Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Ensure your thawed shredded hash browns are well-drained to prevent a watery casserole. You can gently press them with paper towels or let them sit in a colander for a bit.1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, melted butter, and condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir until thoroughly blended and smooth.1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup butter, 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- If using, stir in the finely chopped yellow onion. Add the salt and black pepper to the mixture and whisk to distribute evenly.1/4 cup yellow onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the wet ingredients and stir until it's well incorporated.1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Gently fold the drained shredded hash browns into the cheesy sauce mixture. Make sure all the hash browns are evenly coated.1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns
- Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hash brown mixture.1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- If you desire an extra crunchy topping, mix about 1/4 cup of crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese.1/4 cup crushed corn flakes or panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup butter
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.
- Once removed from the oven, let the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
Storing Leftovers:
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can also portion it into freezer-safe containers. Frozen casserole will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
From Refrigerator: For best results, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from burning. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping.
From Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. If reheating directly from frozen, it will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, and will likely require more foil coverage to prevent drying out.
Microwave (for smaller portions): Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warm. Note that the texture might be slightly softer than oven-reheated.
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can also portion it into freezer-safe containers. Frozen casserole will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
From Refrigerator: For best results, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from burning. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping.
From Freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. If reheating directly from frozen, it will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, and will likely require more foil coverage to prevent drying out.
Microwave (for smaller portions): Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warm. Note that the texture might be slightly softer than oven-reheated.