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This homemade Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is an easy recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table. Made with frozen hash browns, tangy sour cream, and gooey melted cheese, it's a comforting, indulgent dish that's perfect as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Every bite delivers the perfect blend of creamy potatoes and melted cheese that made the original famous.
Why You'll Love This Casserole
If you've ever savored Cracker Barrel's iconic hash brown casserole, you know the magic of its rich, creamy texture and irresistible cheese pull. This homemade version is a spot-on recreation, combining thawed hash browns with a savory blend of cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese. Every bite is a mix of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and just the right hint of seasoning, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Hash Brown Casserole
- Base Ingredients:
- 32 oz frozen hash browns, thawed completely
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Colby cheese, freshly grated
- Creamy Elements:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Add-ins:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Diced bell peppers
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
- Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, diced onion, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Add Seasonings
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, mixing well.
- Layer and Top
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and all of the Colby cheese.
- Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
Thoroughly thaw and pat dry hash browns to prevent excess moisture. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving for easier portioning. For extra crunch, broil the top for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Season to taste before baking as flavors will concentrate during cooking.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve hot as a breakfast side with eggs and bacon, or pair with grilled meats for dinner. Add a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions for extra flavor. Excellent alongside ham for holiday meals or with fried chicken for casual dinners. Makes a great potluck dish as it stays warm for extended periods.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before baking. Reheat individual portions in microwave or whole casserole covered in 350°F oven until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do the hash browns need to be thawed?
- Thawing prevents excess moisture in the casserole, which could make it watery. Thawed hash browns also blend better with other ingredients for even cooking.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- → What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
- You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- → Can I make this lighter?
- Yes, you can use reduced-fat cheese and low-fat sour cream. While the texture might be slightly different, it will still be tasty.
- → Why use two different types of cheese?
- Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor while Colby adds creaminess and great melting qualities. Together they create the perfect cheese combination.