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What are Hashbrown Casserole tots at Cracker Barrel?


Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole tots are a popular side item on their menu. They are crunchy, crispy potato tots made from grated and shredded potatoes that have been seasoned and deep-fried into bite-sized pieces. The Hashbrown Casserole tots get their name from Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole, a rich and creamy potato casserole made with hashbrowns, cheese, cream, and seasonings. The tots aim to capture some of the flavor of the popular casserole in a portable, poppable form.

What are the ingredients in Hashbrown Casserole tots?

According to the Cracker Barrel website, the main ingredients in Hashbrown Casserole tots are:

  • Potatoes – The base of the tots is grated and shredded potatoes.
  • Vegetable oil – The shredded potatoes are formed into tots and then deep-fried in vegetable oil to get them crispy.
  • Cornstarch – A dusting of cornstarch helps the tots keep their shape and get extra crispy.
  • Salt – Salt is added to season the potatoes.
  • Pepper – Pepper provides additional seasoning.
  • Onion powder – Onion powder gives the tots a savory, oniony flavor.
  • Garlic powder – Garlic powder gives them a hit of garlic flavor.
  • Paprika – Paprika adds both flavor and a reddish-orange color.

So the main ingredients are potatoes, oil for frying, and a blend of seasonings to add flavor. The tots do not contain any cheese or cream like the full Hashbrown Casserole, but the seasonings aim to mimic some of that dish’s signature flavor profile.

How are Hashbrown Casserole tots made?

Cracker Barrel likely makes the Hashbrown Casserole tots using a process similar to this:

  1. Wash, peel, and shred potatoes – Russet potatoes work best because they get crispy.
  2. Rinse the shredded potatoes in water to remove starch and prevent browning.
  3. Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly so they fry up crispy.
  4. Toss the dried potatoes with the blend of seasonings – salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika.
  5. Portion the seasoned potato mixture into ping pong ball sized pieces.
  6. Dredge the tots in a bit of cornstarch to help them keep their shape.
  7. Deep fry the tots in batches at around 350°F until golden brown.
  8. Drain the fried tots on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  9. Keep hot and serve immediately, or freeze for later use.

Forming the shredded potatoes into tots and frying them results in a crispy exterior and fluffy, potatoey interior. The cornstarch dredge and hot oil help achieve perfectly crispy, crunchy tots.

What do Hashbrown Casserole tots taste like?

According to customer reviews, Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole tots have:

  • A crispy, crunchy exterior
  • A soft, fluffy, potato interior
  • Savory seasoning flavor
  • Hints of onion and garlic
  • A touch of saltiness
  • A little peppery bite
  • Warm, comforting potato flavor

Food critics describe the flavor as a cross between classic diner-style hashbrowns and a French fry. The tots manage to achieve a crispy outside and tender inside at the same time. The seasoning blend gives them a savory, oniony flavor profile similar to the full Hashbrown Casserole. They are considered highly addictive and tasty.

How are Hashbrown Casserole tots served at Cracker Barrel?

Cracker Barrel serves the Hashbrown Casserole tots as a stand-alone side dish order. They arrive at the table piping hot in a red plastic basket.

The tots are meant to be eaten right away while they are still warm and crispy. Some popular ways to enjoy them are:

  • On their own as a side to breakfast, lunch or dinner entrees
  • Dipped in ketchup, ranch or other condiments
  • Sprinkled with a little extra salt and pepper
  • Dipped in sausage or bacon gravy
  • Tossed with shredded cheddar cheese
  • Topped with a fried egg or crumbled bacon

Their crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture and addictive flavor makes them hard to stop eating. The tots pair equally well with sweet and savory Cracker Barrel menu items.

Nutrition Information

Here is the nutrition information for Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole tots based on a standard serving size of 4 tots (about 84g):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 220
Fat 14g
Carbohydrates 22g
Protein 2g
Sodium 280mg

Like most fried foods, the tots are high in calories and fat. A standard serving provides about 220 calories and 14g of fat, most of which comes from the vegetable oil they are fried in. They also contain 22g of carbs and 280mg of sodium, so they are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. Overall though, hashbrown tots have a better nutrition profile than things like French fries since they mainly contain potatoes, oil and seasonings.

