Ultimate Comfort: The Best Slow Cooker Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
Craving that iconic, cheesy, and utterly comforting Hash Brown Casserole from Cracker Barrel but don’t want to leave the house? Look no further! This incredible copycat recipe brings the beloved restaurant classic right to your kitchen, making it easier and more affordable than ever before. With just five minutes of hands-on prep time, your trusty slow cooker handles the rest, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent breakfast or brunch masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family mornings to festive holiday gatherings. Get ready to indulge in a dish that promises rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal effort.
Many recipes for Cracker Barrel’s famous hash brown casserole involve baking it in the oven, but for ultimate convenience and a consistently moist result, my preferred method is undoubtedly the slow cooker. This approach allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your oven for other dishes or simply letting you enjoy a stress-free morning. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cheesy potatoes and savory ham, perfectly cooked and ready to serve. This recipe not only mirrors the deliciousness of the original but also offers the unparalleled ease of slow cooking, making it a true game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, homemade comfort food.
Why This Slow Cooker Copycat Recipe is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons to add this slow cooker Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole to your recipe rotation. First and foremost, the taste is virtually indistinguishable from the restaurant’s version, often earning rave reviews for being even better! You get that signature blend of creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping tender shredded potatoes and savory ham, all without having to pay restaurant prices or waiting in line. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a luxurious breakfast at home.
The beauty of using a slow cooker for this casserole lies in its set-it-and-forget-it nature. Unlike oven-baked versions that require precise timing and constant monitoring, the slow cooker ensures an evenly cooked dish with a perfectly golden crust and wonderfully soft interior, all while you attend to other tasks or simply relax. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping, as you can assemble it the night before and let it cook overnight on a low setting, waking up to a warm, ready-to-eat breakfast. This convenience makes it ideal for busy weekdays, weekend brunches, or even as a side dish for dinner. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, further simplifying your cooking experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
This recipe celebrates some of the most comforting ingredients known to man: rich butter, hearty potatoes, and decadent cheese! The magical combination of sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, and sharp cheddar cheese forms a lusciously creamy sauce that coats every strand of shredded potato and every bite of diced ham. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Melted Butter: Butter provides richness and helps to create the savory roux that thickens the sauce, ensuring a smooth, decadent consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour, combined with butter, forms a simple roux that acts as a thickening agent, preventing the casserole from becoming watery.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This condensed soup is a secret weapon in many comfort food recipes, offering a concentrated savory flavor and contributing significantly to the casserole’s creamy texture.
- Onion: Finely diced onion adds a subtle aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating those irresistible gooey, cheesy layers. While pre-shredded cheese works, shredding your own often results in a creamier melt.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream introduces a delightful tang and helps achieve the characteristic creamy, rich body of the casserole, making it truly satisfying.
- Diced Ham: Savory diced ham adds a hearty protein element and a salty contrast that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese. You can use leftover holiday ham or pre-packaged diced ham for convenience.
- Frozen Hash Browns: The star of the show! Using frozen shredded hash browns (the kind that looks like shredded potatoes, not patties) is key for ease and texture. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, making prep even quicker.
- Pepper: A dash of black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile. Feel free to adjust to your preference, and consider adding a pinch of salt if your ham and soup are low sodium.
How to Make Your Perfect Slow Cooker Hash Brown Casserole
As I emphasized, this recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. While oven-baked versions exist, the slow cooker method truly shines for its hands-off approach and consistent results. You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other things until it’s time to enjoy a warm, delicious meal.
Here’s how to whip up this amazing casserole in just a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Thickening Agent: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the melted butter and all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms. This mixture will be drizzled over the casserole to help it thicken beautifully as it cooks, creating that desirable creamy texture.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, finely diced onion, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced ham. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated. This forms the rich, flavorful base of your casserole.
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning: Gently fold in the frozen hash browns and black pepper into the large bowl with the creamy mixture. Be careful not to overmix, but ensure the hash browns are evenly coated with the sauce. Remember, there’s no need to thaw the hash browns beforehand; they will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Pour the entire hash brown mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle and Top: Drizzle the butter and flour mixture (from step 1) evenly over the top of the hash brown mixture. This will slowly incorporate into the casserole, ensuring a consistent thickness. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese over the top. This optional step creates a wonderfully bubbly, golden cheese crust that’s absolutely irresistible!
- Set and Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it during the last hour. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender, the mixture is bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve and Devour: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t Thaw Hash Browns: Seriously, no need! Adding them frozen helps maintain their texture and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheddar often melts smoother and has a richer flavor.
- Customize Your Meat: If ham isn’t your preference, cooked crumbled sausage, bacon bits, or even diced cooked chicken can be excellent substitutes.
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the mixture can add a delightful kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers or a handful of frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Slow Cooker Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic standalone breakfast, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes. Serve it alongside scrambled or fried eggs, crispy bacon, sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete and balanced meal. For brunch, it’s a perfect centerpiece that guests will rave about. Don’t limit it to breakfast, though; this casserole also makes a phenomenal side dish for dinner, complementing roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple grilled steak.
Looking to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few variations:
- Spicy Southwest: Add a can of diced green chiles, a pinch of chili powder, and use Monterey Jack cheese for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Broccoli Cheddar: Fold in some finely chopped steamed broccoli florets along with the hash browns for a touch of green and added nutrients.
- Loaded Baked Potato Style: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and a dollop of extra sour cream right before serving.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses like Gruyere, Colby Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
- Herby Freshness: Stir in some fresh chopped chives or parsley at the end for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the many advantages of this slow cooker casserole is its suitability for make-ahead preparation, which is a lifesaver for busy mornings or when hosting. You can assemble all the ingredients (except the butter/flour drizzle if you prefer to add it fresh) in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply take it out, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while your slow cooker preheats, then add the drizzle and cook as directed. This ensures a warm, fresh casserole without any morning rush.
For leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual portions, you can microwave them until heated through. For larger quantities, cover the casserole loosely with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warm, usually about 20-30 minutes. This dish also freezes surprisingly well! Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Irresistible Breakfast Casserole Recipes
So, you’re officially hooked on the magic of breakfast casseroles, huh? Fantastic! You’re in luck because I have a treasure trove of amazing breakfast casserole recipes that are just waiting to be discovered and savored. Whether you’re a fan of savory meats, fluffy biscuits, or classic Southern grits, there’s a slow cooker casserole here with your name on it, designed for ease and maximum flavor. Explore these delicious options to expand your breakfast repertoire and bring even more comfort to your mornings:
Slow Cooker Ham and Biscuit Casserole: A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender ham and fluffy biscuits, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Grits & Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A Southern-inspired delight combining creamy grits with savory sausage, creating a rich and satisfying breakfast experience.
Slow Cooker Tater Tot, Sausage, and Egg Breakfast Casserole: This crowd-pleasing casserole features crispy tater tots, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs for a complete breakfast in one dish.
Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
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Ingredients
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 14 oz sour cream
- 16 oz diced ham
- 26 oz frozen hash browns
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- To a small bowl, whisk the melted butter and flour together until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced onion, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced ham. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Stir in the frozen hash browns and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray, then pour the hash brown casserole mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the butter and flour mixture over the top. Optional: sprinkle more shredded cheese over everything for an extra cheesy crust.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel masterpiece!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.