Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is one of those iconic comfort food dishes that people can’t stop craving. Known for its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and golden top, this casserole is a Southern classic that pairs perfectly with breakfast, brunch, or even as a hearty side for dinner. If you’ve ever visited the famous Cracker Barrel restaurant chain, you’ll know this dish has earned its spot as a customer favorite, right alongside biscuits, fried apples, and country-style favorites.

What makes the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe so special is its simplicity. With shredded hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, and a few pantry spices, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish at home in under an hour. Much like the cozy satisfaction of the Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe or the hearty flavors in the Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between rich indulgence and everyday comfort.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch, potluck, or weeknight dinner, the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe delivers cheesy, soul-warming goodness that disappears fast. It’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own, or you can pair it with lighter dishes like Apple Chickpea Salad for balance. Once you try making this at home, it’s sure to become a regular part of your comfort food rotation.

Origins of Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe has its roots in classic Southern comfort food traditions. Cracker Barrel, founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, built its reputation around hearty, homestyle meals that reminded guests of family kitchens across the South. One of the standout menu items quickly became the hashbrown casserole, a dish that perfectly combined shredded potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese into a warm, satisfying bake.

This recipe reflects the heart of American diner and country cooking: affordable ingredients, simple methods, and flavors that bring nostalgia. Potatoes have long been a staple in Southern households, appearing in casseroles, fried breakfasts, and Sunday suppers. By transforming basic pantry items into something rich and indulgent, the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe became a household name. Its appeal is much like other timeless recipes, such as the cozy Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe or the savory Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, both of which carry cultural heritage through comfort and flavor.

Over time, home cooks began recreating this restaurant favorite in their own kitchens. The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe spread quickly across potluck tables, holiday buffets, and family gatherings, much like how the Apple Chickpea Salad became a go-to for healthy yet delicious sides. Today, it’s not just a Cracker Barrel signature item; it’s a Southern classic that symbolizes comfort, tradition, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.

Tips and Tricks for Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is simple to make, but a few smart tips can take it from good to unforgettable:

1. Use Frozen or Fresh Hashbrowns – Both work well, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them completely to avoid extra moisture.
2. Choose the Right Cheese – Sharp cheddar delivers the best flavor. For a creamier texture, add a small amount of cream cheese, similar to how creaminess enhances the Pureed Vegetable Soup Recipe.
3. Balance the Creaminess – Sour cream is a key ingredient. Please don’t skip it, as it gives the casserole its signature tang, much like how a touch of freshness elevates the Apple Chickpea Salad.
4. Add a Crispy Topping – For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or even potato chips on top before baking. This creates a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside.
5. Make Ahead Friendly – Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day, perfect for holidays or busy mornings.
6. Custom Add-Ins – Stir in diced ham, bacon, or veggies for extra flavor. This transforms the casserole from a side dish to a full meal, much like the versatility of the Crawfish Etouffee Recipe.

With these tricks, your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe will always turn out cheesy, creamy, and irresistibly golden on top.

Health Benefits of Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe may be known as a comfort food, but it also provides some nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Potatoes are the base of this dish, offering a good source of carbohydrates for energy, along with potassium to support healthy blood pressure. The cheese and sour cream provide calcium and protein, which are essential for strong bones and muscle function.

While the casserole is rich and indulgent, you can make it lighter by using reduced-fat cheese, light sour cream, or even Greek yogurt as a substitute. Pairing the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe with fresh, nutrient-packed sides like Apple Chickpea Salad or the cozy Pureed Vegetable Soup Recipe helps balance your meal and adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Here’s an approximate nutrition profile for one serving (based on 10 servings per casserole):

By preparing this dish at home, you can control the ingredients, making the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe as indulgent or as light as you’d like; while keeping the same comforting flavor.

Variations of Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

The beauty of the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is that it’s endlessly adaptable. With a few changes, you can transform it into a main dish, make it lighter, or add bold flavors for a new twist. Here are some of the most popular variations:

1. Loaded Hashbrown Casserole – Add cooked bacon, ham, or diced chicken for extra protein. This transforms it into a full meal, similar to how the Crawfish Etouffee Recipe can go from a side to the star of the table.
2. Vegetable Hashbrown Casserole – Stir in broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutrient boost. Like the balance found in the Apple Chickpea Salad, adding veggies brings freshness and color.
3. Spicy Hashbrown Casserole – Kick it up with jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy sausage. A bold variation for those who love heat.
4. Lighter Hashbrown Casserole – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier spin, similar to how creamy swaps elevate the Pureed Vegetable Soup Recipe.
5. Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole – Mix in scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and a touch of onion for a hearty morning dish.

These variations prove that the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe isn’t just a side dish, it’s a versatile comfort food that can adapt to any table, from brunch buffets to weeknight dinners.

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe From OoohDelish!

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

5 from 1 vote

The Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is a creamy, cheesy Southern classic made with shredded potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dinner side.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 30 oz bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and drained
• 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for lighter version
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for topping

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 9×13-inch baking dish
• 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine thawed hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top. If desired, add crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
5. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.
• Add diced ham, bacon, or sausage for a hearty breakfast casserole.
• Pairs perfectly with Apple Chickpea Salad or Pureed Vegetable Soup Recipe for a balanced meal.
• Can be assembled a day ahead; just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving.

Share Your Twist

Share Your Twist on the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Did you add bacon for a smoky twist? Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to make it lighter? Or maybe you topped it with crispy cornflakes for extra crunch?
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