Hashbrown Casserole is easy, cheesy and totally delicious! This simple casserole is made easy with frozen hashbrowns!
Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casserole needs just 5 minutes of prep making it the a great side or potluck dish! The perfect breakfast casserole!
The Hashbrowns, That’s Why
I love Cracker Barrel but the truth is… I only show up for the hashbrown casserole. That’s it. Just the hashbrowns people.
My friend shared her version of that yummy, oh so creamy and cheesy easy Hashbrown Casserole with me and WOW! Tender shredded hash browns in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, topped with more cheese and baked until hot and bubbly!
This is a perfect breakfast casserole for any holiday morning or just when you’re getting the family together for a delicious breakfast or brunch. It also makes a perfect side dish for Crispy Oven Parmesan Chicken or even served alongside a Ranch 7 Layer Salad for lunch!
Better Than the Original
There are lots of recipes out there for this cheesy casserole but this is the one I’ve found to be the closest! This hashbrown casserole is made with condensed cream of chicken soup. I’ve also made it with cream of cheddar soup if you can find it. Both work perfectly in this recipe! While I’ve had a version of hashbrown casserole without sour cream, I definitely prefer it with, it adds a little bit of creaminess and tang to the recipe. Since this is a copy cat hashbrown casserole recipe, my list of ingredients is inevitably different than the original but the flavor is just like my favorite Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole (in fact, it’s even BETTER in my opinion)!
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
One of the best things about hashbrown casserole is that it’s super quick to prepare (5 minutes). I literally cannot stop eating it; dinner, bedtime snack and then breakfast if there is any left!
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Spread into a 9×13 dish.
- Top with cheese and bake. Voila!
It’s that easy! If you’d like you can add leftover chicken, ham or ground beef to this easy recipe. Stir in your favorite veggies as well, Steamed Broccoli, peas or frozen veggies work well too!
Toppings
I like to top it with cheese to keep it close to the version I’ve had at Cracker Barrel but if you prefer a nice crunchy topping on your hashbrown casserole, this is also great with cornflakes. Gently crush 2 cups of cornflakes and toss with 1/4 cup of melted butter, sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
How to Freeze Hashbrown Casserole
This easy cheesy hashbrown casserole can easily be frozen. We usually prepare as directed and freeze any leftovers in individual servings making them the perfect lunch or quick dinner.
More Potato Dishes You’ll Love
- Scalloped Potatoes Recipe – Simple classic recipe.
- Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
- The BEST Mashed Potatoes – Creamy perfection.
- Twice Baked Potatoes – Make ahead (these freeze well).
- Perfect Baked Potatoes
- Potatoes Au Gratin
- Colcannon Recipe (Cabbage and Potatoes) – So yummy!!
Copy Cat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen shredded hash browns defrosted
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 10 ¼ ounce can of cream of chicken soup (or cream of cheddar)
- 1 pint sour cream
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cups colby cheese grated
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl reserving ½ cup of cheese for topping.
- Place in a greased 9×13 casserole dish and top with reserved cheese.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Video
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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Note: This recipe originally appeared on SpendWithPennies.com April, 2013.
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Delicious
The recipe is good, it’s just WAY too much sour cream. I would cut it in half and use only 8oz if made again. It was overwhelming of sour cream and not Cracker Barrel likeness at all. I’ve cooked a similar recipe with frozen tater tots and liked that recipe much better.
Hi Holly
would this work if I shredded my own yellow flesh potatoes. just bought 20 lbs and looking for yummy recipes. would I need to prep the spuds before hand ? Also does this freeze well?
thx Sami
You could certainly use fresh potatoes in this recipe. They will take slightly longer to cook so I would suggest shredding and slightly steaming or pan frying them before adding them to this recipe.
Has anybody tried using tater tots that have been thawed and crumbled up instead of the frozen hash browns? I have a BIG bag of tater tots and thought they might work rather than making another trip to the store. Thanks!
I have not tried it with tater tots, but other readers have with success. Peek through the comments to find out more. Enjoy Becky!
I made this and my wife loved it. This has become a staple in my house.
casserole was delicious. I would like to cut back on the sour cream. any suggestions?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Gina. You could try substituting for plain greek yogurt. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
My family inhaled this Christmas morning and I’m making again tonight. My husband said he couldn’t tell a difference between in and the real thing!
I use O’Brian frozen hashbrowns with peppers and onions. Once it’s finished baking I put lots of cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions. I’ve taken this dish everywhere and everyone just loves it!
good afternoon and happy new year, I am going to make this for dinner tonight and I am thinking of putting a layer of bacon strips on top. wondering if anyone has tried this, and also would you put the bacon on top totally raw prior to baking, or half cook the bacon in a frying pan first?
That sounds delicious James! Crumbled cooked bacon is a great addition, but I haven’t tried putting a layer of bacon strips on top. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
Doesn’t taste anything like Cracker Barrel. WAYYYYY too much sour cream. It’s overpowering.
Is was good, not Cracker Barrel good.