Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Authentic Recreation

If you’ve ever enjoyed breakfast at Cracker Barrel, you know their hashbrown casserole is a comfort food masterpiece. This creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly simple dish has become a beloved staple on their menu, and for good reason. The combination of crispy hashbrowns, tender chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a rich sour cream sauce creates layers of flavor that keep customers coming back. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s not overly complicated—it relies on quality ingredients and proper technique rather than complex cooking methods.

Making this dish at home means you can enjoy it whenever you want, customize it to your preferences, and impress your family with restaurant-quality breakfast. Whether you’re preparing a special brunch, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food, this authentic Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe delivers every single time. We’ll walk you through every step, from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, ensuring your homemade version rivals the original.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The foundation of a great hashbrown casserole starts with quality ingredients. Here’s everything you need to gather before you begin:

• Frozen hashbrowns: 32 ounces (one large bag), thawed and drained of excess moisture
• Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar for maximum flavor
• Sour cream: 1 cup full-fat for creaminess
• Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) undiluted
• Butter: 4 tablespoons for the topping
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup for a crispy top layer
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon for color and mild flavor

The quality of your hashbrowns matters significantly. Thaw them completely and press out excess moisture using paper towels—this prevents a soggy casserole. If using fresh potatoes, grate them finely and squeeze out moisture before using. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken from your grocery store saves time and delivers excellent flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (10 minutes):

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Remove frozen hashbrowns from the bag and place them in a colander. Thaw them completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, squeeze out excess moisture using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. This step is crucial for texture.
3. If you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time.
4. Shred your cheddar cheese if using a block—freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

Casserole Assembly (15 minutes):

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained hashbrowns with the shredded chicken. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute the chicken evenly throughout.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This creamy mixture becomes the binding agent that holds everything together.
3. Pour the sour cream mixture over the hashbrown and chicken combination. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together until well combined. Every piece should be coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press down gently with the back of a spatula to create an even layer.

Topping and Baking:

1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and paprika. Mix well.
2. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Drizzle the melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened and resemble coarse sand.
3. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole. This creates the signature golden, crispy layer that makes Cracker Barrel’s version so irresistible.
4. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. The edges may bubble slightly, which indicates proper cooking.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes portioning cleaner.

The entire cooking process takes about 2 hours from start to finish, though much of that is hands-off baking time. You’ll have roughly 30 minutes of active preparation.

Pro Tip: Prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. Simply bake it the next morning, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting from cold.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Moisture Management is Critical: The most common mistake home cooks make is not removing enough moisture from the hashbrowns. Excess water creates a watery, unappetizing casserole. Thaw thoroughly and squeeze aggressively. If your hashbrowns still seem wet, spread them on paper towels and let them sit for 15 minutes before using.

Use Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides better flavor than mild varieties. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. A block of Vermont sharp cheddar makes a noticeable difference.

Chicken Preparation: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, you can also poach chicken breasts in broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. This gives you more control over seasoning. Shred while still warm for easier handling.

Seasoning Balance: Taste your cream sauce before pouring it over the hashbrowns. You want it well-seasoned but not salty, as the cheese adds additional salt. Remember that seasoning intensifies during baking.

Golden Top Achievement: If your breadcrumb topping isn’t browning sufficiently after 45 minutes, increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Conversely, if the top browns too quickly, tent the casserole loosely with aluminum foil.

Serving Temperature: This casserole is best served hot, within 10 minutes of removing from the oven. If serving later, keep it warm in a 200°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

For more quick breakfast recipes that deliver restaurant quality, explore our collection of morning dishes that work for weekday rush or leisurely weekend brunches.

Delicious Variations

Bacon and Cheddar Version: Add 1 cup of crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture. Bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and adds a smoky dimension. Reduce salt slightly since bacon is salty.

Vegetable-Loaded Casserole: Incorporate 1 cup of mixed diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Sauté them briefly in butter before adding to ensure they’re tender. This adds nutrition and texture variation.

Spicy Jalapeño Version: Mix in 1/2 cup of diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cream sauce. This creates a southwestern-inspired twist.

Turkey and Cranberry: Substitute ground turkey for chicken and add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Use white cheddar cheese for visual contrast. This works wonderfully for holiday brunches.

Herb-Enhanced Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, or a combination. Fresh herbs add brightness that complements the rich, creamy base. Add herbs just before baking to preserve their flavor.

These variations maintain the casserole’s core character while allowing creative expression. Experiment with combinations that appeal to your palate. The basic structure of hashbrowns, protein, cheese sauce, and breadcrumb topping remains constant across all variations.

If you’re exploring protein options, check out our guide to healthy chicken recipes for additional preparation methods beyond rotisserie chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly as it sits, making day-two servings sometimes even more delicious than the first day.

Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze it before baking—assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20-25 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze after baking for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Refrigerated: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore some crispness to the topping. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though this softens the breadcrumb topping.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed for refrigerated casserole. If reheating without thawing, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Best Practices: Always bring the casserole to room temperature before reheating if possible—this ensures even warming. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 8 servings): Approximately 420 calories, 24g fat, 28g protein, 32g carbohydrates, 8g fiber, and 680mg sodium. These values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

For context on balanced breakfast options, explore our summer salad recipes that can complement heavier casserole dishes for lighter meal combinations.

FAQ

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, absolutely. Peel and grate 4 medium russet potatoes finely. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Fresh potatoes actually provide a slightly better texture than frozen, though frozen is more convenient.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can make a substitute by melting 3 tablespoons butter, whisking in 3 tablespoons flour to create a roux, then gradually adding 1 cup chicken broth while stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. This homemade version gives you more control over sodium content.

Can I make this dairy-free?

This is challenging since cheese and sour cream are central to the dish. However, you can use dairy-free cheddar cheese and coconut cream or cashew cream as a sour cream substitute. The flavor will differ noticeably, but the texture remains acceptable.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

The key is removing moisture from the hashbrowns thoroughly. Additionally, don’t use full-fat sour cream mixed with milk or water—use pure sour cream. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate using an oven thermometer, as temperature variations affect moisture evaporation.

Can I add more vegetables without affecting the texture?

Yes, but sauté them first to remove excess moisture. Hard vegetables like carrots should be diced small. Avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes or zucchini unless you drain them well. Generally, keep vegetables to 1.5 cups maximum to maintain the casserole’s integrity.

What’s the best way to serve this casserole?

Serve hot directly from the oven, paired with fresh fruit or a side salad for balance. A simple green salad or fruit compote complements the rich, savory casserole beautifully. Coffee or fresh juice rounds out the breakfast experience perfectly.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch dishes or one large roasting pan. Baking time may increase slightly—check for doneness at 50 minutes and bake longer if needed. Alternatively, bake one dish now and freeze the other for later.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole on Sunday, refrigerate it, and bake throughout the week as needed. Each portion reheats beautifully. You can also portion individual servings into smaller containers for grab-and-go breakfasts.

This Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping breakfast dish that tastes remarkably close to the restaurant version. The combination of crispy hashbrowns, tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and golden breadcrumb topping creates layers of texture and flavor that justify its popularity. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this casserole delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

The beauty of making this at home is the ability to customize it to your exact preferences while controlling ingredient quality and sodium levels. Start with this authentic recipe, then feel free to experiment with variations that excite your palate. Your family will be requesting this dish regularly once they taste your homemade version.