Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
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Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole starts with homemade soup and ends with a heap of cheese. Enjoying a fabulous restaurant dish at home has never been easier, thanks to this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe! You’ll love this copycat recipe!
Everyone agrees that a delicious breakfast is the most important part of the day – but I think that this simple recipe is also a great side dish.
I’ve been making this copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe for years – and it’s one of the best things – ever.
My whole family loves it when I make this cheesy hashbrown casserole because it really does taste like it came from the Cracker Barrel restaurant.
I also think that you can eat this as a main meal – because it’s hearty and delicious. To get started, gather the handful of ingredients needed.
You’ll have the restaurant version of this cheesy casserole in no time at all!
Forget about spending big bucks to get Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole – and make your own. I promise you that this easy recipe tastes like the real thing!
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
I have a Cracker Barrel really close to my house, but still every time I see that distinct sign I drift 2,346 miles east-northeast to my old hometown in Florida.
Cracker Barrel has such fond memories. I love the country feel wrapped up in that restaurant. I especially love this Hash Brown Casserole!
Now, you can enjoy it anytime in your own kitchen. With only 10 minutes to prep this casserole it is the perfect Sunday breakfast.
Make your hashbrowns in the air fryer to add to your breakfast. Looking for another way to use hash browns? Check out these Cheesy Bacon Hashbrown Waffles!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Frozen Hashbrowns – You’ll want the shredded potato variety, not the diced potatoes, for this copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole. No need to thaw first!
- Cheese – I prefer Colby cheese, but cheddar would be just as tasty. Or, use both! You could also toss in a little Pepper Jack if you prefer your food spicy.
- Poultry Seasoning – This is typically a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg, and onion powder. Find it in the spice aisle of your grocery store.
Make Ahead Instructions for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
It doesn’t get much easier than this! Throw this together for overnight guests, busy holidays, or easy weekend breakfasts.
Prepare according to the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe below, then tightly cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator.
The next morning, pop it right in the oven and increase the cooking time by a few minutes!
I suggest using a foil pan in this instance, as glass or ceramic bakeware can crack from the sudden temperature change.
Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole Tips and Tricks
- Split into smaller pans. You can also divide this recipe into two 8×8 casserole dishes if needed.
- Add more cheese! For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle additional shreds over the top of your Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole for the last 10 minutes of cook time.
- Make it a meal. Easily toss in leftover chicken or ham to bulk up this dish.
Need an easy way to sneak in some veggies?
Chop up steamed broccoli and mix it into this Cracker Barrel copycat hashbrown casserole before baking. Even the pickiest of eaters won’t mind!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium Sauce Pan
- 9 x 13 Casserole Dish – I have my favorites, and this set is one of them. The 9×13 is perfect for casseroles, and the smaller size is awesome for making halved recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole with all of your breakfast favorites — scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit.
It’s also delicious alongside fried chicken, pork chops, and even Salisbury steak. Add some veggies or a green salad to round out your plate.
Don’t forget that you can whip up these cheesy potatoes for anytime that the craving strikes.
While I make this easy hashbrowns casserole as a holiday morning breakfast food, amazing recipes like this are great for a dinner side as well.
Serve it whoever the whole family wants to enjoy their individual servings and have fun! It’s sure to be a new favorite!
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe FAQ
As far as we know, the original Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe does not contain eggs — and neither does our homemade version.
Once cooked, leftovers can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.
You can also freeze Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole! It will keep for up to 3 months, whether cooked or uncooked.
Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed or reheat for 20-25 minutes at 350°F.
You can if you want, but that takes too much time for me! I love this easy casserole recipe because I get to use already shredded potatoes which is the best way to save on prep time.
Cleaning the fresh potatoes, trying to soak out the excess moisture, and then shredding them all to be even to make an even layer is too much work than I want to do. I buy the casserole ingredients as prepped and ready as possible!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 26 ounce package frozen shredded hash browns
- 8 ounces shredded Colby cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F.
- In medium sized saucepan, over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Once butter is melted add 2 tablespoons flour and all seasonings. Whisk to create a paste. Add milk, whisking as you pour. Whisk until completely combined.
- In a quart sized mason jar combine 2 tablespoons flour and chicken broth. Seal tightly and shake the living tar out of your mixture. You will create a smooth flour mixture for thickening your sauce called a slurry.
- Slowly pour slurry into mixture, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour soup into 9×13 casserole dish. Add remaining 6 tablespoons butter and onions. Stir until butter is melted. This will also start to cool your soup. Add cheese and frozen hash browns. Mix well with a spoon.
- Bake 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2013, updated and republished July 2024
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I love all the recipies you have posted on here. I made a few of them, but can't remember what they were. Thanks
What brand of hash browns do you use? Some of them are shredded too thin.
This is excellent! So flavorful! I love me some hashbrowns!
I love this recipe! It is the only one that I use when I make a hash brown cassserole.
This recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian website is a game-changer! So easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s like having a piece of Cracker Barrel at home.
Hi Sydney!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
donna’s recipes are always a hit in my house, and this hash brown casserole was no exception. i added some diced ham for extra flavor, and it turned out fantastic!
Hi Blake!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Donna and Chad have done it again! This hash brown casserole recipe is simply amazing. It’s a 5-star winner for sure.
Hi William!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
We need to cut out butter. Can avocado oil substitute?
Hi Glenn!
It should work almost the same. Let us know how it turns out!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn