked.
For big gatherings or events, you can make more of the casserole. Just remember to adjust the baking time and use bigger dishes if needed. With some planning, you can enjoy Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole without the stress of last-minute prep.
Nutritional Information
It’s key to remember to eat in moderation when it comes to the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole. A single serving has 403 calories, 26 grams of fat, and 15 grams of saturated fat. It also has 27 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of protein.
The dish contains 368 milligrams of sodium and 151 milligrams of potassium. While these numbers might seem high, it can be part of a balanced diet if eaten in moderation.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 403 |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Sodium | 368mg |
| Potassium | 151mg |
Remember, the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a comforting dish. But it’s crucial to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. By controlling portion sizes and knowing the nutrition facts, you can enjoy its delicious taste while staying healthy.
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a favorite Southern dish you can make at home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and buttery, making it great for breakfast, brunch, or holidays. Follow the simple steps in this guide to make a delicious copycat casserole that will wow your loved ones.
If you love the Cracker Barrel or just enjoy hearty hashbrown dishes, this cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is perfect. Enjoy the classic Southern flavors in your own kitchen. The mix of hash browns, melted cheese, and savory ingredients is irresistible.
So, get your ingredients ready and start making a cracker barrel hashbrown casserole that will fill your kitchen with a home-cooked smell. Enjoy this delightful dish and bring the joy of a Cracker Barrel-inspired meal to your table.
F.A.Q
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What is a Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
The Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is a Southern comfort food. It has a creamy, cheesy, and buttery base. It’s made with shredded hash browns and melted cheeses. It’s a favorite at Cracker Barrel and easy to make at home.
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What are the key ingredients in a Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole?
The main ingredients are frozen shredded hash browns and cheeses like Colby-Jack and sharp cheddar. You also need condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Melted butter, onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper add flavor.
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How do you prepare the hashbrown casserole?
A: First, thaw and drain the hash browns to avoid too much moisture. Then, mix the hash browns with melted butter, soup, sour cream, and cheeses in a bowl. Add onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra taste.
Put the mix in a greased baking dish. Bake until the cheese melts and the potatoes are done.
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How can the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole be served?
Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for holidays. It goes well with eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast. It’s also great with ham, turkey, or roast beef at holidays.
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How can the recipe be scaled up for a larger crowd?
You can make more of the casserole for a big group. Use hotel pans or divide it among several dishes. This way, you can serve 20, 50, or even 100 people.
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What are some tips for making the perfect Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole?
For the best casserole, thaw and drain the hash browns well. Use top brands for the soup and cheese. Be patient while baking, covering the top if it browns too fast.
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What is the nutritional information for the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole?
A serving has 403 calories, 26g of fat, and 27g of carbs. It also has 15g of protein, 368mg of sodium, and 151mg of potassium.
