Introduction
Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole is a beloved comfort food, famous for its creamy, cheesy texture and rich, savory flavor. Served as a side dish at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s become a staple for fans of homestyle cooking. But while nothing beats a trip to Cracker Barrel, there’s something special about recreating this classic dish in your own kitchen.
Cracker Barrel vs. Homemade Versions
While Cracker Barrel’s version is the gold standard, making it at home allows you to tailor the dish to your taste and dietary preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add extra toppings, or even make healthier adjustments. Homemade hashbrown casserole also lets you skip the trip to the restaurant while still enjoying the signature flavors you love.
Why Use a Crockpot?
The crockpot offers a unique advantage when making this dish. It simplifies the cooking process by allowing the casserole to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring a perfectly tender and creamy texture every time. Unlike oven-baked versions, a crockpot hashbrown casserole doesn’t require constant monitoring, freeing you to focus on other tasks. Plus, it keeps the casserole warm and ready to serve, making it ideal for family meals, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Cracker Barrel Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole
With the convenience of a crockpot and the flexibility of homemade cooking, you can easily bring Cracker Barrel’s iconic dish to your table.
Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cracker Barrel Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole? This beloved comfort food combines the nostalgic flavors of the restaurant’s iconic dish with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the rich, savory flavors you love with minimal effort.
Gathering Ingredients
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s iconic hashbrown casserole in a crockpot requires simple, accessible ingredients that come together to deliver the creamy, cheesy goodness everyone loves. Here’s a breakdown of the core components and suggested substitutes for flexibility.
Core Ingredients
- Frozen Hashbrowns
- Shredded hashbrowns are the base of this casserole. They provide a tender texture and soak up the rich flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before use to prevent excess moisture.
- Sour Cream
- Sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances the dish’s flavors. It also contributes to the casserole’s creamy consistency.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Cheese is the star of the casserole! Sharp cheddar is the most traditional choice, providing bold flavor and a melty, gooey texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- This condensed soup binds the ingredients together and gives the dish its signature creaminess. For vegetarians, cream of mushroom soup is a great alternative.
- Butter
- Melted butter enhances the casserole’s richness, ensuring a decadent result.
- Seasonings
- A pinch of salt and pepper brings out the flavors. For added depth, consider garlic powder or a dash of paprika.
Substitutes for Core Ingredients
- Fresh Potatoes Instead of Hashbrowns
- Grate fresh potatoes if frozen hashbrowns aren’t available. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry before using.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store History
- Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream
- Greek yogurt is a high-protein, lighter alternative that still provides tang and creaminess.
- Cheese Alternatives
- For a twist, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for a milder or more varied flavor profile.
- Dairy-free shredded cheese works well for those avoiding lactose.
- Homemade Soup Substitutes
- If you’d like to avoid canned soup, make your own using a roux of butter, flour, and chicken or vegetable broth mixed with milk.
- Flavor Boosters
- Add diced onions or green onions for a savory kick. A handful of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham can also take the casserole to the next level.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Cooking Cracker Barrel’s famous hashbrown casserole in a crockpot is as easy as it is rewarding. With these step-by-step instructions, layering techniques, and tips for achieving the perfect texture, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Layering Tips
The key to a well-cooked casserole is even layering, ensuring all the flavors meld together harmoniously:
- Grease the Crockpot: Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or rubbing it with a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- First Layer – Hashbrowns: Spread half of the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. This forms the base of the casserole and helps soak up the creamy ingredients.
- Second Layer – Mixture: In a bowl, mix the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and shredded cheese. Add salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Spread half of this mixture over the hashbrowns.
- Third Layer – Cheese: Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of hashbrowns, followed by the remaining mixture and cheese.
- Optional Toppings: For added flavor, you can sprinkle diced green onions, cooked bacon bits, or diced ham on top before cooking.
