Do you love the warm, cheesy, and comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole? Now you can recreate this beloved dish right at home with our easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for any meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy and creamy recipe that captures all the goodness of the original.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs frozen hash browns
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted
- 1 (10 1/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 11 x 14 baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, melted margarine or butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, grated cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
4. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
5. Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, creamy delight as a main dish or a side.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Pair with Breakfast Favorites: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage links for a complete breakfast or brunch.
- Complement with Dinner Entrees: This casserole makes a great side dish for grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, steak, or pork chops. Add a green vegetable, like steamed broccoli or a side salad, to round out the meal.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, top the casserole with crushed cornflakes or French fried onions before baking. This will give the dish a delightful crunch.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole, covered with aluminum foil, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrowns Casserole Copycat at its best, whether fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers. This versatile dish not only makes a comforting and delicious addition to any meal but also offers the convenience of easy preparation and storage. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors and make this casserole a regular feature in your home cooking repertoire!
Variations:
1. Meat Lover’s Version:
- Add Cooked Ham or Bacon: Incorporate 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham into the hashbrown mixture for added flavor and protein.
2. Spicy Kick:
- Use Pepper Jack Cheese: Replace the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Add Jalapeños: Mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the casserole for an extra kick.
3. Veggie-Packed:
- Incorporate Mixed Vegetables: Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, to the hashbrown mixture for a more nutritious dish.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Substitute frozen hashbrowns with freshly grated potatoes for a more rustic and fresh flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
- Use Gluten-Free Soup: Ensure that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, or make a homemade version using gluten-free flour.
- Gluten-Free Crumb Topping: If you want a crunchy topping, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
5. Healthier Version:
- Swap for Greek Yogurt: Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein content.
- Use Reduced-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and fat.
6. Cheesy Delight:
- Triple Cheese Combo: Use a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy casserole.
- Add Cream Cheese: Mix in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
7. Breakfast Casserole:
- Add Sausage: Brown 1 pound of breakfast sausage and mix it into the hashbrown mixture for a hearty breakfast option.
- Top with Eggs: Crack a few eggs on top of the casserole before baking for a complete breakfast dish.
8. Mexican Style:
- Use Mexican Cheese Blend: Replace the cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Mix in a packet of taco seasoning to the hashbrown mixture for a southwestern twist.
9. Loaded Baked Potato Style:
- Add Green Onions and Chives: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions and 1/4 cup of chives to mimic the flavors of a loaded baked potato.
- Top with Sour Cream: Serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and extra shredded cheese on top.
10. Herbed Variation:
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or dill, to the hashbrown mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Use Herb-Infused Cheese: Opt for a cheese that is infused with herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Grate them and soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry before using them in the recipe.
2. What can I use as a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a roux (flour and butter) and chicken broth with some milk or cream.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
4. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the casserole vegetarian, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup and ensure that all other ingredients are free of meat and animal products.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. How can I add more flavor to the casserole?
For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning blend to the hashbrown mixture. Adding cooked bacon, ham, or sausage also enhances the flavor.
7. What other types of cheese can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor profile.
8. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating can help maintain its creamy texture.
9. Can I use low-fat or non-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat sour cream, cheese, and margarine to make a lighter version of this casserole. However, note that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
10. Is it possible to add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables you like. Just ensure they are cooked or sautéed before mixing them into the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrowns Casserole Copycat recipe brings the taste of a classic comfort food favorite into your home kitchen. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and a hint of onion, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner, this easy and delicious recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the flavors of Cracker Barrel anytime you crave them with this simple and satisfying hashbrown casserole!