If you are looking for a heartwarming breakfast or brunch centerpiece, this Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Combining crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory breakfast meats, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances comfort and convenience beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing ahead for a busy morning, this dish offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and easy to customize.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward this deliciously fulfilling casserole. Each component plays its part: the hash browns provide a crispy, golden base; eggs offer that rich, velvety custard texture; cheese brings gooey, savory goodness; and optional add-ins like sausage or bacon add a burst of meaty flavor to round it all out.
- Frozen hash browns (20 oz): Thawed for quick prep and the perfect crispy foundation.
- Large eggs (12): The heart of the casserole, creating a fluffy and rich texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, melty richness; feel free to swap for your favorite cheese.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the eggs tender and silky.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle aromatic depth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
- Cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham (1 cup, optional): Boosts the casserole with smoky, meaty goodness.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): Freshens things up with a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Hash Browns
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and to help develop that golden crust on the hash browns. Spread your thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom so the base layer is consistent and ready to soak up all the goodness from the eggs and cheese.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture creates the custard that binds the casserole, so give it a good beat until fully combined and slightly frothy. If you want to up the savory flavor, this step is the perfect time to stir in any cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bed of hash browns, ensuring every crispy nook is covered with that rich custard. Then, generously sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layer of cheese not only melts beautifully but also helps seal in moisture, promising a luscious bite with a golden brown finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the heated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are fully set—no wobble when you gently shake the dish—and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. This baking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly, giving you a satisfying mix of creamy eggs, crispy edges, and melty cheese throughout.
Step 5: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes—it makes slicing and serving easier, plus it allows the flavors to settle. Sprinkle chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, zesty lift that adds color and an extra layer of flavor to your Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your casserole from tasty to extraordinary. Bright green onions or chives add a lovely contrast and mild bite. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is quite hearty, pairing it with lighter sides works beautifully. Consider tossing a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or serving fresh fruit on the side to introduce a sweet and tangy dimension that complements the savory notes of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a personal touch, serve your casserole in individual ramekins for single portions or top each serving with a spiral of sriracha or a drizzle of homemade pesto. You can also layer it in a deep dish pie pan for a rustic look that invites everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When cooled completely before storage, you preserve its texture and flavor, making for quick and delicious reheats.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover casserole pieces for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through, which helps keep the edges crisp and the center creamy. Alternatively, a microwave can speed things up but may soften the crispy parts of your Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat or replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a flavorful vegetarian version.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic for its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda to switch up the flavor profile.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from cold.
Is it necessary to thaw the hash browns first?
Thawing the hash browns helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely during baking. Using frozen without thawing can lead to excess moisture and a soggy casserole.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly—generally adding 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it cooks through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe is such a fantastic way to start any day with comfort and flavor. It’s simple enough to make a weekday treat but hearty enough to welcome weekend guests, too. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brings warmth and joy to your kitchen and table!
Print
Delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious hash brown egg casserole is a hearty and satisfying breakfast dish perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings. Featuring a crispy hash brown base layered with a fluffy, seasoned egg mixture combined with savory breakfast meats and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is baked to golden perfection. Optional additions like garlic and onion powder and green onions enhance the flavor, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare hash browns: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even base layer.
- Mix egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Add cooked meat: If using, stir in the cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham into the egg mixture, ensuring the meat is evenly distributed.
- Combine layers: Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the hash browns in the baking dish, making sure it covers the base completely.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, melty crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and garnish: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or your preferred cheese for varied flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or replace it with cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
