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!
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!
- Thaw the hash browns and pat them dry.
- Set 1 cup cheddar cheese aside. Combine remaining ingredients.
- Place in a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes.
- Remove cover and increase heat to 400° Bake for 10-15 more minutes.
- 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.
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!
Try These Next
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.
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Hash Brown Casserole (Cracker Barrel Copycat!)
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
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.
Made this in the crockpot, on the high setting. I should have checked it at about 2 hours, but I just let it roll. Final result: A really yummy mush!!! The flavor was great (and I sautéed half each of a red pepper, green pepper and onion, adding that at the beginning)
Definitely try this recipe. I’ll do it in the oven next time! But you will probably be fine if you do it in your crockpot on low, or even high, as long as you periodically check it’s progress!
Hey Marianne! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this recipe, it’s true, Crock Pots do vary in terms of temperature so it’s always a little tricky to give an exact timeframe! I’ll add a note that you should keep an eye on it during cooking! I’m glad that you enjoyed it and will be making it again! 🙂
In the picture it shows salt, but I don’t see that as an ingredient listed. Do u add that in?
Hey Christy! You can add salt to taste, if preferred, although it’s just fine without it! You can always sprinkle salt onto your plate when serving if desired! 🙂
Delicious and easy!!
Great Christy!! I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for the review!
Oh no. Which recipe have I been using? For some reason I was thinking I was supposed to use cheese soup. Or something like that. Hmm uh oh and I also baked it with foil over it. Maybe that’s why it hasn’t been very good the past couple times I made it. Hmmm
Question! I don’t have hash browns, but I’ve got “tater rounds” (think Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr./Burger King hash browns. On the back of the bag it says “do not thaw”. Can you still thaw it and it’s ok or is that like THE rule for safety?
Hey Melissa! I don’t think there will be an issue with that, you should be just fine! 🙂
I am wondering if this can be frozen after baking for eating later
Absolutely! I love freezing leftovers! I reheat them into the microwave or covered in foil in the oven!
I made this a few days ago. There’s just 4 of us and it makes a 9×13 pan. It was so great, it was warmed up two different nights by my sons and it’s gone completely. Thank you for the recipe!
GREAT! So happy to hear that Amy, really appreciate you taking the time to let me know how it came out for you! 🙂 We love this one! -Stephanie
My family loved this! They are a tough crowd and very picky people. I will be making this often.
I’m happy to hear that Deborah, thanks so much for the review! We make this one a lot during the holidays!
This recipe is so easy and delicious! My kids and grandkids loved it this morning! After one bite my daughter-in-law said she was voting right now that we have this EVERY year for our Christmas breakfast!
That’s SUCH great news Kathy, I am so happy that your family enjoyed it so much and will work it into your new traditional holiday breakfast! Thank you so much for the great review! -Stephanie
In these trying times, I’m making this family friendly recipe, with ingredients I have on hand (no special trip to the store). We LOVE this recipe!!@ Thank you for all the added items (can be added in). I’m using left over cooked/cubed ham from Thanksgiving I set aside (and froze). Thank you again, and we wish you a VERY Merry Christmas, or, Happy Holidays.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it Erin!! Thank you so much for letting me know what you thought of it! A very Merry Christmas to you as well!! -Stephanie