Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Frozen hash browns: These are the base of the casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.

Cream of chicken soup: This canned soup adds a creamy and savory element to the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor.

Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the flavors.

Onion: Finely chopped to add a bit of texture and a subtle sharpness.

Butter: Melted to add richness and help bind the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When combining the thawed hash browns with the cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, melted butter, salt, and black pepper, make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients. This will help the casserole cook evenly and enhance the overall flavor. Additionally, for a crispier top layer, consider sprinkling a bit of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, and they can be used immediately without the need for thawing.

• 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.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have 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 provide a similar richness and moisture to the dish, 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 of the casserole.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is less visually noticeable in the dish.

• Allow the hash brown casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the casserole soggy.

• Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also use heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover the dish tightly.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire dish in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer method helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.

• When ready to reheat, if the casserole is frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures even reheating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

• Reheat the casserole in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until it is heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take up to 60 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up.

• For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

• Enjoy your reheated hash brown casserole as if it were freshly baked!

• Oven Reheating 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 the top from over-browning.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top crisp up again.

• Microwave Reheating Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the casserole is hot.

• Stovetop Reheating Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Reheating Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the 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 for doneness and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if necessary.

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

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

• Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients together and ensuring they are well combined.

• Baking dish: A greased dish where the mixture will be transferred and baked.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter.

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

• Knife: Needed to finely chop the small onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop the onion.

• Microwave: Optional, but can be used to quickly melt the butter if it’s not already melted.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and taking it out once the casserole is done.

• Cooling rack: A place to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt butter in the microwave instead of using a stovetop.

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

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to skip the shredding step.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Place frozen hash browns in the fridge the night before to ensure they are ready to use.