Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Easy
Who doesn’t love the warm, cheesy goodness of Cracker Barrel’s hashbrown casserole? Now, imagine having that same comforting dish, but with minimal effort, thanks to your crockpot. This slow cooker version captures all the creamy, cheesy flavors of the original but lets your kitchen do all the heavy lifting. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
Made with a handful of simple ingredients, including shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, this dish is practically foolproof. Just mix everything together, set it in the crockpot, and let it work its magic. The best part? No oven space required, leaving you free to focus on other parts of your meal or simply enjoy your day.
Whether you’re a fan of Cracker Barrel classics or just looking for an easy comfort food recipe, this slow cooker casserole is bound to become a household favorite. With its rich, cheesy layers and just the right hint of onion for flavor, it’s hard not to go back for seconds—or even thirds! Keep reading for tips, tricks, and a step-by-step guide to making this indulgent dish at home.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
What you’ll love about this Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients to create a creamy, cheesy dish that’s bursting with flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, meaning you can set it and forget it while your home fills with the delicious scent of comfort food. The combination of hash browns, melted cheese, sour cream, and a hint of onion makes this casserole irresistibly rich and savory, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy side dish for any occasion. Plus, the cheesy top layer adds an extra delicious crunch!
Cracker Barrel Restaurant
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, commonly known as Cracker Barrel, is a chain of restaurants and gift stores with a distinctive Southern country theme. Here’s a brief overview of its history:
Founding: Cracker Barrel was founded in 1969 by Dan Evins, a sales representative for Shell Oil, in Lebanon, Tennessee. The first location was a combination restaurant, gas station, and gift store located near Interstate 40.
Concept: Evins wanted to create a place where travelers could stop and enjoy a home-cooked meal in a cozy, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of old-fashioned Southern hospitality. The name “Cracker Barrel” was inspired by the barrels of crackers that were delivered to country stores in the 19th century.
Expansion: Cracker Barrel began to expand rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s, opening new locations across the southeastern United States. The chain’s combination of comfort food, affordable prices, and charming decor resonated with customers, leading to its popularity.
Distinctive Features: Cracker Barrel restaurants are known for their distinctive features, including front porches with rocking chairs, cozy fireplaces, and country-style decor featuring antique farm implements and memorabilia. The chain also offers a retail store selling a variety of country-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Menu: The menu at Cracker Barrel features traditional Southern comfort food, including fried chicken, country ham, meatloaf, biscuits, and gravy, as well as seasonal specials and regional favorites. Breakfast is served all day, and the chain is particularly known for its hearty breakfast offerings.
Community Involvement: Cracker Barrel is actively involved in the communities where it operates, supporting local charities, schools, and organizations through donations and volunteer efforts. The chain also participates in initiatives to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Expansion and Recognition: Today, Cracker Barrel operates over 650 locations in 45 states, employing thousands of people. It has consistently ranked among the top casual dining chains in the United States in terms of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Overall, Cracker Barrel has become a beloved American institution, known for its delicious comfort food, warm hospitality, and nostalgic ambiance, making it a favorite destination for travelers and locals alike.
Ingredients
1 (32 ounces) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
1 stick butter, 🧈 melted
1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
1 (16 ounces) container of sour cream
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and black pepper, to taste
How To Make Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Prepare the liner of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients EXCEPT 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and heat on low for 4 hours or until the cheese on top has melted and the casserole is heated through.
Notes: You can mix all of the ingredients together directly in the slow cooker. If you do not like sharp cheddar cheese, experiment using any cheese blend. I used 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
Tips & Tricks
- Use Thawed Hash Browns: Make sure to thaw your frozen hash browns before using them in the recipe. This helps the casserole cook more evenly and ensures the texture is just right.
- Customize the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to mix it up by adding other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Add Extra Flavor: If you like a little more seasoning, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can also throw in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist!
- Make Ahead: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can assemble everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it in the slow cooker in the morning. Just be sure to let it cook the full 4 hours on low for the best results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re making a larger batch, don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. You want to make sure there’s enough room for the heat to circulate so everything cooks evenly.
FAQs
Reheating
To reheat your Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casserole, place your desired amount in a microwave-safe container and then heat until it reaches your desired temperature. It is best to cook in intervals and stir it so it warms evenly.
Yes, you can make this dish in the oven! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray your 13 x9 pan and add the ingredients just as the recipe calls for. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes.
For a crispy version, leave them uncovered.
For a more moist version, then cover with a piece of foil.
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
These crockpot Cracker Barrel Hashbrown casseroles are always a favorite! With basic ingredients like frozen hash browns, butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion, and cheese you will have a cheesy breakfast dish that everyone will be raving about!
Ingredients
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the liner of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients EXCEPT 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and heat on low for 4 hours or until the cheese on top has melted and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
Adapted from: Allrecipes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 481Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 823mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 21g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
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