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Crispy Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food

crispy cracker barrel hash brown casserole - featured image

A warm, comforting casserole featuring crispy hash browns baked with creamy cheese and a hint of onion, perfect for family gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 32 oz (900 g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Thaw frozen hash browns by refrigerating overnight or running under cold water and draining well. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  4. Melt butter in a small microwave-safe bowl, then pour it over the hash brown mixture and stir to incorporate.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy. Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  8. Optional: If the casserole isn’t browning enough, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Drain and squeeze out excess moisture from hash browns to avoid sogginess. Use full-fat sour cream for best creaminess. Finely dice onions for smooth texture. Rotate casserole halfway through baking for even crispness. Broil briefly at the end for extra crispy top if desired. Can substitute cream of chicken soup with mushroom or celery soup for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free soup and dairy alternatives for gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, Cracker Barrel, comfort food, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, brunch recipe, crispy casserole