The Ultimate Guide to Making Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
The Hashbrowns, That’s Why
Hashbrowns are a beloved breakfast staple, known for their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. They are made from shredded potatoes that are fried until golden brown, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that complements any meal. At Cracker Barrel, the hashbrown casserole takes this classic comfort food to new heights by combining it with creamy cheese and savory seasonings. This dish is so popular that many people visit Cracker Barrel specifically for the hashbrown casserole, drawn by its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Better Than the Original
While the original Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is undeniably delicious, making it at home allows you to customize the recipe to your liking. By using high-quality ingredients and adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste, you can create a version that rivals—even surpasses—the restaurant favorite. Adding ingredients like sour cream or extra cheese can enhance the creaminess and flavor, while incorporating vegetables or meats can turn it into a hearty main dish. The homemade version not only offers a personalized touch but also brings the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Making a cheesy hashbrown casserole is surprisingly simple and requires minimal preparation time. Here’s how you can whip up this comforting dish:
Ingredients:
•32 ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
•½ cup melted butter
•10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of cheddar)
•16 ounces sour cream
•½ cup finely diced onion
•2 cups shredded Colby cheese (or cheddar), divided
•¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1.Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2.Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, 1 ½ cups of cheese, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3.Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
4.Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Should I Thaw Frozen Hash Browns Before Cooking?
Thawing frozen hashbrowns before cooking is recommended as it ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture from making the casserole soggy. Simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave if you’re short on time.
Can I Make Hash Brown Casserole The Day Before?
Yes, you can prepare hash brown casserole a day in advance. Assemble the casserole as instructed but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.
Can You Freeze Hash Brown Casserole?
Hash brown casserole can be frozen for later use. After assembling but before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To cook from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until heated through.
Using Frozen Cubed Potatoes
If you prefer cubed potatoes over shredded ones, you can easily substitute them in this recipe. Cubed potatoes provide a chunkier texture but still absorb all the creamy goodness of the cheese and soup mixture.
Crock Pot Method
For those who prefer using a slow cooker, this casserole can be adapted for crock pot cooking:
1.Prepare Ingredients: Mix all ingredients as per instructions.
2.Cook: Transfer to a greased crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
3.Finish: Once cooked, switch to warm until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re recreating it exactly or adding your own twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy its creamy texture and cheesy flavor as part of breakfast or as a side dish at dinner—either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: Storing Leftovers
Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole is a beloved dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying texture of hashbrowns. Whether served as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a comfort food favorite that often leaves you with delicious leftovers. Knowing how to store and reheat these leftovers properly can help you enjoy this tasty casserole long after the initial meal. Here’s everything you need to know about storing your leftover hashbrown casserole.
Storing Leftover Hashbrown Casserole
Once you’ve enjoyed your Cracker Barrel-style hashbrown casserole, it’s essential to store any leftovers correctly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here are some key tips for storing your casserole:
1.Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a storage container. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the casserole soggy.
2.Use an Airtight Container: Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also cover the original baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep the casserole fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
3.Refrigeration Time: Properly stored, leftover hashbrown casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
4.Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to store your hashbrown casserole for an extended period, consider freezing it. You can freeze it either before baking or after it has been cooked:
•Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
•After Baking: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Reheating Leftover Hashbrown Casserole
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover hashbrown casserole, reheating it properly is key to maintaining its deliciousness:
1.Oven Method (Recommended):
•Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
•If the casserole was frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
•Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
•Bake for about 25-30 minutes if refrigerated or 45-60 minutes if frozen, or until heated through and bubbly.
2.Microwave Method:
•For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions.
•Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate.
•Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until warmed through.
3.Adding Moisture: If you notice that the casserole has dried out during storage, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to restore some moisture.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Hashbrown Casserole
If you find yourself with extra hashbrown casserole that you want to reinvent, consider these creative ideas:
•Breakfast Hash: Mix in some scrambled eggs and cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast dish.
•Casserole Remix: Combine leftover hashbrowns with cooked chicken or turkey for a comforting chicken hashbrown casserole.
•Loaded Hashbrowns: Top with additional cheese, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or green onions before reheating for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Storing leftover Cracker Barrel-style hashbrown casserole is straightforward and allows you to enjoy this comforting dish even after your initial meal. By following proper storage techniques and reheating methods, you can savor every cheesy bite without compromising flavor or texture. Whether enjoyed as-is or transformed into a new dish, leftover hashbrown casserole is sure to delight!