Cheesy Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole – Easy & Delicious

Hey Foodies! If you love the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cracker Barrel’s famous breakfast dishes, you’re going to fall in love with this Cheesy Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe. This very simple-to-make copycat recipe recreates the restaurant classic right in your own kitchen.  I remember the first time I tried it at the restaurant & I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few experiments in my own kitchen, I finally nailed the perfect creamy, cheesy, golden casserole that’s just like the original.

 Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, or a comforting breakfast any day. With a golden, cheesy top and soft, flavorful hashbrowns inside, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, requires simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to deliver that creamy, cheesy perfection every time.

Better Than the Original? My Copycat Tips

There are a lot of hashbrown casserole recipes out there, but this one has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just like the classic Cracker Barrel version  easier to make at home.

I’ve tried making it with cream of chicken soup, and sometimes I swap in cream of cheddar soup if I can find it. Both give a deliciously rich flavor. I also add sour cream, which gives the casserole a little tang and extra creaminess that makes it irresistible. You can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Here’s a detailed guide to soup substitutions

Since this is a copycat recipe, some of my ingredients differ slightly from the restaurant version, but the flavor is hit on. In fact, I sometimes think it tastes even better than the original one.

 Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Here’s why this recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen  and why I think you’ll love it too..

1. Creamy & Cheesy Comfort – Every bite is rich, melty, and comforting, with a golden bubbly top  just like the Cracker Barrel classic, but made at home your way.
   
2. Easy & Quick to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or last-minute gatherings.
   
3. Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, holidays, or potlucks, this casserole is always a master piece.
   
4. Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.  Easy, stress-free and delicious.
   
5. Customizable to Your Taste – Add bacon, different cheeses, or a hint of spice to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I usually gather before making this Cheesy Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole:

• Shredded hashbrowns – the base of this classic casserole. I prefer frozen, thawed Hashbrown for convenience.
  
• Condensed cream of chicken soup – the creamy binder. You can also use cream of cheddar soup if you like it extra cheesy.
  
• Sour cream – adds a little tang and extra creaminess. Trust me, don’t skip this!
  
• Shredded cheddar cheese – the more, the better! For a golden top, reserve a small handful for sprinkling.
  
• Butter – melts into the casserole, giving it a rich flavor.
  
• Onion – finely diced; optional but adds subtle sweetness and depth.
  
• Salt & pepper – adjust to taste.
  

Pro Tip: You can also mix in bacon bits or green onions for a personal twist. Honestly, my family loves that variation.

How to Make Cheesy Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

Ready to bring that creamy, cheesy goodness from Cracker Barrel straight to your kitchen?  Follow these simple steps, and I’ll show you how to make this casserole fluffy, golden, and irresistible every time.

 Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter or non-stick spray. I always do this first so I’m not rushing later coz it saves time.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together 3 cups shredded Hashbrown, 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons melted butter, diced onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar, saving the rest for the top. I like to fold gently so the Hashbrown stay fluffy & don’t overmix.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top. I always add a little extra for a gooey, golden finish. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. I sometimes peek at 40 minutes and give the top a little extra broil for 2-3 minutes if I want it extra crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing as this makes it easier to serve. I love serving it alongside eggs or bacon for a complete brunch spread.

 My Favorite Topping Ideas for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

One thing that is most lovely about this recipe is, I can customize it according to my family taste. Here are few toppings that I personally tried and turned out amazing.

1. Extra Gooey Cheese

Because who doesn’t love more cheese? HA HA! I like sprinkling a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella on top for that perfectly gooey, golden finish.

2. Crispy Bacon Bits

Cooked bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch that balances the creamy casserole. I always sneak a few pieces on top before baking & it disappears fast.

3. Crunchy Panko Topping

If you love a little crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. It gives that restaurant-style golden crust that everyone raves about.

4. Fresh Herbs

Once it’s baked, a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds color, freshness, and flavor. I often toss this on right before serving for that extra touch.

5. Combine for Extra Fun

Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Cheese + bacon + panko is my ultimate indulgence for special occasions.

Make-Ahead Tips for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

I love mornings when I can just pop breakfast in the oven without rushing  and that’s exactly why this casserole is a make-ahead miracle. The night before, I mix all the ingredients and spread them in my greased baking dish. Then, I cover it tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge.

The next morning, I let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven preheats. Then I bake it, and in just 45-50 minutes, my kitchen smells like a cozy breakfast at Cracker Barrel. It’s creamy, cheesy, and golden on top with no stress, just comfort.

Tip from me: Letting it rest a few minutes before baking helps it cook evenly and keeps the hashbrowns from drying out.

 How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Sometimes I make a bigger batch, and trust me, the leftovers are just as good as if not better. I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, I wrap the casserole tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe dish. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy it again, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

 Pro Tip: I like to cover it with foil for the first 10 minutes of reheating so the top doesn’t over-brown, then uncover for the last few minutes to get that perfect golden finish.

Serving Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

I love how versatile this casserole is. It’s just as good for a lazy weekend breakfast as it is for a holiday brunch. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it…

• Classic Breakfast Spread: I pair it with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage for a hearty morning meal. Pair it with Breakfast Quesadilla for a hearty morning meal.
  
• Brunch Table Hero: Serve alongside a fresh fruit platter or a light salad to balance the richness as it’s perfect for family brunches or weekend gatherings. You can also serve along Russian Blinis for a fun, brunch-style spread. The light, fluffy blinis balance the rich, creamy casserole perfectly.
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• Holiday Favorite: Make it for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning along with Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe. It’s always a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.
  
• Potluck Star: Take it to a potluck or buffet, and I promise it will be the first dish to vanish.
  

Pro Tip: I sometimes add a little extra shredded cheese on top right before serving for a final golden touch & everyone loves that.

Nutrition Information for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

I know we all love indulging in this creamy, cheesy casserole, but it’s nice to know what you’re getting per serving. Here’s an estimate of the nutrition for 5-6 servings, so you can enjoy it mindfully.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	—
Protein	10g	20%
Carbohydrates	20g	7%
Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	45mg	15%
Sodium	780mg	34%
Fiber	2g	8%
Sugar	2g	2%

Friendly Tip: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and quantities you use. 

Final Thoughts & Enjoy Your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

There you have it – a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible Hashbrown casserole that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special holiday table. You can make it ahead, store leftovers, or add fun toppings to suit your family’s tastes.

I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. There’s nothing better than that golden, bubbly cheese on top and the smell of a comforting breakfast filling your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings or prep it ahead as this casserole is forgiving and always delicious.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Give a rating & leave a comment below, let me know your favorite topping, I always get excited seeing your creations. And don’t forget to save this recipe for later or share it with friends who need a cheesy breakfast in their lives.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)