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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
Equipment
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)
- 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, lightly thawed
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!!
Notes
Nutrition
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Oh I used to LOVE their hashbrown casserole, but the last few times it’s been disappointing. I bet your version is a million times better. Can’t wait to try it!
Love the cheesiness of this dish! I’m dieing for it :) We saw The Fault in Our Stars this weekend too, you could hear the sobbing in the theater during the quiet parts!
Ohhhhhh my. That first photo nearly made me hyperventilate. SO MUCH CHEESE! Love it!
My brunch table needs this ASAP! Look at all of that cheese!!!
OMG Julie. That melted cheese look insane!!
Love all of that cheese!
I’m seriously drooling over this. WHY isn’t it in front of me to devour immediately?! Also, totally have to wait to see the movie on dvd… the whole crying at a theater I just can’t do lol. Plus, I have to read the book first ;)
I think your recipe is wrong. It says this serves 8-10. I think we all agree that this won’t last 10 seconds in front of one person :-)
Haha!!
These are the perfect summer BBQ side!! They look amazing!
My next brunch? I can’t wait that long. I need this goodness NOW!!