Breakfast Casserole With Corned Beef Hash and Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheese

Learn how to replicate the best-ever cheesy potato casserole at home. This Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe is as good as the real deal!

Whether you're wandering through their gift shop and vintage candy store or filling your belly with homestyle comfort food, it's impossible not to enjoy a visit to Cracker Barrel. And while everyone seems to have a go-to order, the hash brown casserole is a best-seller nationwide.

Keep reading for our step-by-step Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe, along with tips for perfecting this easy and delicious side dish.

Why People Love This Dish

It can be enjoyed any time of the day and is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside steak and eggs for breakfast, with a slice of quiche for brunch or in the evening with fried chicken and green beans. Speaking from experience, plan on making a double batch, because the odds of leftovers are slim.

Homemade Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Lauren Habermehl for taste of home

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 30-ounce bag of frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• Fresh chives, garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Saute onions and garlic

Lauren Habermehl for taste of home

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and saute the onions until they soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to a large mixing bowl and then return the saucepan to the stovetop.

Step 2: Combine ingredients

Lauren Habermehl for taste of home

To the large mixing bowl, with the cooked onions and garlic, add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, thawed hash browns and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined and then spread into a greased 9×13″ baking pan.

Lauren Habermehl for taste of home

Step 3: Top with cheese and bake

Top the potatoes with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes or until cooked throughout and bubbly. Remove promptly and sprinkle with chives, if using.

Serve warm with your other favorite breakfast foods—or something from Cracker Barrel's online store.

Hash Brown Casserole Recipe FAQ

Lauren Habermehl for taste of home

Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of shredded?

Of course! Cracker Barrel uses shredded potatoes in their recipe. However, if you prefer the texture of diced potatoes, you can replace the shredded frozen hash browns for a thawed 32-ounce bag of diced hash brown potatoes.

Can I use fresh diced or grated potatoes?

If your preference is to use fresh potatoes, there are a few extra steps you'll need to take to achieve great results.

• Wash and peel 6-8 russet potatoes; about 8 cups
• Shred using a box grater or dice finely
• Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch
• Soak in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 hours
• Drain and squeeze as much water as possible from the potatoes

Then, prepare casserole as directed above.

What can be used instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can easily use a homemade roux as a substitute. You'll need:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and add 1-1/2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk together with the melted butter to form a roux and cook until the mixture turns slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth stirring until smooth before adding more. Continue to whisk until the mixture has thickened and then remove from the heat. Stir in with the other ingredients listed in Step 2 of the recipe and bake as directed.

Editor's Tip: You can use just about any condensed "cream of" soup in this recipe. Cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese condensed soup are common alternatives and cream of bacon would be a delicious option, too.

Can I add a crunchy topping to Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole?

Yes! While Cracker Barrel simply tops their taters with extra cheese, you can jazz up yours at home with a panko or cornflakes topping like you typically see on funeral potatoes. Here's how:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1-1/2 cup crushed cornflakes cereal or panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chives, optional

To prepare the topping, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole prior to putting it into the oven and then bake as directed.

Can I make Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole ahead?

Yes! Prepare as directed and store the unbaked casserole, covered with foil, in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before your event. Prior to baking, uncover and bake as directed. Learn how to freeze a casserole the right way, too.

How should leftover casserole be stored?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container. It can be stored up to 3 days in the refrigerator or for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350° for 30 minutes until bubbly and warmed through.

Our Best Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes

Taste of Home

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Country Fried Steak

As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I'll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York Get Our Recipe for Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Country Ham

Browned potatoes give simple ham a tasty touch. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner is done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Hash Brown Casserole

You can enjoy this beloved side dish all day long. Serve it alongside steak and eggs for breakfast, with a slice of quiche for brunch or in the evening with fried chicken and green beans.

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Chicken n' Dumplins

Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Fried Apples

If you're feeling festive, scoop some vanilla ice cream over a bowl of these cinnamon spiced apples. They're homey, aromatic and just plain heavenly. —Amie Powell, Knoxville, Tennessee

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I learned to bake turkey in a brown paper bag, but now I use an oven roasting bag for perfect results that keep white meat moist. —Marla Hyatt, St. Paul, Minnesota

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Biscuits n' Gravy

This biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Cole Slaw

For Friday dinners, my mother made coleslaw to go with our fish. It's still a family tradition, and the tangy dressing even works on a tossed salad. —Cynthia McDowell, Banning, California

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Meat Loaf

Grated carrots and cheese add a hint of color to this down-home classic. If there are leftovers, we use them in meat loaf sandwiches the next day! —Sandy Etelamaki, Ishpeming, Michigan

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Biscuit Beignets

Enjoy breakfast the New Orleans way with these warm, crispy bites. Topped with powdered sugar, they are a delight! —Lois Rutherford, Elkton, Florida

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Roast Beef

Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Fruit Cobbler

I received this recipe years ago. It's a family favorite, especially when Maine blueberries are in season. What a treat to eat on a hot summer day! —Paula Chick, Lewiston, Maine

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Broccoli Cheddar Chicken

I was born in 1936 to a family of eight. Much of our food came from our garden and the henhouse. Mother served fried chicken every Sunday, but sometimes she surprised us with this broccoli-stuffed chicken. No arguments then as to who got what piece of chicken! —Donald Laugherty, Connellsville, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Mashed Potatoes

My sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared these buttermilk mashed potatoes with me. The garlic and buttermilk add a tasty, tangy flavor. —Stephanie Bremson of Kansas City, Missouri

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Buttermilk Pancakes

You just can't beat the best buttermilk pancakes for a down-home hearty breakfast. Pair it with sausage and fresh fruit for a mouthwatering morning meal. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan

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A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. —Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Macaroni n' Cheese

Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Corn Muffins

I turn classic corn bread muffins into something special by serving them with a honey butter. They're gone in a flash! —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Chicken Pot Pie

Although this uses leftover chicken, I serve this old-fashioned chicken pot pie as a special company dinner. Actually, my husband may enjoy it more than the original roasted bird with all the fixings! —Marilyn Hockey, Lisle, Ontario

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish

The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Steak Fries

Seasoned to perfection, these herbed steak fries from our Test Kitchen make a quick and tasty side dish for casual suppers. A great way to dress up frozen fries in a hurry!

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Baked Apple Dumplin'

I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Pinto Beans

Any time Mom had the gang over for dinner, she made these pinto beans. Once she made a batch for my cousin's birthday and he ate the entire thing. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Chicken Fried Chicken

Here's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Breaded Fried Okra

Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, this fried okra recipe is crunchy and addicting! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Southern Fried Chicken

This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin

Inspired by: Cracker Barrel's Buttermilk Biscuits

These fluffy biscuits are so tasty slathered with butter or used to mop up every last drop of gravy off your plate. I can still see Mom pulling these tender gems out of the oven. —Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cracker-barrel-hash-brown-casserole-recipe-copycat/

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