Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

The first forkful of this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole delivers a perfect symphony of creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden-brown crust that makes breakfast dreams come true. This beloved recreation of Cracker Barrel’s famous side dish brings restaurant-quality comfort food right to your family table. There’s something magical about the way the tender shredded potatoes meld with the rich, savory cheese sauce that keeps fans coming back for more. You’ll learn how to recreate this iconic dish at home with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole strikes the perfect balance between homemade comfort and nostalgic restaurant flavor. The contrast between the crispy, browned top layer and the creamy, tender potato mixture underneath creates an irresistible textural experience with every bite. Unlike many restaurant recreations, this version uses readily available ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.

The beauty of this hash brown potato casserole lies in its versatility – it’s equally appropriate for a lazy weekend breakfast, holiday brunch gathering, or as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite dinner entrée. The hands-on time is minimal while the oven does most of the work, making this an ideal dish for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs.

What truly sets this recipe apart is how it captures the essence of Cracker Barrel’s famous version while allowing you to control the ingredients and customize to your family’s taste preferences. The combination of different cheeses creates depth of flavor that elevates this beyond ordinary potato casseroles.

Ingredients

For this authentic Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (907g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups (16 oz/473ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) finely diced onion
• 2 cups (8 oz/226g) shredded colby cheese (Colby-Jack works well too)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted butter for topping
• 1/2 cup (2 oz/56g) crushed cornflakes (optional for extra crunch)

The key to this hash brown potato bake is using shredded hash browns rather than cubed potatoes, as they create the authentic texture. The combination of colby cheese rather than cheddar provides the distinctive mild, creamy flavor that Cracker Barrel is known for. Fresh onions add essential flavor, while sour cream creates that signature tangy richness that makes this casserole so craveable.

Pro Tips

Thaw Completely: Always fully thaw your frozen hash browns before assembling the casserole. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy potato dishes. Place them in a colander and gently press to remove any excess water before mixing with other ingredients. This simple step prevents a watery, soggy casserole.

Cheese Selection Matters: While the recipe calls for Colby cheese, the restaurant actually uses a proprietary cheese blend. To get closest to the authentic flavor, use a mixture of 75% Colby and 25% sharp cheddar. Grate the cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that can affect the melting quality.

Two-Stage Baking Method: For the perfect texture, bake the casserole covered with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove the foil and add the cornflake topping (if using) for the final 15 minutes. This ensures the inside gets creamy and hot while still achieving that signature golden top. If you notice excessive browning before it’s fully heated through, loosely cover with foil again.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place the thawed hash browns in a large colander, pressing gently to remove excess moisture. This helps ensure your casserole achieves that perfect texture rather than becoming soggy. Let them sit while you prepare the creamy sauce base.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, condensed soup, and sour cream, stirring until smooth. The butter should be melted but not hot when you add it to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Add the diced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform sauce that will coat every shred of potato.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, reserving 1/2 cup for the topping. The cheese should be at room temperature for optimal melting. The combination of cheeses creates that signature Cracker Barrel flavor profile that makes this casserole so nostalgic and craveable.

Step 4: Combine with Hash Browns

Add the thawed and drained hash browns to the cheese mixture. Using a rubber spatula or clean hands, gently fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to overmix or break up the hash browns too much – you want to maintain some texture in the final dish.

Step 5: Transfer and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to create an even surface. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the flavors to meld while keeping everything moist.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. If using the cornflake topping, sprinkle it evenly over the surface now. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set up for easier serving.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Version: Transform this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole into a hearty main dish by adding 1 cup of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage, bacon bits, or diced ham. Mix the meat in with the potato mixture before baking for a protein-packed breakfast casserole that can stand alone as a complete meal. This variation is particularly popular for holiday morning breakfasts when you need something substantial.

Vegetable-Enhanced Option: For added nutrition and color, incorporate 1 cup of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Pre-cook the vegetables until just tender and pat them dry before adding to the potato mixture. This not only adds nutritional value but brings beautiful pops of color to the classic hash brown potato casserole. For vegetarians, substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the chicken soup.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free condensed soup alternative and skipping the cornflake topping or substituting with crushed gluten-free corn cereal or potato chips. All other ingredients in this hash brown potato bake are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage and Serving

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes), removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top. Microwaving is convenient but may result in softer texture.

For make-ahead convenience, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Serve this delicious hash brown potato casserole alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a classic breakfast. For brunch gatherings, pair it with a fresh fruit salad and mimosas. It also makes an excellent dinner side dish alongside grilled chicken or meatloaf, proving its versatility beyond the breakfast table. For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but it requires extra work. Peel and grate 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water. Drain completely before using in the recipe.

Why is my casserole watery?
This typically happens when the hash browns aren’t properly thawed and drained. Make sure to press out excess moisture from the thawed potatoes before mixing with other ingredients.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Colby?
A mild cheddar or a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack will work well as a substitute. Avoid strongly flavored cheeses that might overpower the dish.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Note that you won’t get the same crispy top as the oven version.

Conclusion

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and nostalgic with that perfect golden crust that makes everyone reach for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between restaurant-quality flavor and homemade satisfaction, making ordinary family breakfasts feel special. Whether you’re recreating a beloved vacation memory or simply craving something warm and comforting on a weekend morning, this casserole delivers the familiar flavors that have made it a nationwide favorite. The best part? Your version might just become the new gold standard in your household.

Print