Better Than Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole

You’ve always loved the hashbrown casserole at Cracker Barrel, but what if there was a recipe that could rival it? Look no further than the “Better Than Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.” This easy-to-follow recipe promises to deliver a hashbrown casserole that is just as delicious, if not better, than the one served at the beloved restaurant. With ingredients like cheese and tator tots, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next breakfast or brunch gathering. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Cracker Barrel in the comfort of your own home.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Frozen shredded hashbrowns
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Butter
Seasonings
Onion
Garlic

If you want to recreate the iconic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole at home, you’ll need these simple ingredients. Don’t worry, they can all be found at your local grocery store. The frozen shredded hashbrowns provide the base for this delicious dish, while the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese add creamy and cheesy goodness. The butter, onion, and garlic bring flavor and depth to the casserole. Lastly, the seasonings give it that extra kick of deliciousness.

Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole:

Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature. This step ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cooked.
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and your choice of seasonings. This mixture forms the creamy base for the casserole, so make sure to mix it well to ensure a consistent flavor throughout.
Add the frozen shredded hashbrowns and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Gently fold in the ingredients until they are well combined. The hashbrowns and cheese will add texture and flavor to the casserole.
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step adds depth and richness to the overall flavor of the casserole.
Mix the sautéed onion and garlic with the hashbrown mixture in the bowl. Make sure to incorporate all the ingredients evenly, combining the flavors and ensuring that every bite is delicious.
Transfer the hashbrown mixture to a greased baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even layer that will bake to perfection.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time. Keep an eye on the casserole to make sure it doesn’t burn and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Once the casserole is golden brown and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together and ensures that the casserole is at the perfect temperature to enjoy.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to take your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole to the next level:

Thaw the frozen hashbrowns before using them in the recipe. This will ensure that they cook evenly and result in a deliciously creamy casserole.
If you want to add more flavor to your casserole, try using a variety of shredded cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby are all great options.
For a meaty twist, add cooked bacon or ham to the casserole. This will give it an extra punch of flavor and make it a hearty main dish.
If you enjoy a crunchy topping on your casseroles, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before baking. This will add a nice texture contrast to the creamy hashbrowns.
To elevate the flavors, serve your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top. These tangy toppings complement the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing twist.

Also Read About: Quinoa Salad With Vinaigrette

Variations

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some variations you can try:

Vegetarian version: Omit the cream of chicken soup and replace it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You can also add in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and make sure all your other ingredients, including seasonings, are gluten-free. You can also substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Dairy-free version: Instead of using sour cream and cheddar cheese, you can use dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream and dairy-free cheese. There are plenty of options available at most grocery stores.
Spicy version: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the casserole. You can also top it with hot sauce or serve it with a side of pickled jalapenos for those who want to add even more spice.

Feel free to get creative with these variations and adjust the recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is ready to be served, here are some ideas on how to enjoy it:

Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken. The creamy and cheesy hashbrowns complement the savory flavors of grilled meats perfectly.
Make it the star of your meal by enjoying it as a main dish. Pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Bring it to a potluck or family gathering and watch it disappear in no time. The comforting flavors and crowd-pleasing nature of this casserole make it a hit at any social gathering.
Enjoy it for brunch with a side of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. It’s a hearty and delicious way to start your day on a flavorful note.

No matter how you choose to serve it, the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is bound to please everyone at your table.

Make-Ahead Option

If you want to save time on the day of serving, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and follow these make-ahead instructions:

Prepare the casserole as per the recipe instructions up until the point where it needs to be baked.
Instead of baking it right away, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it.
When you are ready to serve, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature and bake the casserole for the recommended time.

Also Read About: Caprese Sandwich Recipe

This make-ahead option allows you to enjoy the convenience of prepping in advance while still enjoying a fresh and delicious casserole.

If you want to store the casserole for longer periods, you can freeze it. Here’s how:

Prepare the casserole as per the recipe instructions, but do not bake it.
Transfer the casserole to an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label the container with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature and bake the casserole for the recommended time.

Make sure to check the casserole for any signs of freezer burn or deterioration before serving.

Cracker Barrel Secrets

Cracker Barrel is known for its delicious comfort food, and the Hashbrown Casserole is just one of their many popular dishes. If you’re a fan of Cracker Barrel and want to recreate more of their recipes at home, there are many copycat recipes available online. These recipes aim to capture the flavors and textures of Cracker Barrel dishes, allowing you to enjoy them in the comfort of your own kitchen.

On top of that, there are other popular dishes at Cracker Barrel that you can try your hand at making, such as their country fried steak, buttermilk biscuits, and chicken and dumplings. These dishes all showcase the down-home cooking that Cracker Barrel is known for, and they are sure to satisfy your cravings.

If you’re looking for some insider tips on how to enhance your experience at Cracker Barrel, there are plenty of restaurant hacks out there. From ordering off-menu items to getting the best deals, these hacks can help you make the most of your dining experience.

Reviews

No comprehensive article about Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole would be complete without reviews from people who have tried this beloved dish. Let’s take a look at some of the feedback from those who have made and enjoyed the casserole:

Positive reviews:

“This hashbrown casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. A definite crowd-pleaser!” – Sarah T.
“I made this for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone kept asking me for the recipe. It’s so easy to make, but tastes like it came from a restaurant.” – Michael D.
“This is my go-to hashbrown casserole recipe. It’s better than anything you can get at Cracker Barrel. The sautéed onions and garlic really take it to the next level.” – Emily S.

Negative reviews:

“I followed the recipe exactly, but the casserole turned out too watery. Maybe I used too much sour cream?” – David R.
“The flavors were there, but the texture was off. The hashbrowns were a bit mushy. I think I’ll stick to making crispy hashbrowns next time.” – Lisa M.
“The casserole was a bit bland for my taste. I added some extra seasonings, and that helped, but I was expecting a bit more flavor overall.” – John H.

Tips from readers:

“I added some diced cooked chicken to make it a complete meal, and it was delicious. Definitely recommend trying it!” – Jessica P.
“I sprinkled some crushed Ritz crackers on top of the casserole before baking, and it added a nice buttery crunch. Highly recommend!” – Jason W.
“I used cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, and it added a nice earthiness to the casserole. Will definitely make it this way again.” – Amanda L.

FAQs

When it comes to cooking a dish as popular as Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, it’s only natural to have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions, along with their answers:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns? Using fresh potatoes is a possibility, but it would require grating and cooking them before adding them to the casserole. This would change the texture and cooking time of the dish.
Can I use a different type of soup? Yes, you can use a different type of soup that suits your taste preferences or dietary needs. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a homemade soup can work well as substitutes.
Can I make this casserole without cheese? While the cheese adds richness and flavor to the casserole, you can omit it if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version. You may need to make adjustments to the seasoning and other ingredients to compensate for the missing cheese.
How long does this casserole last in the fridge? The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, you can reheat the leftovers by placing them in a preheated oven or microwave. However, be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd or want to have leftovers for future meals. Just make sure to adjust the baking time and pan size accordingly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and comforting flavors, it’s no wonder that people flock to Cracker Barrel to enjoy this classic dish.

However, with the homemade version provided in this article, you can now recreate this iconic casserole in the comfort of your own kitchen. By following the simple instructions and helpful tips, you can make a hashbrown casserole that rivals, or even surpasses, the Cracker Barrel original.

So, whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your grilled meats, a satisfying main course, or a dish to impress at your next potluck, the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is sure to please. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a homemade dish that is better than anything you can find at the restaurant.