Where are Hashbrown Casserole tots available?

Hashbrown Casserole tots are a signature menu item at Cracker Barrel locations across the United States. As of 2022, they are only available at Cracker Barrel stores – you won’t find them in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. The tots are made in Cracker Barrel’s kitchens and come out hot and fresh for dine-in and takeout customers.

Cracker Barrel first added the tots to their menu in June 2021. They quickly became a fan favorite side item thanks to their crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture and addictively savory flavor. Their unique name and resemblance to the chain’s Hashbrown Casserole also helped them take off in popularity.

Why are they called tots?

Cracker Barrel’s fried potato bites are called “tots” because their compact, cylindrical shape resembles tater tots. Tater tots are those beloved little fried nuggets of grated potato that can be found in grocery store freezer aisles across America.

Hashbrown Casserole tots get their name from a mash-up of “tater tots” and Cracker Barrel’s famous Hashbrown Casserole that inspired their flavor. Even though they are made entirely of shredded potatoes and not ground or minced potatoes like traditional tater tots, their tot-like shape justified giving them the “tots” name.

The bite-sized, poppable form factor also makes them convenient to eat alongside various Cracker Barrel entrees, unlike slices of the original dense and creamy casserole. So the Hashbrown Casserole tot takes the concept of the rich, savory casserole and transforms it into an easy side dish perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Why are they so popular?

There are several reasons why Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole tots have become so popular:

  • Unique flavor – They have a signature seasoning blend you can’t find anywhere else.
  • Addictive crunch – The crispy outside combined with the fluffy potatoey inside creates an irresistible texture.
  • Nostalgic appeal – They are a modern twist on classic tater tots and potato sides.
  • Fun shape – The cute little cylinder shapes make them fun to eat.
  • Portion versatility – They work well as either an individual side or a shareable appetizer.
  • Pair with anything – Their flavor complements breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees.
  • Cracker Barrel exclusive – You can only get them at Cracker Barrel locations.

The combination of their crave-worthy crunch, hearty potato flavor, versatility, and exclusive availability makes them a sought-after menu item. They appeal to potato lovers, fans of Southern-style cooking, and anyone who remembers classic tater tots fondly.

How to make copycat Hashbrown Casserole tots

Since the authentic version is only found at Cracker Barrel, some enterprising home cooks have come up with copycat recipes to recreate those coveted Hashbrown Casserole tots at home. Here is one popular copycat method:

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes, washed, peeled and shredded
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp paprika
  • Oil for frying (vegetable, canola or peanut oil)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shredded potatoes under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and pat very dry.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the dried potatoes with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 1-2 inches of oil to 350°F in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  4. Scoop heaping tablespoon sized portions of the potato mixture and shape into cylinders. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown.
  5. Drain the fried tots on a paper towel lined plate.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Be sure to fry at the proper temperature to achieve crispy outsides while keeping the insides fluffy. The cornstarch dredge helps the tots hold their shape. Frying in batches avoids overcrowding so they cook evenly.

Let the excess oil drain off before serving. Enjoy your homemade hashbrown tots while hot and crispy as a side to your favorite Cracker Barrel style entrees. Adjust the seasonings to taste and make them your own!

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole tots are a beloved menu item thanks to their irresistible crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture and savory seasoned potato flavor. The fried potato cylinders manage to evoke the creamy richness of Cracker Barrel’s signature Hashbrown Casserole in a convenient, poppable form. Their addictive crunch and nostalgic tot shape make them a go-to side for breakfast, lunch or dinner. While the authentic version is only available in Cracker Barrel locations, home cooks are coming up with creative copycat recipes to recreate that signature crunch and flavor at home. Hashbrown Casserole tots satisfy crispy potato cravings and pair perfectly with classic Southern-inspired Cracker Barrel fare.