Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole with Sausage

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Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole with Sausage: The Ultimate Southern Comfort Dish

Few dishes capture the heartwarming essence of Southern comfort food like a Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole with Sausage. This hearty, creamy, cheesy classic is a beloved favorite across the country—whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or even as a satisfying dinner. With its rich layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers all the nostalgic flavors of dining at Cracker Barrel, right from your own kitchen.

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, busy weekday meals, or holiday brunch spreads, this casserole is both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe families pass down, thanks to its comforting flavor, doable ingredients, and consistent crowd-pleasing charm.

Why This Cracker Barrel Copycat Casserole Stands Out

This iconic hashbrown casserole marries velvety, cheesy potatoes with crumbled breakfast sausage, creating a savory symphony of flavors that feels nostalgic and satisfying. What makes it truly special:

  • Creamy and cheesy interior with golden edges
  • Savory sausage for added depth and heartiness
  • Quick prep, ideal for busy mornings and weeknight dinners
  • Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully
  • Simple pantry ingredients you likely already have

This dish is Southern hospitality in a casserole dish—warm, comforting, and made to share.

Ingredients for the Best Copycat Hashbrown Casserole

To create this beloved dish at home, you’ll need:

  • 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes (optional topping)

These approachable, everyday ingredients come together to create a casserole that feels indulgent and deeply comforting.

How to Make the Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole with Sausage

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and encourage that perfect golden crust.

2. Combine the Hashbrowns, Sausage & Onion

In a large bowl, mix together:

  • thawed shredded hashbrowns
  • cooked crumbled breakfast sausage
  • finely diced onion

This creates the hearty base of the casserole.

3. Make the Creamy Cheesy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine:

  • sour cream
  • cream of chicken soup
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • melted butter

Whisk until the mixture is velvety and smooth. This luscious sauce coats every hashbrown and binds the casserole into a rich, satisfying dish.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the creamy mixture over the sausage-hashbrown mixture. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. For extra crunch and texture, sprinkle crushed cornflakes on top.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until:

  • the casserole is bubbling around the edges
  • the top is beautifully golden brown
  • the center is hot and creamy

Allow it to cool slightly before serving so the casserole can set.

Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal

This hearty dish can be paired with lighter items to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For Breakfast or Brunch

  • Scrambled or fried eggs
  • Fresh fruit
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Buttery biscuits
  • A green salad with citrus vinaigrette

For Dinner

  • Roasted vegetables
  • Cornbread
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Tomato and cucumber salad

No matter how you serve it, this casserole transforms any meal into a feast.

Variations to Customize Your Hashbrown Casserole

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Try one of these variations to make it your own:

1. Add Heat

  • Diced jalapeños
  • Hot sauce
  • Pepper jack cheese
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper

2. Use Different Meats

If you prefer a different protein, swap the sausage for:

  • crispy bacon
  • diced ham
  • turkey sausage
  • ground breakfast turkey

3. Lighten It Up

For a healthier version:

  • Use low-fat sour cream
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for half the sour cream
  • Use light cheese
  • Replace butter with a lighter alternative

4. Make It Homemade

Skip canned soup and use a homemade cream base for:

  • lower sodium
  • fewer preservatives
  • richer flavor

5. Add Vegetables

Boost flavor and nutrition with:

  • bell peppers
  • spinach
  • mushrooms
  • green chiles
  • corn

Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole Every Time

✔ Thaw the hashbrowns completely

This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture.

✔ Brown the sausage well

The caramelization adds deeper flavor.

✔ Do not overmix

Gentle folding keeps the potatoes fluffy.

✔ Cover halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly

This helps the inside stay creamy.

✔ Let the casserole rest before serving

This allows it to firm up for smoother slicing.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave in individual portions.

This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

A Southern Classic Everyone Will Love

This Cracker Barrel Copycat Hashbrown Casserole with Sausage brings all the nostalgic, comforting flavors of traditional Southern cooking straight to your table. With its creamy center, cheesy goodness, and savory sausage, it’s a delightful dish that fits any time of day. From busy family breakfasts to cozy weeknight dinners, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

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