Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole

It was a chilly Sunday morning when I first tasted Cracker Barrel’s Loaded Hashbrown Casserole during one of their seasonal menu runs. One bite of that cheesy, sausage-filled goodness and I was instantly hooked. The moment I got home, I knew I had to recreate this hearty dish, which is so much more than the perfect breakfast casserole, it’s a complete meal that satisfies at any time of day.

After several test batches and tweaking the cheese blend to perfection, I finally captured that creamy, savory magic that makes the original so irresistible. Now, this loaded hashbrown casserole has become our family’s go-to for everything from holiday brunches to cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of four cheeses, savory sausage, and tender hashbrowns creates a dish that’s impossible to resist—and thankfully, you don’t have to wait for it to appear on Cracker Barrel’s seasonal menu to enjoy it! Make this cheesy casserole anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant quality – Tastes just like the Cracker Barrel original
• Multi-purpose meal – Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Crowd-pleaser – Both kids and adults devour it
• Make-ahead friendly – Can be assembled the night before
• Hearty and filling – Substantial enough for a main dish
• Versatile – Easy to customize with add-ins

What makes this hash brown casserole different? Four types of cheese would be one. This one has American cheese, Colby cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Cheddar. All of these cheeses together make a wonderfully rich, smooth, and creamy cheese sauce. This is the perfect side dish to serve for your next holiday morning.

You won’t be disappointed here. I also like the addition of the red bell peppers and sausage. The sausage adds a nice touch to this casserole. I want to use sage breakfast sausage, a bit must be those Midwest roots in me showing. You can also make this with a spicy sausage.

Ingredients

For the Meat and Vegetable Base:

• Country breakfast sausage – Provides savory flavor and hearty protein that transforms this from a side dish to a main course
• Red bell pepper – Adds a touch of sweetness, color contrast, and slight crunch to balance the creamy elements

For the Four-Cheese Sauce:

• Butter – Creates the base for the roux and adds richness to the cheese sauce
• All-purpose flour – Works with butter to create a roux that thickens the cheese sauce
• Milk – Forms the creamy base of the sauce that carries the cheese flavors
• Shredded American cheese – Contributes exceptional meltability and smooth texture to the sauce
• Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese – Provides the classic tangy flavor that’s essential to the dish
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Adds a mild, buttery flavor and superior melting quality
• Shredded Colby cheese – Offers a mild flavor similar to cheddar but with a higher moisture content for creaminess

For the Base and Topping:

• Frozen hash browns – Serve as the hearty potato foundation of the casserole
• Additional Colby cheese – Creates that irresistible golden, bubbling top layer

How to Make Cracker Barrel Loaded Hash Brown Casserole

1. Thaw hashbrowns according to the package instructions.
2. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking the sausage into small bite-sized pieces when browning.
3. When sausage is almost done, add chopped red bell pepper into the sausage. Drain sausage after it is browned.
4. Add butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
5. When the butter has melted, add flour. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add a quarter of the milk and stir until thickened.
7. Add another quarter of the milk and stir until thickened.
8. Add the remaining milk. Stir and cook until thickened.
9. Add the cheese and stir until the cheese has melted.
10. Place hash browns, cheese sauce, and sausage in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
11. Pour mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
12. Top with Colby cheese.
13. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Recipe Variations

If you want to make this loaded hashbrown casserole your own, here are a couple of suggestions. Both would make this casserole very tasty.

• Add onions into the sausage while you are browning it.
• Add chopped jalapeno pepper.
• Swap the bacon with about 1/2 pound of cooked bacon

I did find this casserole reheated fairly well. If you don’t finish it all at once, it will reheat just fine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Cover leftovers tightly with aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
• Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months

Reheating for Best Results:

In the Oven (Preferred Method):

1. Preheat oven to 325°F
2. Place desired portion in an oven-safe dish
3. Cover with foil to prevent drying
4. Heat for 15-20 minutes until heated through (slightly longer if frozen)
5. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top

In the Microwave (Quick Method):

1. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate
2. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel
3. Heat on 70% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through
4. Let stand for 1 minute before serving

More Cracker Barrel Recipes

• Chocolate Pecan Pie
• Cherry Chocolate Cobbler
• Cooked Baby Carrots
• Cucumber Onion Salad
• Eggs In A Basket
• Grilled Chicken Tenders
• Kale Brussel Sprout Salad
• Pork Chops and Gravy

Favorite Casserole Recipes

• Baked Cream Corn Casserole
• Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Chili Relleno Casserole
• King Ranch Casserole Recipe
• Sausage Casserole
• Taco Cornbread Casserole

Check out my easy casserole recipes and the best Cracker Barrel recipes here on CopyKat!