The Popular Cracker Barrel Entree We Would Never Order Again

Cracker Barrel made a name for itself by serving up comforting meals in a homey atmosphere, but the brand has been failing, and one of our writers tasted a possible reason why. After sampling eight Cracker Barrel entrees, our team member described the Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie as a strange one they wouldn't consider ordering again. This is certainly not a traditional shepherd's pie recipe. 

Beef stew plated on top of mashed potatoes and topped with hash browns was a tiered presentation that failed to look like the item represented on the menu. In addition to being visually lackluster, the taste of this entree left a lot to be desired. Instead of a creamy, flavorful scoop of mashed potatoes, the bottom layer of the Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie was gummy and disappointing. Though the beef stew could be scooped up with the potatoes, the sticky consistency was difficult to ignore. Shepherd's pies and casseroles are meant to be comforting dishes, not devastating disappointments.

"It's literally something I would see my grandpa eat at the nursing home," remarked one Redditor. The gravy-esque stew that was sandwiched between the layers of potatoes lacked ingredients. Vegetables were sparse, and the countable nuggets of beef did little to appease an appetite. When crowned with greasy hash browns, this unappealing dish doubles down on potatoes that aren't satisfying on any level for customers. "I always loved the hash brown casserole. But lately when I've had it, the potatoes almost taste like instant potatoes? Did they change the potatoes used in this dish?" wondered another visitor on Reddit. Other customers have complained about the lack of flavor and sad consistency of the spuds.

Not every netizen has hated this entree, however. Some Cracker Barrel visitors rave about the order and have recommended the savory comfort dish as leftovers. "This I have gotten now 4 times in the last month hands down best," wrote a Facebook user. When served with buttered corn muffins or buttermilk biscuits, a serving of well-prepared Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie could satiate some appetites.