Homestyle Hashbrown Harmony a Cracker Barrel Inspired Casserole
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Awaits!
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving that creamy, cheesy goodness? I totally get it! This cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Honestly, it's pure comfort food perfection with a capital P.
Brief Overview
This hashbrown casserole is a classic dish. It is thought that similar dishes originated from midwestern church cookbooks, often called funeral potatoes .
It's an easy hashbrown casserole recipe that takes about an hour from start to finish. This recipe yields 6-8 servings.
It is perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
The highlight? It is a pure indulgence. This recipe is perfect for brunch with friends or a casual dinner side .
What makes this cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe special is the creamy cheese sauce . The crispy topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
Craving Cracker Barrel but can't make it out? This cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe brings that down home goodness straight to your kitchen.
This recipe has frozen hashbrowns and shredded cheddar cheese . It also includes sour cream and yellow onion . The cheese sauce has milk , all-purpose flour , and butter .
Plus, a little salt , pepper , garlic powder , and paprika for flavor. For an extra crunch, we top it with cornflakes .
It's like a warm hug on a plate, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser at any potluck recipe . Get ready to dive into the easy hashbrown casserole recipe! Now let's gather those ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Casserole Cookin'!
Okay, so you're ready to tackle this cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe ? Ace! First, let's gather our supplies. I'll break it down like I'm telling my mate down the pub!
Main Ingredients for Hashbrown Heaven
Right, for this hashbrown casserole recipe , we're talking quantities, yeah? Get these bits sorted:
- Frozen Hashbrowns: A 30 ounce bag ( 850g ) is your gold. Thaw them out, squeeze out the extra water. Trust me.
- Yellow Onion: Just ¼ cup ( 30g ), finely diced.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) for sautéing, just a splash.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons ( 56g ) for the sauce. Don't be shy!
- All-Purpose Flour: ⅓ cup ( 40g ) Thickens that sauce nicely.
- Milk: 2 ½ cups ( 590ml ). Full fat? Skimmed? Your call, bruv. I use full fat for that creamy, cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe vibe!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A whopping 2 cups ( 200g ), divided. Mature cheddar gives it a proper kick.
- Sour Cream: ½ cup ( 120g ). Don't skip this. It adds a lil' somethin' somethin'.
- Cornflakes (Optional): ¼ cup ( 25g ), crushed, plus 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) melted butter. For that extra crunch.
- Seasoning : ½ teaspoon salt ( 2.5ml ), ¼ teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25ml ), ½ teaspoon garlic powder ( 2.5ml ), ¼ teaspoon paprika ( 1.25ml ).
For the cheese , get a block of proper cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded stuff sometimes has weird coatings that stop it melting as well.
Quality cheese = quality cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe !
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up, Mate!
Seasoning is key, innit? Salt and pepper are essential, obviously. But garlic powder and paprika add a touch of magic.
I sometimes sneak in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth. Corriander also makes it really banging!. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.
BOOM!
Equipment Needed: What You'll Need
No need for fancy gear. Keep it simple!
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is your stage!
- Large Skillet: For cooking the hashbrowns and onion.
- Medium Saucepan: Where the magic cheese sauce happens.
- Whisk: To keep that sauce smooth.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine everything.
- Grater: For that lovely cheddar.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: You know, for measuring stuff.
Don't have a skillet? A large frying pan will do. No whisk? A fork will work in a pinch. The oven is your main tool here! I usually chuck the baking dish on 350° F ( 175° C) .
You can also use the microwave at medium high (700W or 70%) for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, rotating halfway through.
Right then! Now you're armed with the gear and the grub, ready to whip up some comfort food ! Let's get cracking with this easy hashbrown casserole recipe ! It's brill as a side dish at dinner , or even at a brunch recipe if you are feeling it !
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: Comfort Food Goals
Honestly, who doesn't love a good hashbrown casserole ? This cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe is proper lush . It's that easy hashbrown casserole that's perfect for Sunday brunch , a potluck recipe , or even as a dinner side .
If you want comfort food , this is the one. This is our take on the classic!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Mise en place , darling! Thaw those frozen hashbrowns ! Seriously, don't skip this. You want them as dry as possible. I normally leave mine overnight.
- Dice up that yellow onion nice and fine. No one wants big chunks of onion.
- Safety wise, watch your fingers when grating the cheese ! We don't want any accidental finger food.
step-by-step: Let's Cook
- Heat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish . No one wants their casserole sticking.
