Easy Cheesy Potatoes à la Cracker Barrel

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food experience, you’ve come to the right place. This delightful cheesy potatoes recipe brings the classic flavors you love from your favorite homestyle restaurant directly to your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings or as a side for a hearty meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Every Sunday, my family and I gather around the table, excitedly waiting for the warm, cheesy aroma to fill the house. It’s a tradition that started when I first tried this dish at a family reunion years ago. My grandmother swore by its creamy consistency and irresistible flavor, making it the highlight of our family meals. Now, my kids associate Sundays with this comfort food delicacy, eagerly asking, “Is it potato day yet?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fan favorite because it’s incredibly easy to make yet delivers a rich, satisfying flavor. The creamy sauce combined with perfectly tender potatoes offers a comfort that’s hard to rival. It uses everyday ingredients you’re likely to have on hand and requires minimal preparation time. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is versatile and sure to impress.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and accessible. Start with high-quality russet potatoes for the best texture, as their starchy nature helps absorb the creamy sauce. Cheddar cheese provides a rich flavor; opt for sharp cheddar for an extra kick. If you’re looking for substitutions, try pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a milder touch. Ensure you have some cream or milk to achieve that desired creaminess.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the cream, half of the shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

Step 3

Fold the diced potatoes into the cream mixture, making sure to coat them thoroughly.

Step 4

Transfer the potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese to create a deliciously cheesy crust.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Storage Options

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked potatoes in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven to retain the dish’s creamy texture.

Variations & Substitutions

To make this dish suitable for vegetarians, ensure all ingredients are meat-free. For a vegan version, use plant-based cream alternatives and vegan cheese. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic upgrade, or incorporate bacon bits for a smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish makes a perfect side for roasted meats or poultry. It’s an excellent choice for festive occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the potato and cream mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before cooking.

What should I do if my potatoes are undercooked? If your potatoes aren’t tender after the initial baking time, cover with aluminum foil and return to the oven. Check every additional 10 minutes until they reach the desired texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for unique flavor profiles.

This beloved recipe carries the warmth of tradition and the promise of a satisfying meal. Whether you’re passing it down through generations or sharing it with friends, these cheesy potatoes are sure to bring joy to every table.

Easy Cheesy Potatoes à la Cracker Barrel

A delightful take on the classic Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole, perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 lbs frozen hash brown potatoes thawed
• ▢ 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• ▢ 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• ▢ 1 cup sour cream
• ▢ 0.5 cup onion finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper
• ▢ 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• ▢ 0.25 cup butter melted, for topping

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper.
• Spread the mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter for topping.
• Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

This cheesy potato casserole is a great side dish option for brunches, potlucks, or holiday meals.