Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or brunch gatherings, this casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, ensuring your guests will be coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready to bake.
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is satisfying enough to serve as the main dish or as a side for any meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with cheddar cheese, this recipe brings rich flavors that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dish will impress friends and family alike.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the preparation process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all the ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Baking pan: The right size ensures even cooking and proper texture for your casserole.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the pan, making it easier to serve.
Ingredients
For this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
For the Casserole
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine chopped onion, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. Add in the sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Mix well until all are fully incorporated.
3. Fold in the hash browns and pour in the melted butter. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 3: Prepare Baking Pan
Grease your 9×11 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Spoon the hash brown mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly on top.
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy serving it at your next gathering or as a comforting weeknight meal.
How to Serve Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Serving Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is easy and versatile. This dish can be enjoyed in many ways, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Breakfast Brunch
- Pair with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast spread.
- Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a classic brunch.
Family Dinner
- Present as a comforting side dish with roasted chicken or turkey.
- Offer it next to grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
Potluck Favorite
- Bring it to potlucks in a covered dish; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley for an appealing presentation.
Game Day Snack
- Cut into smaller portions and serve as finger food at game day parties.
- Accompany with dips like ranch or salsa for extra flavor.
Holiday Gatherings
- Include it on your holiday table; it complements festive entrees beautifully.
- Top with crispy onions for a special touch during celebrations.
How to Perfect Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
To achieve the best results with your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, follow these helpful tips.
- Use frozen hash browns: Thawing them ensures even cooking and provides the right texture.
- Choose quality cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the flavor of your casserole.
- Don’t skip the butter: It adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy top layer.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor variations.
- Bake uncovered: Leaving it uncovered allows the top to crisp while heating through.
- Let it cool before serving: Allowing it to sit helps set the casserole, making it easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed in garlic provide a crisp contrast.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer earthy flavors that complement cheesy dishes well.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The tanginess of coleslaw pairs nicely with hearty casseroles.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: For cheese lovers, adding another cheesy dish creates an indulgent feast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s taste and texture.
- Skipping the thawing step: Using frozen hash browns directly can lead to a watery casserole. Always thaw them beforehand for better consistency.
- Not measuring ingredients: Eye-balling the cheese or butter may result in an unbalanced flavor. Use precise measurements for the best outcome.
- Overbaking: Baking too long can dry out the casserole. Keep an eye on it and remove it when it’s golden and bubbly.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your casserole bland. Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they are crucial for enhancing flavors.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well, affecting creaminess. Opt for good quality cheddar for a richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
You can use fresh potatoes, but they should be grated and partially cooked before adding them to the recipe.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
Consider adding ingredients like garlic powder, bell peppers, or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
How do I make it healthier?
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese. This will reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before and store it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness are sure to satisfy your cravings. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste!
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Savor the comforting flavors of Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, a creamy and cheesy dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal. This simple yet delicious casserole features tender hash browns mixed with savory onion, rich cheddar cheese, and creamy soup, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing brunch for friends, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfectly crispy on top and gooey underneath, this comforting casserole is bound to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 8 tbsp butter (melted)
- 10 ¾ oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped onion, 1 cup cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in sour cream and cream of chicken soup until well blended.
- Fold in thawed hash browns and melted butter until evenly mixed.
- Grease a 9×11 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and pour in the mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 45-60 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 207g)
- Calories: 301
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 703mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
