Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food Magic You Can Make at Home
If you’ve ever eaten at Cracker Barrel, you probably remember their famous hashbrown casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. And guess what? You can make it right at home with this easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe!
In this simple guide, brought to you By Luna, we’ll show you how to recreate this cheesy, cozy classic. Whether you want it for breakfast, dinner, or your next potluck, this dish is always a hit.
Let’s get started and bring a little piece of Cracker Barrel into your kitchen!
Why Everyone Loves the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
People all over the country love looking for the best Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe—and for good reason!
Here’s what makes it so special:
- Crispy golden edges from shredded potatoes
- A creamy, cheesy inside that’s rich and comforting
- Just the right amount of onion for flavor
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- It goes with everything—from eggs to BBQ
It’s a perfect side dish (or even a main meal!) that the whole family will enjoy.
Now, let’s learn how to cook it!
The Ultimate Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe (By Luna)
This copycat recipe is quick, simple, and full of that baked cheesy goodness you love. You’ll have it ready for the oven in less than 15 minutes!
🔽 Here’s what you need:
✅ Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz.) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup (you can use cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup melted butter (unsalted)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for topping
🥣 Directions:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a big mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded hashbrowns and shredded cheese to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into your baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
- (Optional: Mix about 1 tablespoon of melted butter with crushed cornflakes or crackers and sprinkle on top.)
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the casserole is nice and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
👏 Done! Time to dig in.
👩🍳 Pro Tips From Luna:
- Want extra cheese? Sprinkle an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Like thicker chunks? Use diced frozen hashbrowns instead. Just bake it a little longer.
- Make ahead: You can prep this dish the night before and bake it in the morning. Perfect for weekends and holiday brunches.
Variations to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to change it up!
Try these fun ideas:
Vegetarian Version:
Swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Just make sure your cheese doesn’t have any animal rennet (check the label).
Meaty Add-Ins:
Add cooked bacon, sausage, or chopped ham if you want to make it more hearty!
Kick Up the Spice:
Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of red pepper flakes, or use Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free cream soup and check that your hashbrowns and cheese are gluten-free too.
Dairy-Free:
Use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free sour cream substitute. You can also blend silken tofu with lemon juice for a creamy texture.
How to Serve Hashbrown Casserole Like a Pro
This cheesy casserole is great any time of day! Here’s how you can make the most of it:
For Breakfast or Brunch:
- Serve with eggs and crispy bacon or sausage links.
- Create a “build-your-own” casserole bar with toppings like hot sauce, green onions, and sliced avocado.
- Top it with a poached egg for a fancy brunch dish!
Dinner:
- Serve it beside roast chicken, grilled steak, or BBQ pulled pork.
- Add a side salad or some steamed veggies to make it a balanced meal.
For Potlucks or Gatherings:
- Bake it in a disposable foil pan for easy cleanup.
- Cut into squares and serve with toothpicks as a warm appetizer.
Freezer-Friendly Tip:
Want to save some for later? You sure can!
Underbake the casserole by about 10 minutes, let it cool, then cover with foil and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, bake it at 375°F (190°C) until hot and golden.
✓ Keeps up to 2 months in the freezer.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is easy and foolproof.
Here’s why it’s perfect for anyone, even beginners:
- Simple and affordable ingredients
- No complicated steps
- Frozen hashbrowns = no peeling or chopping
- Can be made ahead and frozen
- You can adjust it however you like
It’s comfort food that’s super easy—and absolutely delicious.
Real Reviews from Home Cooks Like You
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what home cooks are saying about this dish:
🗣️ “I brought this to a church potluck and it disappeared fast! Everyone asked for the recipe. It was gone before I even sat down.”
🗣️ “My kids ask for this casserole every weekend. I add some bacon and extra cheese—and they clean their plates every time.”
🗣️ “We don’t eat meat, so I used cream of mushroom. My husband loved it so much, he had seconds and thirds!”
Now it’s your turn to give it a try. 😋
The Best Comfort Food Is the Kind You Make Yourself
No matter the time of year, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe brings big smiles and full bellies. It’s cozy, cheesy, and easy to prepare—what more could you want?
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday, brunch, or just a regular Tuesday night, this dish fits the moment.
Let us know how yours turns out! If you post a photo, tag @ByLunaand or use the hashtag #ByLunaCasseroleLove so we can see your masterpiece.
Ready to Cook Up Comfort?
Bookmark this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe so you have it handy for your next family meal or gathering. And be sure to share it with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!
For more comfort food favorites and super simple recipes, follow By Luna. We’ve got you covered with weekly kitchen inspiration!
🥄 Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
