Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Side Dish (Cracker Barrel Copycat!)
Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures where tender shredded hashbrowns meet an impossibly creamy, cheesy embrace. This easy hashbrown casserole is a true crowd-plepleaser, requiring only 10 minutes of active prep time before it’s ready for the oven. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a comforting experience that will leave everyone asking for more!
Why This Recipe Works: Your New Go-To Potato Side
Hashbrown casserole isn’t just a tasty breakfast accompaniment; it has earned its place as a cherished side dish for countless meals, from holiday feasts to casual family dinners. You’ve undoubtedly encountered this beloved dish at festive gatherings, potlucks, and perhaps even as the star of your holiday table. This particular recipe captures the essence of the famous Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, known for its irresistible blend of melty cheese and soft, shredded potatoes. Whether you know it as cheesy potatoes, funeral potatoes, or simply cheesy hashbrowns, one bite of this delightful creation will confirm its delicious reputation. It’s a versatile dish that bridges the gap between a hearty breakfast staple and a comforting dinner side, making it perfect for any occasion.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity combined with its profound flavor. We’ve meticulously crafted it to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort. The careful balance of rich, creamy ingredients with perfectly cooked hashbrowns creates a texture that is both tender and satisfying. It’s a recipe that reliably produces a golden, bubbly casserole with an enticing aroma that will draw everyone to the kitchen. The ease of preparation, requiring only a handful of common ingredients and a quick mix, ensures that even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Hashbrown Casserole
For a complete list of all measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. Here, we’ll dive into the key components and offer some expert tips to ensure your casserole is nothing short of spectacular.
Ingredient Information and Substitution Suggestions
- HASHBROWNS: Our recipe primarily uses frozen shredded hashbrowns, the convenient kind readily available in the freezer aisle of most grocery stores. These save a significant amount of prep time.
- Frozen vs. Fresh: While frozen is recommended for convenience, you can certainly shred your own potatoes if you prefer. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess starch and then pat them very dry before using.
- Shredded vs. Cubed: If shredded hashbrowns are unavailable, frozen cubed hashbrowns can be used as a substitute, though the texture of the final casserole will be slightly different. Ensure they are thawed and drained as well.
- The Thawing & Drying Secret: The most crucial step with frozen hashbrowns is to thaw and drain them completely. Excess moisture is the enemy of a perfectly crispy-on-top, creamy-inside casserole. Gently squeeze them in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
- CHEESE: For the ultimate meltiness and flavor, we strongly recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese directly from a block.
- Block vs. Pre-shredded: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting smoothly and result in a slightly grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully, creating that desirable gooey, creamy consistency.
- Cheese Varieties: While sharp or mild cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile.
- CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP: This ingredient is a cornerstone of the casserole’s creamy, savory base. It adds depth and richness that is hard to replicate.
- Homemade Option: If you’re feeling adventurous or prefer to avoid canned ingredients, we have a fantastic recipe for homemade cream of chicken soup that you can try. This will elevate the flavor even further!
- Substitutions: Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can be used in a pinch, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile. For a completely dairy-free or specific dietary alternative, a homemade cream sauce (roux-based with vegetable broth or milk alternative) could be created, but adjustments to seasoning and consistency would be necessary.
- OTHER KEY INGREDIENTS:
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and contributes significantly to the casserole’s luxurious creaminess. Full-fat sour cream yields the best results.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the ingredients, adds richness, and helps create a golden-brown crust.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are essential for enhancing the overall savory flavor without overpowering the main ingredients. Feel free to adjust to your taste or add a pinch of onion powder for extra depth.
- Yellow Onion: Diced small, it provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that complements the potatoes and cheese beautifully. Ensure it’s finely diced so it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the casserole.
How to Make This Irresistible Hashbrown Casserole
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Hashbrowns: Begin by thoroughly thawing your frozen hashbrowns. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in the microwave. Once thawed, it’s critical to drain and pat them dry of any excess water. This step is essential to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a lovely, creamy texture. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently press to absorb moisture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly dried hashbrowns, 1½ cups of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese (reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping later), the diced yellow onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixed ingredients evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Make sure the surface is relatively flat for even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, uncovered. This initial baking period allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. After 45 minutes, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top has a golden-brown hue. For an extra crispy topping, you can briefly place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Yes, thawing the hashbrowns before mixing them into the casserole is highly recommended. If you don’t thaw them, the extra ice crystals will melt during baking, releasing significant moisture. This can lead to a watery, soggy casserole. To thaw, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. After thawing, always pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much excess moisture as possible before combining with other ingredients. This simple step is key to a perfectly textured casserole.
Absolutely! Hashbrown casserole freezes beautifully. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with an airtight lid or wrap it first with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, typically 30-45 minutes for a thawed casserole, or longer if reheating from frozen.
Yes, this hashbrown casserole is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, making it perfect for busy mornings or holiday meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole, excluding the final cheese topping, up to 1-2 days ahead of time. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold. Add the reserved cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
For an irresistible crispy topping, you have a couple of options. Before the final bake with the reserved cheese, you can lightly crush some cornflakes or Ritz crackers and mix them with a tablespoon or two of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole before baking the final 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, after the cheese has melted and become bubbly, you can carefully place the casserole under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely, as broilers can brown things quickly!
Absolutely! This casserole is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions. Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or even chopped green bell peppers can be mixed in with the hashbrowns for added flavor and texture. If adding vegetables, consider sautéing them lightly beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Perfect Casserole
This cheesy hashbrown casserole is a chameleon, fitting seamlessly into various meal settings. For a delightful crunch, consider lightly crumbling some cornflakes or potato chips, mixing them with a tablespoon of melted butter, and sprinkling them over the top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This adds an extra layer of texture that many find irresistible.
Serve it as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausages, or tender ham. It’s also an unparalleled side dish for major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, complementing roasted meats and other festive fare beautifully. Beyond holidays, it’s a fantastic addition to potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting side for any weeknight meal. Optionally, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley can add a pop of color and a touch of fresh herbaceousness, making your casserole even more visually appealing.
More Irresistible Potato Recipes You’ll Love
- Potato Pancakes: Golden brown and crispy, perfect for any meal.
- Au Gratin Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce.
- Crispy Roast Potatoes: Achieve perfectly crunchy exteriors and fluffy interiors.
- Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup: A warming, comforting bowl of cheesy potato goodness.
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: All the flavors of a loaded baked potato in casserole form.
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Hashbrown Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 32 oz frozen shredded hashbrowns thawed and pat dry
- 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ½ yellow onion diced small, about 1/2 cup
- 16 oz sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 Tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Large mixing bowl
Before You Begin
- This casserole can be prepped a day in advance then stored in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or an air-tight lid.
- We recommend shredding your own cheese from the block. Pre shredded cheeses contain cellulose which blocks moisture and does not melt as well.
Instructions
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Thaw and drain the hashbrowns of excess water as best as possible.
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Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, reserving 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for the topping.
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Pour the mixed ingredients into a 9×13 casserole dish.
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Bake at 350F for 45 minutes uncovered. Add reserved cheese and bake for another 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
We hope this enhanced version of the easy cheesy hashbrown casserole becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Its combination of delightful flavor, comforting texture, and straightforward preparation makes it an instant classic for any occasion. Whether it’s a bustling holiday morning or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole promises to deliver warmth, satisfaction, and smiles. Enjoy!