The Sunrise Sampler from Cracker Barrel features fluffy buttermilk pancakes, savory eggs cooked to order, crispy bacon strips, and golden hashbrown casserole, offering a hearty and visually inviting breakfast platter with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Equipments
- Griddle
- Frying pan
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Plate(s)
Ingredients
- For Pancakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter (for griddle)
- For Eggs:
- Eggs (as desired)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter or oil (for frying/scrambling)
- For Bacon:
- Bacon strips
- For Hashbrown Casserole:
- 3 cups frozen hashbrowns (shredded, thawed)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using buttermilk instead of regular milk is essential for achieving the fluffy texture in your pancakes, as the acidity reacts with baking soda to create lift. Fresh eggs cooked to your preferred doneness will provide the best flavor and texture, so avoid pre-cooked or processed options. Choose thick-cut bacon strips for crispiness, and thaw frozen hashbrowns completely to ensure even cooking in the casserole. The combination of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken soup in the hashbrown casserole delivers its signature creamy and savory flavor. Your homemade Sunrise Sampler from Cracker Barrel copycat menu will closely replicate the restaurant's hearty and visually appealing breakfast platter.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine thawed hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour hashbrown mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake hashbrown casserole for 45-55 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry pancake ingredients and stir until just mixed.
- Heat griddle and lightly grease with butter.
- Pour batter onto griddle using a ladle and cook pancakes until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Keep pancakes warm.
- Cook bacon strips on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy, or fry in a pan.
- Use a frying pan to cook eggs to order in butter or oil; season with salt and pepper.
- Plate pancakes, eggs, bacon strips, and hashbrown casserole together.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Sunrise Sampler from Cracker Barrel copycat menu allows you to recreate a classic breakfast platter with fluffy buttermilk pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and rich hashbrown casserole. You can substitute buttermilk with 2 cups of milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable, maintaining the pancake's tender texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon strips without compromising the savory flavor. Use a non-stick griddle or frying pan to ensure even cooking of pancakes and eggs, adjusting heat settings to prevent burning. Your taste preferences can guide salt, pepper, and cheese quantities in the hashbrown casserole for a personalized touch.
Tips
Ensure your baking dish for the hashbrown casserole is well-greased to prevent sticking and promote even browning. When mixing pancake batter, avoid over-stirring to keep the pancakes light and fluffy; lumps are okay. Use a well-heated griddle and lightly butter it before pouring batter to avoid burning and sticking. Cook bacon in the oven on a baking sheet for even crispiness, monitoring closely to prevent overcooking.
Nutritions
The Sunrise Sampler combines diverse nutrients from its components, providing a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins. Buttermilk pancakes offer carbohydrates and calcium, while eggs and bacon contribute high-quality protein and fats, important for muscle repair and energy. Hashbrown casserole adds carbohydrates and dairy-based calcium from cheddar cheese and sour cream, along with some dietary fiber from onions. Your breakfast platter delivers a hearty, satisfying meal designed for sustained energy throughout the morning.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between each to prevent sticking, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep cooked bacon in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in foil to maintain crispness, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Your hashbrown casserole and eggs should be cooled completely before placing in airtight containers and refrigerated, consuming within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk in the pancake batter with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable. Consider using turkey bacon or breakfast sausages as an alternative to traditional bacon for a leaner protein option. For a vegetarian twist, replace the cream of chicken soup in the hashbrown casserole with condensed cream of mushroom soup. Cooking eggs baked in muffin tins or steaming them can offer a different texture and presentation while maintaining the original flavor profile.
Allergies
Your Sunrise Sampler may pose allergy risks due to key ingredients such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk, butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream), wheat (all-purpose flour), and pork (bacon). Individuals with lactose intolerance, egg allergies, gluten sensitivity, or pork allergies should exercise caution or seek alternatives. Cross-contamination during cooking processes may also affect those with severe food allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Sunrise Sampler menu from Cracker Barrel offers a satisfying combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes, delivering a hearty and flavorful breakfast experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its well-balanced portions and classic Southern flavors make it a popular choice for those craving comfort food in a cozy, homestyle setting. Creating a copycat version allows you to enjoy this beloved breakfast at home, tailored to your preferences with fresh ingredients and customizable options. Reproducing this menu captures the essence of Cracker Barrel's charm and satisfies your craving for a nostalgic, wholesome meal.