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Adjusting Cooking Times Based on Quantity
The cooking time for your hashbrown casserole largely depends on the size of your crockpot and the amount you’re preparing:
- Standard Recipe (4–6 Servings): Use a 4-quart crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. This ensures the hashbrowns become tender and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Double Recipe (8–10 Servings): Use a larger 6- to 8-quart crockpot. Cook on low for 5–6 hours, stirring gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Small Batches (2–3 Servings): For smaller quantities, reduce the layers but keep the proportions consistent. Use a 2- to 3-quart crockpot and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
Tips for Best Results:
- Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the hashbrowns are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Adding a Crispy Topping
A crispy topping adds texture and visual appeal, making this casserole even more irresistible. Here’s how to achieve that golden, crunchy finish:
- Bread Crumbs: Combine 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly on top of the casserole 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. Allow the crockpot to continue cooking uncovered, letting the topping crisp up.
- Crushed Crackers or Chips: Use crushed Ritz crackers, tortilla chips, or even cornflakes mixed with melted butter for a unique, crunchy topping. Spread them over the casserole during the last 15–30 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Cheese: For those who prefer gooey over crispy, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend on top. Cover the crockpot and let it melt during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Oven Finish (Optional): If your crockpot insert is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 3–5 minutes to create an extra-crispy topping. This step ensures an even, golden crust.
- How to Use a Crockpot
Final Steps:
- Once the casserole is cooked, turn off the crockpot and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a finishing touch.
By mastering these layering techniques, adjusting cooking times to suit your needs, and adding a delicious topping, your Cracker Barrel Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole will be the star of any meal. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Making Cracker Barrel Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole at home often means you’ll have delicious leftovers to enjoy later. Proper storage ensures the flavors and textures remain just as satisfying, while knowing what to pair it with can elevate your dining experience.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover hashbrown casserole is a treat in itself, but storing it correctly will keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
- Refrigerate: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the casserole into a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label it with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Tip for Freezing: Portion the casserole into individual servings before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Reheat the casserole in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
- Slow Cooker: For larger amounts, reheat in your crockpot on low for 1–2 hours.
Best Dishes to Serve Alongside
This creamy, cheesy casserole pairs well with a variety of main courses and side dishes, making it versatile for breakfast, lunch, or dinner:
- Breakfast Pairings:
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage links for a hearty morning meal.
- Add a fresh fruit salad or a side of buttered toast to balance the richness.
- Lunch or Dinner Options:
- Pair the casserole with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham for a complete meal.
- A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Vegetarian Pairings:
- Serve with sautéed green beans, steamed broccoli, or a medley of roasted vegetables for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly meal.
- Holiday Gatherings:
- This casserole shines on holiday tables, pairing beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
FAQs
Can I bake this instead of using a crockpot?
Yes, you can bake Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole if you prefer or don’t have a crockpot. To do so:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble the casserole in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.
Baking delivers a similar creamy texture, with the added benefit of a golden, crispy topping.
Does the topping turn out crispy in a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker ensures even cooking and rich flavors, it doesn’t naturally create a crispy topping due to its moist environment. To achieve a crispy finish:
- Add crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, leaving the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
- Alternatively, transfer the cooked casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil the top for 3–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
What brand of cheese works best?
The best cheese depends on personal preference, but some popular choices include:
- Tillamook: Known for its sharp cheddar with a bold flavor.
- Kraft: A widely available option that melts smoothly.
- Cabot: Offers a variety of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheeses that enhance the dish’s richness.
For a Tex-Mex twist, try Sargento’s Mexican cheese blend, which includes Monterey Jack and queso quesadilla. Always shred cheese fresh from a block for the best melting quality. - Vegetarian Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, fresh potatoes can be used as a substitute. Simply grate the potatoes, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean towel to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. Fresh potatoes provide a slightly firmer texture and a more homemade feel.
How to avoid a soggy texture?
To ensure your casserole isn’t soggy:
- Thaw and Dry Hashbrowns: Always thaw frozen hashbrowns completely and pat them dry to remove moisture.
- Drain Ground Beef: If using ground beef, drain the grease thoroughly after browning.