Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
Our Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole is loaded with all the creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed flavors you love about the original, but it’s fresh from your kitchen and made simply in your slow cooker!
The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work. Just toss everything in, set it, and let it cook while you focus on the rest of your meal. If you’re a fan of Cracker Barrel’s famous hashbrown casserole, you’re going to love this loaded version topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
For more savory copycat ideas, try our copycat Panera broccoli mac and cheese, copycat Taco Bell grilled cheese burritos, and copycat McRib.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
- Rich, creamy, cheesy comfort food
- Loaded with crispy bacon and scallions
- Perfect for holidays and family gatherings
- Great side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Key Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Frozen Hashbrowns: They make the casserole hearty, filling, and give it that classic comfort-food texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, keeping the potatoes rich and flavorful without feeling too heavy.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Brings everything together by creating a smooth, savory sauce that coats the potatoes as they cook.
- Colby Jack Cheese: Melts into the casserole and on top, adding gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and a bit of crunch that takes the casserole from simple to irresistible.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that indulgent, creamy texture everyone expects from a good potato casserole.
- Onions: Provide savory flavor and depth, balancing out all the creamy ingredients.
Variations
- Ranch Loaded Hashbrown Casserole: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning for even more flavor.
- Ham and Cheese Hashbrown Casserole: Use diced leftover ham from ham recipes like these in place of bacon.
- Extra Cheesy: Love extra cheesy casseroles? Feel free to stir in another cup of shredded cheese before cooking.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Fully Loaded Hashbrown Casserole: Add cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, and extra cheese for the ultimate loaded potato casserole.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add the ingredients to a slow cooker sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Mix until well combined. Then, sprinkle with more cheese, bacon, and scallions.
- Cook on low until hot, bubbly, creamy, and melty.
- Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Freshly cooked bacon adds the best texture and flavor. Cook it until crispy so it holds up well during cooking.
- Frozen hashbrowns work perfectly in this recipe and help maintain the ideal texture.
- Coat the slow cooker evenly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cooking on low yields the best results.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
No. Frozen shredded hashbrowns work perfectly in casseroles and help create the ideal creamy texture. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker.
Yes. You can shred fresh potatoes and use them in place of frozen hashbrowns. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.
Colby Jack cheese provides great flavor and meltability, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all excellent substitutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the casserole to cool before transferring it to storage containers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the casserole to cool before transferring it to storage containers.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
Equipment
- 6 quart slow cooker
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese divided
- 4 scallions chopped, divided
- 12 slices bacon cooked and chopped, divided
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the frozen shredded hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onion, 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, half of the chopped scallions, and half of the chopped bacon to the slow cooker.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir until all of the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the top.
- Finish by topping with the remaining chopped bacon and chopped scallions.
- Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 4 hours, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
