Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

This copycat Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe is packed with deliciousness. It's savory & crispy and a little bit creamy & cheesy. Plus, this casserole is easy to make with frozen hashbrowns! 

Why I Love This Recipe

If you've ever had the hashbrown casserole from Cracker Barrel, then you know how delicious it is, and I think this copycat recipe is even better! Seriously, this delicious breakfast recipe is comfort food at its finest. It takes perfectly seasoned shredded hash brown potatoes and blends them with a rich, creamy filling and ooey-gooey melty cheese.

Honestly, it's so easy that you could make these Cracker Barrel biscuits or Cracker Barrel pancakes and this million dollar bacon to go with it for a complete restaurant-style breakfast!

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ cups sour cream
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 28 oz. frozen shredded hash browns, defrosted
• 1 ½ cups mixed cheese, shredded Colby cheese, and Mild cheddar
• Black pepper

By the way, you can use almost every single one of these ingredients to make two more of my incredible hashbrown-based casseroles - like this chicken hashbrown casserole recipe and this sausage casserole recipe.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Work

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. 

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Take out a large bowl and add the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix to combine, then add the defrosted hashbrowns and one cup of the shredded cheese to the bowl and mix again.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top the casserole with the remaining cheese. Bake it for 45-50 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added seasoning. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Thaw the hashbrowns first to avoid excess moisture and ensure even baking. Pat them dry if they seem watery after thawing.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded if possible—pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
• Don’t skip the sour cream—it gives the casserole that signature creamy tang and helps bind everything together.
• Add a crunchy topping like crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes mixed with melted butter for extra texture and flavor.
• Let it rest after baking for 5–10 minutes before serving so it firms up and slices more cleanly.
• Double the batch for a crowd—this casserole scales beautifully and is a potluck favorite.
• Customize it with add-ins like cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor.

FAQS About This Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up until baking and then cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid. Store it in the fridge overnight, and then just add about 15 more minutes to the baking time.

How long do the leftovers last? Can I freeze this casserole?

If you end up with some leftovers, you can either put a lid on the baking dish or cover it with foil, or you can transfer everything into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze this casserole? 

Absolutely. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. If it’s already baked, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. This is a great option if you want to avoid canned soups.

Can I add meat or vegetables?

Definitely! Crumbled bacon, diced ham, cooked sausage, or sautéed onions and peppers are all great mix-in options. Just make sure anything you add is fully cooked before mixing it in.

Does this taste just like Cracker Barrel’s version? 

Yes! This copycat recipe nails the creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors you know and love from the restaurant. Many readers say it’s even better homemade.

 

More Casserole Recipes

• Pioneer Woman French toast casserole
• Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole
• Cinnamon roll casserole
• Overnight egg casserole
• Big mac casserole
• Christmas breakfast casserole
• Crescent roll breakfast casserole

Before you go, make sure to leave a comment and review below! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this recipe.