- Sauté your hashbrowns with the diced onion in a skillet with some vegetable oil. Add salt and pepper and cook until just soft and a little browned, roughly 5- 7 mins.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour . Cook for just a minute, until it smells nutty. This is your roux!
- Slowly whisk in 2 ½ cups of milk . Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until it thickens, about 2- 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in ½ teaspoon salt , ¼ teaspoon black pepper , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , ¼ teaspoon paprika , and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese . Then, gently fold in ½ cup of sour cream .
- Mix the cheesy sauce with the sautéed hashbrowns. Make sure it's all evenly coated.
- Pour everything into your baking dish , and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese , and the cornflakes if you fancy it! Bake for 30- 40 minutes , until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5-10 before digging in.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- If you want it extra crispy, pop it under the broiler for the last minute. But watch it like a hawk!
- Common mistake? Soggy hashbrowns! That's why thawing is essential. And squeeze out the excess moisture.
- You can totally make this the day before! Just assemble it and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Think make-ahead hashbrown casserole ! This cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is the perfect side dish . A lot of love went in to this cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe so, enjoy!. You can easily make your own cracker barrel version at home!
Recipe Notes: Your Path to Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Perfection
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this amazing cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe . These notes are your cheat sheet to hashbrown heaven.
Honestly, they're born from my own kitchen adventures (and a few minor disasters!).
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Hashbrown Game
Wanna make this hashbrown casserole sing? Think presentation! I like to serve individual portions straight from the baking dish . You know, get that rustic, home style vibe going.
For sides, scrambled eggs are a total no-brainer. A crispy rasher of bacon? Oh my gosh, yes! And if you're feeling fancy, a mimosa on the side never hurt anyone.
You can also try serving the cracker barrel hashbrown casserole as a side dish with baked chicken or pork chops.
Storage Tips: Making the Magic Last
So, you've made a cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe , but there are leftovers? No worries! This casserole keeps beautifully.
- Refrigeration: Keep your easy hashbrown casserole covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Easy peasy!
- Freezing: I've frozen this before. Wrap it well (think cling film and foil) and it'll last a month or two. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: The oven is your best bet for reheating. About 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but it won't be quite as crispy.
Variations: Putting Your Spin on the Classics
Fancy a change? You can easily tweak this easy hashbrown casserole to your liking. For a vegetarian version, just stick to the recipe as is! Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce .
For a seasonal twist, try swapping the shredded cheddar cheese for a mix of Gruyere and Swiss in the winter.
It's all about making it your own! It can also be made as a brunch recipe or even a potluck recipe !
Nutrition Basics: A Little Food For Thought
Okay, let's talk numbers. A serving of this cracker barrel hashbrown casserole is estimated to be about 350-400 calories. Of course, that depends on your portion size (and how much cheese you sneak in!).
It's a great source of carbs for energy, and the cheese provides calcium. The sour cream does bring some fat.
The casserole can be served as a dinner side as well.
So there you have it! All my top tips for a cracker barrel hashbrown casserole recipe that's sure to impress. Now go forth and conquer that baking dish ! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole watery? What did I do wrong?
A watery Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole usually means there was too much moisture in your hashbrowns to begin with. Make sure to thaw your frozen hashbrowns completely and squeeze out any excess liquid before sautéing them. Thawed Hashbrowns are your friend, don't skip this step!
Additionally, don't overcook the sauce, which can cause the milk to separate.
Can I make Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Think of it as your 'get ahead of the game' strategy, just like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday evening!
How do I get a crispy topping on my Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole?
For that satisfying crunch, consider adding the optional cornflake topping, mixed with melted butter. Additionally, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning. This will give you that lovely golden brown crust, reminiscent of a proper crumble topping.
Is it possible to make a lighter or healthier version of this Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole recipe?
Yes, you can definitely lighten it up! Use reduced fat cheese, skim milk, and plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You could also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or broccoli to bulk it up and add nutrients.
It's all about making those clever swaps, a bit like swapping out butter for applesauce in a cake same deliciousness, slightly less guilt!
Can I freeze leftover Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in an airtight container. It's best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What kind of cheese works best in this Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole?
While cheddar is classic for this casserole, you can experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses will all work nicely. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains cellulose that can inhibit melting.
Freshly grated cheese is the way to go for that perfect, gooey texture - a bit like using proper mature cheddar in a cheese toastie instead of the plastic-y slices!
Homestyle Hashbrown Harmony A Cracker Barrel Ins
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |