Cracker Barrel's Cheesy Hasbrowns: A Tasty Adventure

Cracker Barrel's hashbrown casserole is a popular dish, with many people attempting to recreate it at home. The dish is made with shredded hash browns, cheese, and a variety of other ingredients such as sour cream, butter, and onions. The recipe typically calls for frozen hash browns, but some people prefer to use refrigerated hash browns to achieve a better texture. The casserole is easy to prepare, requiring only about 5 minutes of prep time, and is a perfect breakfast or brunch option for families and gatherings. It can also be made ahead of time and frozen for convenience.

Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole can be made with refrigerated shredded hash browns

Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole is a popular dish that can be easily made at home. While many recipes call for frozen hash browns, it can also be made with refrigerated shredded hash browns for a quicker and more convenient option. This is especially useful if you don't want to wait for frozen hash browns to thaw before preparing the casserole.

Using refrigerated shredded hash browns, such as those from Simply Potatoes or Resers, can result in a casserole with a better texture. Refrigerated hash browns hold their shape better and won't break apart when mixed, resulting in a less powdery and wet casserole. They can be found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually near the breakfast sausage.

To make the casserole, simply combine the refrigerated shredded hash browns with other ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, butter, onions, and spices. Most recipes call for shredded Colby or cheddar cheese, but you can also use a combination of the two or shredded cheese off the block for better quality. The mixture is then baked in the oven until golden brown and crisp.

The advantage of using refrigerated hash browns is that they create a smaller recipe, making it ideal for smaller households. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled if needed, and you can also add meat or vegetables to make it a more substantial dish.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to make Cracker Barrel's Hashbrown Casserole, using refrigerated shredded hash browns is a great option!

The recipe includes cheese, sour cream, and condensed soup

Cracker Barrel's Cheesy Hasbrown Casserole

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easily found in local grocery stores.

• Frozen hash browns – shredded hash browns or cubed hash browns (frozen/thawed).
• Condensed cream of chicken soup – you can also substitute cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or cream of cheddar soup.
• Butter – you can use either salted or unsalted butter.
• Onions – you can use yellow onions or sweet vidalia onions.
• Cheese – Colby or cheddar cheese. We love to use sharp cheddar, or you can also use mild or medium cheddar.
• Sour cream – full-fat or light sour cream will work.
• Optional – when serving with a savoury dinner, you can add up to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Parsley (optional) – sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley when serving.

Method

• Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, or grease the casserole dish lightly with butter.
• In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onions, 2 cups of the shredded cheese, sour cream, and pepper.
• Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth out with a spoon or spatula.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the casserole.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
• Cool for five minutes, then enjoy!

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container, or cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two to three days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat leftover hash brown casserole, bring the refrigerated dish to room temperature, then cover the pan with aluminium foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 325° F oven.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Yes, you can make this hash brown casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Allow the casserole to come to room temperature, then cook as directed.

Freezing Instructions

Yes, you can freeze this casserole unbaked. Cover it tightly with aluminium foil and freeze for up to two months. To cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed.

It can be served as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Cracker Barrel's hashbrown casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its cheesy, creamy goodness pairs well with a variety of meals, making it a crowd-pleasing favourite for potlucks, family gatherings, or lazy weekend meals.

For breakfast, this casserole is a delicious companion to eggs and bacon, offering a hearty and indulgent start to the day. It can also be a tasty brunch option, especially when served with chicken or a salad. The addition of protein, such as leftover chicken, ham, or ground beef, can make it a more substantial meal.

As a side dish for lunch, the hashbrown casserole is an excellent complement to Crispy Oven Parmesan Chicken or a Ranch 7 Layer Salad. Its cheesy goodness adds flavour and texture to the meal, making it a satisfying lunch option.

For dinner, the casserole is versatile enough to be served with a range of main courses, from meat and veggies to chicken and ham. Its convenience as a make-ahead dish also makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when feeding a crowd.

The versatility of this casserole lies in its simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. The use of refrigerated or frozen hash browns, cheese, sour cream, and condensed soup creates a creamy, cheesy dish that can be tailored to suit different tastes and occasions. It can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy households.

Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Cracker Barrel's hashbrown casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to satisfy. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to option for any meal.

It can be prepared in five minutes and takes less than an hour to cook

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a quick and easy dish to prepare, with only five minutes of prep time and less than an hour needed to cook it. It's a perfect breakfast or brunch option and can be served as a side dish for a savoury meal. The recipe yields a 9x13-inch casserole, which is great for feeding a crowd at potlucks and family gatherings. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and the casserole can be made even more convenient by preparing it ahead of time or freezing it for later.

Ingredients:

• Frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed) or refrigerated shredded hashbrowns
• Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery/cheddar soup)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Onions (yellow or sweet vidalia)
• Cheddar Cheese (sharp, mild or medium)
• Sour cream (full fat or light)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Parsley (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Protein: up to 2 cups of chopped cooked ham or bacon
• Veggies: broccoli or cauliflower, pre-cooked until crisp-tender
• Toppings: crispy fried onions or cornflakes

Instructions:

• Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter.
• In a large bowl, combine the hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onions, 2 cups of shredded cheese, sour cream, and seasonings (salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder).
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spoon or spatula.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the casserole.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
• Cool for five minutes before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat, bring the dish to room temperature, cover with aluminium foil, and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that can be easily customised with various add-ins and toppings. Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or a comforting side!

The recipe can be customised by adding meat or vegetables

The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customised with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary requirements. Here are some suggestions for customising the recipe by adding meat or vegetables:

Adding Meat

If you'd like to boost the protein content of your casserole or make it a more substantial meal, consider adding some meat. Here are some options:

• Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the casserole or mix it into the hashbrown mixture before baking.
• Ham: Chopped cooked ham can be added to the casserole for a heartier dish.
• Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken can be shredded or chopped and incorporated into the casserole.
• Sausage: Cooked breakfast sausage or ground sausage can be a tasty addition to the hashbrown mixture.

Adding Vegetables

For a more nutritious and colourful dish, you can add vegetables to the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. Here are some ideas:

• Broccoli: Steam or blanch broccoli florets and mix them into the casserole before baking.
• Cauliflower: Tender florets of cauliflower can be added for extra texture and flavour.
• Bell Peppers: Chopped bell peppers, either mild or spicy varieties, can be sautéed and mixed into the hashbrown mixture.
• Jalapeno Peppers: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeno peppers to the casserole.

When adding vegetables, it is recommended to pre-cook them until they are slightly tender before incorporating them into the casserole. This ensures that they are cooked to your desired doneness and prevents them from releasing too much moisture into the dish.

Feel free to experiment with other ingredients as well! The beauty of this casserole is its adaptability to personal preferences and dietary needs. You can make it heartier with meat additions or more nutritious with vegetable inclusions.

Frequently asked questions