Old Timer's Breakfast from Cracker Barrel features hearty scrambled eggs, crispy golden hashbrown casserole, savory bacon strips, and a side of fluffy buttermilk biscuits, delivering a classic Southern comfort meal with a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Equipments
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Biscuit cutter
- Cooling rack
- Plate
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
Using frozen shredded hashbrowns ensures convenience and consistency for the hashbrown casserole, but you can switch to fresh potatoes for a more natural taste. Thick-cut bacon delivers a rich, savory flavor and crisp texture, so avoid thinner cuts to maintain the dish's authenticity. Cold unsalted butter and cold buttermilk are essential for achieving flaky, tender biscuits, as warmer ingredients can affect dough texture. Measuring ingredients accurately with proper tools like measuring cups and spoons helps replicate the Southern comfort taste of Old Timer's Breakfast from Cracker Barrel's copycat menu perfectly. Your careful attention to these details will bring the classic blend of textures and flavors right to your table.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine hashbrowns, onion, cheddar cheese, sour cream, condensed soup, and melted butter for the hashbrown casserole.
- Spread hashbrown mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake hashbrown casserole for 45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Lay bacon on a baking sheet; bake in the oven until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, or cook in a frying pan over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for biscuits.
- Cut cold butter into flour mixture until pea-sized pieces form.
- Stir in buttermilk until dough just comes together.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; pat to 1-inch thickness.
- Cut biscuits with a biscuit cutter; place on a baking sheet.
- Bake biscuits for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.
- Melt butter in frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Pour in egg mixture; cook gently with spatula, stirring until just set.
- Plate scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrown casserole, and biscuits.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Old Timer's Breakfast from Cracker Barrel copycat menu offers a hearty combination of scrambled eggs, crispy hashbrown casserole, savory bacon, and fluffy buttermilk biscuits. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by mixing 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. Use turkey bacon or sausage as alternatives if you want to reduce fat or cater to dietary needs. Adjust the seasoning in the hashbrown casserole by adding garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor customization. Your eggs can be made fluffier by incorporating a tablespoon of cream cheese or whipping the whites separately before folding them in.
Tips
Ensure cold unsalted butter is well-chilled before cutting into the flour for flaky biscuit layers. When cooking scrambled eggs, use low heat and gentle stirring with a spatula to achieve soft, creamy curds without overcooking. For crispy bacon without stovetop mess, bake slices on a lined baking sheet in the oven for evenly rendered fat. Keep your hashbrown casserole spread evenly in the baking dish to promote uniform baking and bubbling throughout.
Nutritions
Old Timer's Breakfast from Cracker Barrel provides a nutrient-rich meal with high protein content from the eggs and bacon, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The hashbrown casserole combines carbohydrates from shredded potatoes and fats from sour cream and cheddar cheese, offering energy and essential vitamins like vitamin B12 and calcium. The buttermilk biscuits contribute additional carbohydrates and fats, enhancing calorie intake for sustained energy throughout the day. Your balanced plate delivers a classic Southern comfort meal packed with essential macronutrients and diverse flavors.
Storage
Store leftover scrambled eggs and cooked bacon in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer. The hashbrown casserole should be tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil before refrigeration and can last 3-5 days when properly stored. For buttermilk biscuits, allow them to cool completely, then place in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container; reheat gently in the oven to restore their flakiness when ready to serve.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the thick-cut bacon with smoked sausage or turkey bacon for a leaner protein option. For a creamier hashbrown casserole, try adding a bit of cream cheese or swapping the condensed cream of chicken soup with mushroom soup. In the biscuit dough, incorporating a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like chives or rosemary will add an aromatic twist. Instead of scrambled eggs, consider making soft poached eggs to bring a delicate texture and richer mouthfeel to the breakfast plate.
Allergies
The Old Timer's Breakfast from Cracker Barrel contains multiple common allergens including eggs, milk, and wheat. Your meal includes ingredients like large eggs, whole milk, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk biscuits made with all-purpose flour, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Those with allergies to dairy, eggs, or gluten should exercise caution or consider alternatives.
Why this recipe?
The Old Timer's Breakfast menu at Cracker Barrel is beloved for its hearty portions, classic Southern flavors, and comforting combinations like eggs, grits, fried apples, and crispy bacon. Many customers appreciate the nostalgic taste that reminds them of homemade, country-style meals. Replicating this menu at home allows you to enjoy the same satisfying breakfast experience without waiting in line, making it a rewarding and cost-effective choice. You'll find that mastering this iconic dish brings authentic flavor and warmth to your morning routine.