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Cheesy Cracker Barrel Style Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Easy and Comforting

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A warm, cheesy, and comforting hash brown casserole inspired by Cracker Barrel, perfect for potlucks, brunches, or cozy dinners. This easy recipe combines creamy cheese, crispy edges, and simple pantry ingredients for a nostalgic and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (about 340g)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup sour cream (240ml), full-fat recommended
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g), melted
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional crunchy topping: 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar for topping.
  5. Gently fold the frozen shredded hash browns into the creamy cheese mixture, coating them without overmixing.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer for a crunchy crust.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set and allow clean slices.

Notes

Use frozen hash browns straight from the bag to avoid watery casserole. Blend cream soup and sour cream thoroughly to prevent lumps. Use high-quality sharp cheddar and mozzarella for best flavor and melt. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast. For extra crispy edges, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, spicy, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, cheesy casserole, Cracker Barrel style, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy potatoes, potluck recipe, brunch dish

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/cheesy-cracker-barrel-style-hash-brown-casserole-recipe-easy-and-comforting/