This Hash Brown Casserole tastes just like the real Cracker Barrel recipe and is easy to make with just 6 ingredients! Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer friendly!

Be sure to serve this with my fluffy scrambled eggs  and buttermilk biscuits!

Wooden Spoon Scooping Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casserole out of a white casserole dish.

Hash Brown Casserole

Welcome to one of my favorite comfort food recipes on the blog! (And I have a lot of them.)

Not only can you make this ahead of time, but if you happen to have leftovers, (we never do), you can freeze them!

Read on, I have everything you need to know about making this recipe. From customization options, tips on obtaining the perfect consistency, how to make it ahead of time, storing, reheating, and more!

How to Make it

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Pro Tip: I like to use  Thick Cut Hash Browns. They hold up well in this casserole!

  1. Thaw the hash browns and pat them dry.
  2. Set 1 cup cheddar cheese aside. Combine remaining ingredients.
  3. Place in a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  4. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
  5. Remove cover and increase heat to 400° Bake for 10-15 more minutes.
  6. Let it sit for 10 minutes prior to serving.

Should I Thaw Frozen Hash Browns Before Cooking

Yes. The consistency is much better if you thaw them out and pat them dry prior to assembly. It also takes twice as long for the casserole to bake if the hash browns are frozen.

3 Ways to Thaw Them:

  • Place the package in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Defrost them in the microwave.
  • Let them sit at room temperature in a large bowl for about 45 minutes.

Be sure to pat them dry after they have thawed.

Can I Make Hash Brown Casserole The Day Before

You can assemble this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight, just be sure that your hash browns are thawed and patted dry when you combine them with the other ingredients.

Can You Freeze Hash Brown Casserole

Yes. You can assemble and freeze this casserole prior to baking. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as outlined.

Using Frozen Cubed Potatoes

You can absolutely use cubed hash browns in this recipe if that is your preference or if you’re unable to obtain the shredded ones.

You can also use frozen Potatoes O’Brien and eliminate the need to dice up an onion!

Crock Pot Method

  • Assemble as indicated in recipe, reserving some of the cheese for the top. Place in a lightly greased Crock Pot.
  • Heat on low for 4-5 hours or high for 3+1/2. 
  • Top with cheese, cover until melted, then serve.
  • Note: Crock Pots vary in terms of temperature so you may want to check on it periodically as it cooks.

A wooden spoon laying across a white casserole dish filled with cracker barrel hashbrown casserole.

Add-On Ideas

  • Meats: Cooked/diced ham, sausage, bacon, or chicken.
  • Veggies: Bell Peppers, chiles, jalapenos, broccoli.
  • Cheeses: Colby, Cheddar Jack, Monterey Jack, Boursin.
  • You can also sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking!

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Storing Leftovers

  • Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container and are best if used within 3 days.
  • You can also freeze leftovers, they’re best if used within 3 months. 
    • To reheat, let it defrost in the refrigerator and bake it in a 350° oven, covered, for 20-25 minutes.
    • You can also microwave them until heated through.

Overhead view of a wooden spoon laying in a white casserole dish that's full of hashbrown casserole.

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Overhead view of a white casserole dish filled with hashbrown casserole with a wooden spoon scooping it up.

Hash Brown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat!)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
4.94 from 60 ratings
Servings: 8
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This Hashbrown Casserole tastes just like the Cracker Barrel version and is so easy to throw together and serve with breakfast, or even dinner. (Plus, leftovers are freezer friendly!)

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 28-32 oz. frozen hash browns, thawed*
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup, (cream of cheddar works too)
  • 16 oz. sour cream
  • 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add the onions. Soften for 5 minutes, then set aside.
  • Pat the thawed hashbrowns dry.
  • Set 1 cup of cheddar cheese aside for the top of the casserole, then combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl, (hashbrowns included).
  • Transfer to a greased 9x13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
  • Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove cover and increase heat to 400° F. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top begins to crisp and brown slightly.
  • Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes prior to serving.

Notes

3 ways to thaw the hashbrowns:
  • Place the package in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Defrost them in the microwave.
  • Let them sit at room temperature in a large bowl for about 45 minutes.
Pro Tip: I like to use  Thick Cut Hash Browns. They hold up well in this casserole!

Crock Pot Method

  • Assemble as indicated in recipe, reserving some of the cheese to top it with. Place in a lightly greased Crock Pot.
  • Heat on low for 4-5 hours or high for 3+1/2. 
  • Top with cheese, cover until melted, then serve.
  • Note: Crock Pots vary in terms of temperature so you may want to check on it periodically as it cooks.

Make-Ahead Method

You can assemble this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight, just be sure that your hash browns are thawed and patted dry when you combine them with the other ingredients.

Storing Leftovers

  • Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container and are best if used within 3 days.
  • You can also freeze leftovers, they're best if used within 3 months. 
    • To reheat, let it defrost in the refrigerator and bake it in a 350° oven, covered, for 20-25 minutes.
    • You can also microwave them until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 664kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 48g, Saturated Fat: 22g, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 971mg, Potassium: 799mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1060IU, Vitamin C: 16.3mg, Calcium: 294mg, Iron: 1.3mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Stephanie