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Jason took me to Cracker Barrel on our way back from a road trip one year.
I ate at a Cracker Barrel in my college town with my family for graduation years ago and I don’t really remember what I had but I wasn’t exactly thrilled with it so I never really wanted to go back to Cracker Barrel again (gasp!).
Jason was determined to change my mind about this and he raved about their cheesy hashbrowns.
Reluctantly, I agreed to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner because I was starving and there was nothing around for miles.
Ummm yeah…the cheesy hashbrowns are legit and I had to recreate it with this cheesy hashbrown casserole.
I mean, I’m sure it’s not the greatest for you but oh man, I wanted more after I ate my portion!
It’s a copycat from Cracker Barrel and it’s pretty darn close!
The perfect casserole to feed a large crowd
This cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is one of the most popular recipes during the holiday season.
I can see why because it makes a lot and it feed a crowd.
It’s the perfect breakfast to feed a large crowd.
Absolutely delicious and the perfect side dish to any brunch!
Can you prepare this the night before?
Yes! This is a great recipe to prep ahead of time.
Keep it wrapped up in the fridge then bring it to room temperature the morning of before you pop it in the oven.
Can you use tater tots instead of hashbrowns?
I haven’t tried it that way but it would work similarly, honestly.
Just mix everything together!
Can you freeze this for later?
Yes.
Can you add sausage to this?
Yes! I’d personally use fresh breakfast sausage and break it up into small pieces and mix in.
Can you use fresh shredded potatoes?
Yes! They’d work the same way as the frozen potatoes.
Do I have to use cream of mushroom?
You can use cream of anything, really. Cream of chicken, cream of celery, etc.
If you aren’t a fan of the canned stuff, you can make your own (google homemade cream of mushroom soup).
Why should I use kosher salt instead of table salt?
It will be entirely too salty if you use table salt.
Salt density is different in table salt and kosher salt.
Here is a great blog post on the difference and what you should be using when you cook.
Can you make this in the slow cooker?
I haven’t done it that way before so I can’t give specific instructions
Other potato recipes you may love:

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, some have noted it's a bit salty so I would start with 1 teaspoon..also keep in mind KOSHER SALT [which is coarser], not table salt!
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (white or yellow onion works)
- 1: 10.5 ounce (326 g) can of cream of chicken condensed soup
- 16 ounces (454 g) freshly grated Colby Jack cheese
- 1 pound (454 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (191 °C)
- Spray a 3 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a very large bowl, stir together butter, salt, pepper, onion, cream of chicken soup, and cheese. Gently toss the hashbrowns in the mixture until it's all coated with the mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cooked through.
- To get a nice crust on top, place the casserole under a broiler for 5 minutes - watch it carefully!!
Recipe Notes
NUTRITION FACTS
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.
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Ashley
Tuesday 15th of June 2021
I never comment. I just make. I’m quite familiar with this recipe, but I only had 1lb. Hash browns on hand. Thought I’d give it a try. I agree with the other commenters. It’s way too salty, greasy, and soupy. I added cracker crumbs at the end to help salvage it. No luck.
Honestly the only reason I’m say this is for anyone wanting to attempt this recipe to not waste food. I look up recipes to save me time and money. I often type in what I have on hand. So, this seemed like a good idea.
Melanie
Sunday 4th of April 2021
Greasy mess with raw onion - never again.
Francene
Monday 3rd of August 2020
I just made this tonight and some things seemed off. I followed the recipe exactly as written. It was very oily and soupy and way too much pepper. Were any of the measurements noted incorrectly?
Julie Wampler
Saturday 8th of August 2020
they were correct but this is a pretty oily/greasy dish because of the cheese and canned ingredients!
Matt
Saturday 18th of July 2020
Great recipe. I added a tablespoon of garlic powder.
Jay
Thursday 9th of July 2020
Another website that ISN`T FOR TWO! like it says when you Google it. Don`t list something for two when it`s not just for two! And the website is so full of other stuff that it's not worthwhile trying to find what I originally went there for. Stop trying to be everthing to eveybody.
Julie Wampler
Friday 10th of July 2020
i'm sorry this is not what you are looking for! your assumptions on 'table for two' = 2 servings shouldn't have been assumed. table for two = a table FOR two and a table FOR two can have more than two servings! the blog was originally created based on that foundation..not as a 'only for two servings' site.