Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with crispy hash browns, eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a family on a lazy weekend morning, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts
- Customizable with different meats, veggies, and cheeses
- Feeds a crowd, making it great for gatherings
- Freezer-friendly for busy mornings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- Breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the Meat – In a skillet, cook the sausage, bacon, or ham until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
-
Sauté the Veggies – If using onions and bell peppers, sauté them in the same pan until softened.
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Layer the Ingredients – Spread the hash browns evenly in the greased baking dish. Add the cooked meat and sautéed veggies on top.
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Mix the Egg Mixture – In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the hash brown mixture.
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Add Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
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Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
-
Serve and Enjoy – Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add spinach, mushrooms, or extra veggies.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or turkey instead of sausage or bacon.
- Tex-Mex Style: Stir in taco seasoning and top with salsa and avocado.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Shred fresh potatoes, rinse, and pat them dry before using.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.
What’s the best meat for this casserole?
Sausage, bacon, and ham all work well. You can mix and match based on preference.
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Use about 10 egg whites.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The center should be set, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use non-dairy milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Fresh fruit, toast, or a side of avocado make great pairings.
Can I add bread to this casserole?
You can mix in small cubes of bread for a heartier texture.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Try Swiss, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until set.
Conclusion
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you prepare it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh out of the oven, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, stress-free breakfast!
Print
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a cheesy, hearty breakfast dish loaded with crispy hash browns, eggs, and your favorite breakfast meats. Perfect for meal prep, brunch, or feeding a crowd, this easy, make-ahead casserole is a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese blend)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- ½ cup bell peppers (diced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
-
Cook the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, bacon, or ham until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease.
-
Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened.
-
Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the hash browns evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Add the cooked meat and sautéed veggies on top.
-
Mix the Egg Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over the hash brown mixture.
-
Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute fresh shredded potatoes for frozen hash browns—just rinse and pat dry before using.
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or extra veggies.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
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