When it comes to breakfast and brunch, few things can beat a delicious casserole. And if you're a fan of Cracker Barrel's hash brown casserole, you're in for a treat. Our copy - cat recipe has everything you love about the restaurant version, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.

Let's start with the ingredients. For this cheesy potato delight, you'll need:

• 2 pounds of frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted
• 1 cup of crushed cornflakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 - inch baking dish. This will be the home for our wonderful casserole as it bakes to perfection.

Now, in a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly. The hash browns will soak up all the creamy and cheesy goodness, creating a base that is full of flavor.

Once well - mixed, pour the hash brown mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that every part of the dish gets a share of the deliciousness. Then, drizzle the melted butter over the top. The butter will add a rich, buttery flavor and help to create a crispy top layer.

Next, sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the butter. The cornflakes will give the casserole a nice crunch. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. The cheese will melt and form a golden, gooey layer that is simply irresistible.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. You'll know it's ready when the cheese is melted and starting to turn a beautiful shade of brown.

While the casserole is baking, you can start thinking about how you'll serve it. This hash brown casserole is incredibly versatile. It can be the star of a breakfast spread, served alongside eggs, bacon, and toast. Or, it can be a great addition to a brunch buffet, where it can be paired with fresh fruits and pastries.

You can also customize this recipe to suit your taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture. Or, if you're a fan of bacon, crumbled bacon bits on top would be a wonderful addition. You could even experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to give the casserole a unique twist.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Then, when it's time to bake, just take it out of the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then pop it in the oven. This makes it perfect for those busy mornings when you don't have a lot of time to cook.

So, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, our copy - cat Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole recipe is a must - try. It's a delicious, cheesy, and comforting dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. And the best part? You don't have to go to a restaurant to enjoy it. You can make it right in your own home, anytime you want.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. The cheesy potatoes are a flavor explosion in your mouth, and the casserole is sure to become a staple in your breakfast and brunch repertoire.