The comfort of a hearty dish can take you back to simpler times, reminding you of family gatherings and cozy dinners. One dish that always evokes nostalgia is hashbrown casserole, reminiscent of the beloved Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. It has a rich, creamy texture and savory flavor that leaves you wanting more, making it a perfect choice for potlucks, brunches, or family dinners.
What makes this casserole truly special is its ease of preparation. You can whip it up with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. In about an hour, you’ll have a golden-brown casserole ready to serve. It appeals to everyone—from kids to adults—thanks to its cheesy goodness and comforting warmth.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick and easy to prepare: Assemble it in under 15 minutes!
- Satisfying flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite.
- Versatile meal: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
- Feeds a crowd: Great for parties or family gatherings.
“This casserole is incredibly comforting and a hit at every gathering.”
Step-by-step overview
Making this creamy casserole is straightforward: combine frozen hashbrowns, chopped onions, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter in a bowl. Once mixed, season to taste, spread it in a baking dish, and bake until golden and bubbly.
What you’ll need
- 2 pounds frozen hashbrowns
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Frozen hashbrowns: Offers convenience and uniform texture. Freshly grated potatoes can be used but require more prep.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess; you can replace it with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides a strong flavor; feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Sour cream: Gives tanginess and moisture. Plain Greek yogurt can replace it for a healthier twist.
How to make it
You’ll love how straightforward this dish is to prepare. Simply follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, chopped onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and melted butter.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: For added flavor depth, sauté the onions before mixing them in for a fragrant, sweeter taste.
Helpful cooking tips
- Bake until golden brown for that crispy top texture.
- For a deeper flavor, consider adding garlic powder or paprika.
- Keep an eye on doneness; if the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the remainder of baking.
- Allow cooling for better cutting; it firms up and holds its shape nicely.
- Use fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh garnish right before serving.
Serving suggestions
This hashbrown casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Add some sliced avocado on top or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch. Don’t hesitate to serve it alongside breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or bacon for a hearty brunch spread.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for a few days, making for quick reheats during the week. You can also freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until hot.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If your casserole is too dry, consider adding a splash of milk or broth before baking. If you find that it’s bland, a sprinkle of seasoning can boost the flavor. For a soggy texture, ensure that the hashbrowns are not packed too tightly in the dish, allowing for even cooking. If it overcooks, cover with foil to prevent the top from burning while the inside heats through.
Recipe variations
You can easily modify this hashbrown casserole to suit your tastes. For instance, feel free to add cooked bacon or sausage for extra protein. You could also mix in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutritional boost. If you’d like to make it spicier, sprinkle in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce before mixing.
Common questions
What’s the best way to freeze the casserole?
To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish but skip the baking. Once ready, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can bake it directly from frozen, just add additional time as needed.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. However, you’ll need to shred them, rinse, and dry them thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to a soggy casserole.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole is done when it turns a beautiful golden brown on top and is bubbling at the edges. A toothpick or fork inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that it’s heated through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It may require slight adjustments to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This hashbrown casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside breakfast meats, fresh fruit, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It’s also perfect on its own as a comforting side dish.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, chopped onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and melted butter.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!