Simple Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole (with a twist!)

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After the great Cracker Barrel logo fiasco we decided to pull this recipe out and give it a try! If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, you probably know the joy of their creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole — the ultimate Southern comfort food. Whether it’s served alongside breakfast favorites or as a hearty side dish for dinner, it’s one of those restaurant favorites that makes people come back again and again.

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This copycat Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole is as close to the original as you can get, but with a little twist: a touch of sour cream and smoked paprika for depth of flavor, plus a crunchy buttery cracker topping that makes each bite extra special. It would be a great addition for any family’s potlucks, holidays, or Sunday brunch. Anytime you want to bring that Cracker Barrel magic into your own kitchen, this easy recipe delivers big comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream (adds a creamy twist!)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika for a milder version)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the topping (optional but delicious):

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (or buttery crackers), crushed
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
3. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
4. Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for that golden crunch.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
6. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before scooping. It’s a great side dish for breakfast sausage, fried chicken, or baked ham, and it also stands on its own as a cheesy casserole that everyone will love.

Why This Twist Works

We thought that the addition of some creamy sour cream lightened the flavor and balanced the richness of the cheese and soup in the casserole. A pinch of smoked paprika added a savory flavor, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping gives you that irresistible crunch in each bite.

This casserole is pure comfort food — simple, cheesy, and full of the kind of home-cooked flavor you’d expect from your favorite restaurant. It’s easy to see why recipes like this are often called funeral potatoes in the Midwest — they’re comforting, familiar, and always welcome at any table.

This is a simple recipe that’s:

• Quick to prep (minimal prep time)
• Budget-friendly with basic pantry ingredients
• A crowd-pleasing choice for both kids and adults
• Perfect to make ahead for holidays or family gatherings

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about this hashbrown casserole recipe is how customizable it is. You can mix in different ingredients to fit your mood or what you have on hand:

• Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a heartier breakfast-style dish.
• Stir in green onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder taste.
• Make it vegetarian by using cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
• Use cornflakes instead of crackers on top for a classic touch.

It’s one of those cheesy casseroles that never disappoints — and it always disappears fast at potlucks and reunions.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with aluminum foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. For quick reheating, microwave individual portions until heated through.

If you’d like to freeze it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10–15 extra minutes of bake time if cold.

This recipe holds up beautifully for make-ahead meals, and it tastes just as good the next day — some say even better.

Serving Ideas

This Cracker Barrel-inspired hashbrown casserole fits in anywhere — from holiday dinners to weekday breakfast. Serve it with scrambled eggs and biscuits for brunch, or alongside fried chicken, roast beef, or ham for dinner.

It’s one of those great side dishes that feels like a meal all by itself. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans for a full, comforting plate that’s bound to please everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

If you love restaurant favorites like the Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, you’ll adore this homemade copycat version with its creamy, cheesy center and crunchy topping. It’s the kind of pure comfort food that brings people together — easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for every occasion.

So grab your large bowl, gather your handful of ingredients, and bake up this cheesy hashbrown casserole the next time you’re craving something cozy and homemade. Because some dishes — like this one — never go out of style.

Want to try another amazing Cracker Barrel Copycat recipe? Check out this delicious Chicken Pot Pie