Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is pure comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and golden, with tender shredded potatoes baked in a rich cheddar sauce. It’s the side dish everyone fights over, and this copycat recreates it exactly. It’s also gloriously easy: stir everything in one bowl, bake, and serve. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Casserole
- Creamy, cheesy, and golden — the exact Cracker Barrel flavor.
- One bowl, no fuss — stir, spread, and bake.
- Crowd favorite — feeds 8 and disappears fast.
- Make-ahead friendly — assemble the night before.
The Ingredients That Matter
- Frozen shredded hash browns — thaw them first and pat off excess moisture so the casserole bakes creamy, not watery.
- Cream of chicken soup — the classic binder that makes it rich and savory.
- Sour cream — adds tang and creaminess.
- Sharp cheddar — grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor; some goes in, some on top.
How to Make It
Stir everything together, spread it into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. Full timing is in the recipe card below.
Pro Tips
- Thaw and drain the hash browns — excess water is the enemy of a creamy casserole.
- Grate cheese fresh for a smoother melt than pre-shredded.
- Broil the last 2–3 minutes for an extra-golden, crispy cheese top.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so it sets up.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, onion, half the cheddar, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Spread into the baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
What to Serve With It
It’s the ultimate comfort side — perfect next to eggs and bacon at brunch, or alongside roast chicken and ham for dinner. Craving more cheesy comfort? Try our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hashbrown casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it (without the top cheese) and refrigerate overnight. Add the cheese and bake the next day, allowing a few extra minutes since it starts cold.
Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead?
Absolutely. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work if you prefer them or want it meat-free.
How do I get a crispy top?
Broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
More Copycat Comfort Food
Love cheesy classics? Don’t miss our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese.
