A rich and cheesy hashbrown casserole inspired by Cracker Barrel’s famous recipe, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting side dish.

Ingredients

32-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (or cubed hash browns)
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream (16 ounces)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C, 160°C fan) and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Prepare hash browns: Pat thawed hash browns dry to remove excess moisture.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, shredded cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping), salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
Assemble casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and cooked through.
Optional broil: For a golden-brown top, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, perfect for family meals or holiday brunches
Easy to prepare with pantry staples
Can be made ahead and baked fresh for convenience

Tips

Make sure to pat the hash browns dry to prevent a watery casserole.
Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets nicely.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
Add cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or green onions for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in the baking dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake for 50–60 minutes the next day.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, peel and shred potatoes, then blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften before using.

Serving

Serve as a side for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Pairs well with eggs, sausage, or roasted meats.

Suggestions

Sprinkle extra cheddar or Parmesan on top before broiling for an extra cheesy crust.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and flavor.
Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.