The Surprising Ingredients in Cracker Barrel's Original Casserole
Many are surprised to learn that a seemingly simple potato dish like the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole contains multiple animal-derived ingredients. While the core ingredient of shredded potatoes is vegan, the creamy, rich sauce and cheesy topping are the culprits. A popular copycat recipe confirms the use of ingredients like cheese, butter, and condensed soup, though in some cases, the soup may be vegetarian, it is still dairy-based. For those following a strict vegan diet, these components make the restaurant's version off-limits.
Why The Cracker Barrel Recipe Isn't Vegan
Breaking down the typical ingredients reveals exactly why the classic casserole doesn't align with vegan dietary standards:
- Condensed Cream Soup: Most copycat recipes, and reportedly the original, use cream of chicken soup, which contains both dairy and animal products. Even if swapped for cream of mushroom, these soups are often dairy-based.
- Cheese: The signature cheesy crust and creamy filling come from shredded cheese, which is a dairy product. There are many high-quality vegan cheese alternatives available today, but the original recipe uses dairy cheese.
- Butter: Many recipes for this casserole call for a significant amount of butter, another dairy product. This adds a rich, decadent flavor that can easily be replicated with vegan butter or oil.
- Sour Cream: Some variations of the recipe include sour cream, another dairy ingredient, to enhance the creaminess. This is easily substituted with a plant-based sour cream or yogurt.
The Ultimate Vegan Copycat Hashbrown Casserole
Creating a plant-based version of this classic comfort food is not only possible but can be incredibly delicious. The key is to find the right substitutions for the non-vegan ingredients without sacrificing flavor or texture. This recipe utilizes nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, cashew cream for richness, and vegan butter for that authentic buttery taste.
Ingredients
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 tbsp vegan butter, divided
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 15 minutes
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond or oat works well)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegan sour cream or plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 8 oz vegan cheddar shreds (Daiya or Violife)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional topping: Crushed corn flakes mixed with melted vegan butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of the vegan butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth to create the creamy cheese sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, vegan sour cream, and half of the vegan cheese shreds. Pour the creamy cashew-cheese sauce over the hashbrown mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining vegan cheese shreds over the top.
- If using, combine the crushed corn flakes with the remaining 2 tbsp of melted vegan butter and sprinkle over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Comparing the Original and Vegan Versions
| Feature | Original Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole | Vegan Copycat Hashbrown Casserole |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Shredded potatoes, cream of chicken soup, dairy cheese, dairy butter, onions. | Thawed hash browns, vegan cheese, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, vegan butter, vegan sour cream, onions. |
| Dairy | Contains dairy from milk, cheese, and butter. | Completely dairy-free, using plant-based alternatives. |
| Animal Products | Contains animal products from cream of chicken soup and dairy. | Free of animal products, made entirely with plant-based ingredients. |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, savory, and cheesy with a prominent buttery and creamy flavor. | Rich, savory, and cheesy, often with a subtle nutty or tangy note from nutritional yeast and cashew cream. |
| Allergens | Contains dairy, and potential cross-contamination with meat products. | Avoids major allergens like dairy and eggs; can be made gluten-free with certified hash browns and cornflakes. |
Conclusion: Savoring a Plant-Based Alternative
While the answer to "Is Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole vegan?" is a definitive no, this doesn't mean vegans have to miss out. By using readily available plant-based substitutes, you can recreate a dish that captures the same spirit of comfort food as the original. Whether for a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend meal, this vegan copycat recipe proves that plant-based versions can be just as creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. The best part? You control the ingredients, ensuring a meal that is delicious and completely aligned with your dietary choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use any frozen hash browns? Yes, most plain frozen shredded hash browns are vegan. Always check the ingredients list to confirm no animal products like milk or butter are added.
- Do I have to use cashews for the cheese sauce? You can substitute cashews with other ingredients like softened potatoes and carrots, or a pre-made vegan cheese powder mixed with plant-based milk, for a similar creamy effect.
- What if I don't have vegan sour cream? You can increase the amount of cashew cream or add a bit of plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- Is nutritional yeast necessary? Nutritional yeast is key for replicating the cheesy flavor. While it's not strictly necessary, the casserole will lack that distinctive savory, cheesy element without it.
- Can I use a pre-made vegan cream soup? Yes, several brands offer vegan condensed cream of mushroom soup, which can be a time-saver. Check the labels to ensure it's free of dairy.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping right before baking.
- Is this recipe also gluten-free? The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free cornflakes for the topping. Otherwise, ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free, particularly flour if you add any.
