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!!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen shredded hash browns thawed
- ½ cup melted butter
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can, or cream of cheddar
- 16 ounces sour cream
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cups shredded Colby cheese divided, or cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine thawed hashbrowns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, 1 ½ cups of cheese, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the reserved ½ cup of 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.
Course Casserole
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Note: This recipe originally appeared on SpendWithPennies.com April, 2013.
More Must Try Cheesy Casseroles
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
can u add cornflakes top to the cracker barrel hashbrowns
That would work just fine! If adding cornflakes, you’ll want to crush them slightly and toss with a bit of melted butter.
What is the green you top it with?
Hi Kaylee, the garnish on top is fresh, finely chopped parsley. Happy cooking!
I noticed that some reviewers mentioned that the sour cream seemed a bit overwhelming. Could Cream Cheese be substituted for less tang but creaminess?
I haven’t tried it but cream cheese does tend to be a bit thicker, you may need to add a little milk if you use cream cheese.
Should I double this recipe for a brunch with 20 adults and 5 kids? If so how does that affect cooking time?
This dish can be doubled however I would suggest cooking it in two 9×13 pans to ensure it heats through.You might need slightly more time in the oven but check it often to be sure. Enjoy!
Can we make this in the crockpot?
Thank you
Hi Jeanette, yes this can be cooked in the crockpot but I would suggest cooking it at the lowest temperature for 3 hours and keeping an eye on it as dairy can sometimes curdle or separate at higher temperatures.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, this can be cooked in a slow cooker (4qt). I would suggest cooking it at the lowest temperature and keeping an eye on it as dairy can sometimes curdle or separate at higher temperatures.
Can you prep this the night before, store in the fridge and then bake the next morning? Can’t wait to try it!
Yes, this can be prepped ahead and baked the next day. Remove it from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking, you may need to add a little bit of extra cooking time. Let us know how it turns out for you, Danielle!
How many bags of frozen shredded hash browns do you use?
1 bag of shredded hash browns is usually 32 ounces, Sarah. So that’s all you need
I have to say, I’m a little disappointed in the recipe. The taste was quite good and I got lots of nice compliments but the shredded hash browns disintegrated and it might as well have been cheesy mashed potatoes! Everything was fine when I spooned them into the casserole dish but when they were served they had lost all their integrity. Wish I knew why!
I’m sorry to hear that, E.J. This recipe is usually a reader favorite! If you decide to try it again, you could use cubed hashbrowns instead of shredded, that might help.
Taste was fine but the hashbrowns were mush! It was like eating mashed potatoes. Not the right texture at all. I ruined two pans of this and followed the recipe to a T!
Hmm, that has not happened to me, Gina! Maybe the hash browns had too much moisture when they were thawed? Sometimes squeezing out the extra moisture can help. Did you bake uncovered?
How are you supposed to know how much a serving is? I track what I eat and I need to know how much a serving weighs at least approximately. Thank you.
Hi Jamie, this casserole makes 10 servings but for weight I would suggest using an online converter for accurate conversion amounts.
Can you make this recipe with diced hashbrowns instead of shredded?
Absolutely, Emily! If you like a crispier hashbrown you could brown them slightly in a pan before adding to the casserole but that step is optional. Enjoy!
I have been using this recipe for years. It is part of every Christmas Day breakfast. Very easy to make gluten free (just sub out the cream of chicken for a gluten free one). I have made it with different cheeses, extra spices, different “cream ofs” and no matter what I do it is always delicious!
What is your favorite gluten free cream of soup?!
Hi. I see you have said this can be made ahead and frozen, what about making a day ahead and keeping refrigerated?
This can be prepared ahead and baked the next day. Remove it from the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking, you may need to add a little bit of extra cooking time.
I hope you can respond soon, I want to make this in 2 days for our Christmas party. Can I substitute fresh grated idaho potatoes in this recipe instead of buying frozen hashbrowns? Hashbrowns cost $4.99 for 30oz, I just bought a 5 lb bag of potatoes for 67cents. Let me know please. Thanks much.
Hi Debbie, 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.
Is this a recipe that has worked to make ahead to put in the freezer (either baked or not) . If so any suggestions for making it turn out as great as fresh ?
Hi Sue, this dish is great for making ahead and freezing right before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge then bake as directed. If the casserole is cold it might need an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can’t wait to try the hash brown casserole from crackers barrel it sounds fantastic, thanks .
I absolutely love this recipe! I make it from time to time and especially on holidays. I get compliments every time I make it! I have also found ways of tweaking it by adding other things. Fantastic Job on this!
This is a favorite! I add cooked breakfast sausage and a finely diced red pepper!! Even the kids love it!!
Does this do well, to put together night before and bake next day?
Absolutely, Pam! This is a great make-ahead recipe.
Surprisingly disappointing. We thought this would be a showstopper side dish, but no applause from our table.
Followed this recipe to the letter and the predominant flavor was sour cream. Other than that, is was rather bland. I think the recipe could be doctored with more favorable ingredients to get the results we hoped for.
Sad to hear this wasn’t a favorite for you, Helena. Usually our readers love this dish!