Start your day with a hearty and comforting breakfast casserole!
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or preparing for the week ahead, a Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate dish to satisfy your hunger.
With crispy hash browns, savory cheese, eggs, and tasty seasonings, it’s a breakfast that will please everyone around the table.
This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep and will quickly become a family favorite!
Let’s dive into the steps to make this crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients for Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
The best thing about Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is how customizable it is! You only need a few key ingredients to get started:
- Frozen Hash Browns: These form the base of the casserole, offering texture and heartiness. You can use either shredded or diced frozen hash browns, depending on your preference.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind all the ingredients together while adding protein. They make the casserole rich and fluffy.
- Cheese: A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese makes the casserole wonderfully gooey and delicious.
- Seasonings: Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder are essential for flavor. You can get creative with herbs or add hot sauce for a kick.
- Add-ins: Bacon, sausage, vegetables (like bell peppers and onions), or even spinach are perfect to add more flavor and texture.
How to Make Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Making this dish is easy! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Layer the frozen hash browns evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Press them down slightly to create an even base.
Step 3: If you’re using any meat or veggies, layer them on top of the hash browns. Bacon, sausage, or veggies like peppers and onions work beautifully here.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or heavy cream for richness), and seasonings. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown layers.
Step 5: Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden crust on top.
Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Here are some expert tips to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time:
- Crispiness: If you want extra crispy hash browns, you can bake them for 10 minutes before adding the egg mixture. You can also pre-brown them in a skillet for an even crispier texture.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both give great flavor and meltability. You can also experiment with sharp cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a bolder taste.
- Make Ahead: To save time in the morning, prepare the casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh the next morning.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Just assemble it in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw overnight and cook as directed.
Variations
While the classic version is always delicious, there are endless ways to customize your casserole to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Add extra cheese for richness.
- Meat Lovers: Bacon, sausage, ham, or even chorizo can be added for extra protein and flavor. Layer the meat with the hash browns or mix it directly into the egg mixture.
- Spicy: If you like heat, throw in some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Sweet: For a different spin, you can turn your casserole into a sweet version by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped fruits like apples or berries.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. You can either freeze it before baking (assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze) or after it’s baked. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
Can I make Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
What can I substitute for the hash browns?
If you’re not a fan of hash browns, you can use tater tots, diced potatoes, or even cooked quinoa for a different texture.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Frozen hash browns about 1 lb
- 8 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk whole or dairy-free alternative
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Bacon cooked and crumbled (or substitute with sausage, ham, or vegetables)
- ¼ cup Green onions chopped
- ½ cup Bell peppers diced, optional
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the hash browns: If you're using frozen hash browns, allow them to thaw slightly for about 5 minutes before adding them to the casserole. Spread the hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing them down slightly to create an even layer.
- Add the protein and veggies: If you're using cooked bacon, sausage, or ham, evenly distribute it over the hash browns. You can also add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or other vegetables at this stage. Top with green onions for extra flavor.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cheese: Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the egg mixture.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hash browns and meat/vegetable layer in the baking dish. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the center is fully set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy hot!