Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Hash browns: Thawed frozen hash browns form the base of this casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.

Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup adds a creamy and savory element to the dish, binding all the ingredients together.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives the casserole its rich, cheesy flavor.

Sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that balances the flavors.

Onion: Chopped onion provides a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.

Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps to brown the top of the casserole.

Salt: A teaspoon of salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Half a teaspoon of black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth.

When combining the hash browns with the other ingredients, ensure they are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. This will help achieve a perfectly crispy and golden brown top layer.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before using.

• cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup offers a similar creamy consistency and savory flavor, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Colby-Jack cheese: Colby-Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the dish.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, with the added benefit of being lower in fat.

• chopped onion - Substitute with chopped shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle depth to the casserole.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to achieve a similar richness and moisture, with the added benefit of being a healthier fat.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different, more earthy taste.

• Allow the hash brown casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, portion it into individual servings. This makes reheating easier and reduces waste. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

• Label each container or bag with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. The hash brown casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• For reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above. If reheating directly from frozen, increase the baking time to 45-60 minutes, ensuring the dish is heated evenly.

• If you prefer to use a microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• To maintain the texture and flavor, avoid reheating the hash brown casserole multiple times. Only reheat the amount you plan to consume immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover hash brown casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer a portion of the hash brown casserole to a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the casserole is heated through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover hash brown casserole to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover hash brown casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to ensure the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover hash brown casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly warmed and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) until it becomes bubbly and golden brown.

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even mixture.

• 9x13 inch baking dish: The dish where the mixture will be spread evenly and baked.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together and for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the sour cream, melted butter, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding the cheddar cheese yourself, this tool will be needed.

• Knife: Required for chopping the onion finely.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the onion.

• Can opener: Needed to open the can of cream of chicken soup.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store instead of chopping them yourself.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Mix in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to reduce cleanup time.

Pre-shredded cheese: Use pre-shredded cheese to avoid the extra step of shredding it yourself.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Thaw frozen hash browns in the refrigerator overnight to save time on the day of preparation.