Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (like Cracker Barrel’s!)

Welcome to the world of Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole goodness! I used to LOVE the Hash Brown Casserole at Cracker Barrel. That’s before I started asking questions about how they make their food (did you know almost all of their vegetable side dishes are made with sugar?).

Then if you look at the copy cat recipes online, most of them call for a can of condensed soup – no thank you MSG and other unwanted additives! There has to be a better way, and thankfully there is, which I’ve detailed for you below.

It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to potatoes and cheese and other wholesome ingredients. This is a tasty dish that you can enjoy with breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (like Cracker Barrel’s!)

Welcome to the world of Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole goodness! I used to LOVE the Hash Brown Casserole at Cracker Barrel before I started asking questions.

4.8 from 24 votes

Prep Time: 8 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 38 mins

Course: Breakfast, Sides

Cuisine: American

Method: Freezer Friendly

Diet: Egg Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free, Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  

1/2x1x2x

• 6 tablespoons butter + extra for greasing the pan
• 1/3 cup onion diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 4 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• pepper to taste
• 2 cups cheddar cheese mild, freshly grated
• 1 pound frozen hash browns be sure to buy a brand with only 1 ingredient – potatoes, no need to defrost

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a square baking dish with butter (8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch) and set aside.
• In a large sauté pan over medium heat melt the butter. Cook the diced onion until it softens but does not brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Throw in the minced garlic and cook while stirring for 1 more minute.
• Turn the heat down to medium low and whisk in the flour. Continuously stir until the flour darkens but is not burnt, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper until it slightly thickens, about 1 minute.
• Turn the heat off and, using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the grated cheese until it melts. Fold in the hash browns until evenly coated.
• Transfer to the baking dish being careful to push the thick mixture down on top into one even layer.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes uncovered, and then turn the heat up to broil for 3 to 4 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Keep a close eye under the broiler so it doesn’t burn! Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (like Cracker Barrel’s!)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 310 Calories from Fat 234

% Daily Value*

Fat 26g40%

Saturated Fat 16g100%

Cholesterol 76mg25%

Sodium 554mg24%

Potassium 130mg4%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 825IU17%

Vitamin C 0.8mg1%

Calcium 349mg35%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!