Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Delight
This Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Delight is a beloved staple inspired by the classic Cracker Barrel dish. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, it combines crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, rich sour cream, and savory cream of chicken soup into a hearty dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. Your loved ones will be asking for this recipe again and again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen hash browns
2 lb (No preparation needed, frozen.)
Sour cream
8 ounces (No preparation needed.)
Cream of chicken soup
10 3/4 ounce can (No preparation needed.)
Margarine or Butter
1/2 cup (Melt in microwave.)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (Chop finely.)
Grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (Grate if not pre-grated.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter or margarine. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, grated sharp cheddar cheese, chopped onion, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and the melted butter. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese begins to bubble and turn golden brown on top. For a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end of baking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Delight?
It is a comforting and creamy dish inspired by Cracker Barrel's classic recipe, featuring hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, butter or margarine, chopped onion, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole takes approximately 45 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
You should bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns before mixing?
No, you can use the hash browns directly from the freezer; they do not need to be thawed.
Can I use butter or margarine?
Yes, either butter or margarine can be used; simply melt it before adding it to the mixture.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can use mild cheddar if preferred.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
How do I make the top extra crispy?
For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 3 to 5 minutes after the initial baking time.
Is this recipe similar to Cracker Barrel?
Yes, this recipe is a beloved staple inspired by the flavor profile of the classic Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute for cream of chicken soup.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves between 10 to 12 people depending on the portion size.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
Is this dish vegetarian?
The current recipe uses cream of chicken soup; to make it vegetarian, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Absolutely, adding cooked diced ham or bacon bits is a great way to turn this side dish into a main course.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.
Do I need to spray the baking dish?
Yes, spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the potatoes and cheese from sticking.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, but you must grate them and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing to avoid a soggy casserole.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but you will likely need to use two 9x13 baking dishes.
What kind of onion should I use?
A standard yellow or white onion works best, but you can use green onions for a milder flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as written due to the cream of chicken soup; use a gluten-free soup alternative to adapt it.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, chopped bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions to the potato mixture.
What if I don't have a 9x13 dish?
You can use two 8-inch square pans, but the baking time may vary slightly.
Why is my casserole runny?
If the casserole is runny, it may be because too much moisture was added or the potatoes were partially thawed and not drained.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine, though freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Yes, it is a very popular choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family holiday gathering.