The Ultimate Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Crafting a delectable hash brown breakfast casserole can turn any morning into a memorable feast.

Layers of crispy potatoes and melted cheese create an irresistible morning sensation.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this comforting dish that promises to satisfy hungry appetites.

Mornings feel special when you welcome everyone with a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven.

breakfast becomes an adventure with each forkful of golden-brown potatoes and savory ingredients.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet impressive recipe that will have people asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing breakfast solution that makes weekend mornings feel like a celebration.

Ingredients for Hash Brown Casserole

• Hash Browns: Crispy potato base for the casserole.
• Eggs: Primary binding and protein element.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps mix ingredients.

• Bacon, Sausage, Ham: Adds savory meat flavor and protein.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides rich melting texture and flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic flavor enhancers.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic notes.

• Bell Peppers, Onions, Green Onions: Adds fresh flavor and nutritional variety.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Prevents casserole from sticking to baking dish.

How to Make Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Spread Hash Brown Foundation

Grab your hash browns and let them sit out for a quick 5-minute thaw.

Spread them across the baking dish, pressing down to create a solid, even base layer.

Step 3: Layer Protein And Veggie Goodness

Sprinkle your favorite cooked protein across the hash browns.

• Crispy bacon
• Crumbled sausage
• Diced ham

• Chopped bell peppers
• Sautéed onions
• Sliced green onions

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Assemble The Casserole

Pour the cheesy egg mixture over your hash brown and protein layer.

Ensure it covers everything evenly.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

The center should be firm – test by inserting a knife, which should come out clean.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Slice into squares and serve piping hot.

Enjoy your breakfast masterpiece!

Casserole Tips for Breakfast Lovers

• Drain excess moisture from thawed hash browns using a clean kitchen towel to ensure a crispy, golden-brown base for your casserole.
• Experiment with different meats like crumbled sausage, diced ham, or shredded chicken to add variety and extra protein to the breakfast dish.
• Sauté vegetables beforehand to remove excess water and intensify their flavors before adding them to the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a stress-free morning meal.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make slicing easier, creating perfect, clean-cut portions.

How to Store Breakfast Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Pairing Ideas for Hash Brown Bake

• Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair this hearty casserole with strong, freshly ground Colombian or dark roast coffee to cut through the richness and complement the savory flavors.
• Zesty Morning Mimosa Boost: Create a bright citrus mimosa using fresh orange juice and champagne to balance the casserole's heavy, cheesy profile and add a refreshing morning touch.
• Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a fresh, tangy contrast against the dense, cheesy breakfast casserole and cleanse the palate.
• Fresh Fruit Plate Enhancer: Arrange a colorful plate of seasonal berries, sliced melon, or citrus segments to add a light, sweet counterpoint to the rich, savory casserole and provide nutritional balance.

Flavorful Takes on Hash Brown Bake

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace meat with roasted zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative that's packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular hash browns for sweet potato hash browns and use gluten-free cheese to create a celiac-safe breakfast casserole that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips, and add extra eggs and cheese to boost protein content for keto diet followers.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds, and swap milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also include plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or meat substitutes to keep the dish hearty.

• How can I prevent my hash browns from getting soggy?

Use thawed but not wet hash browns. Pat them dry with paper towels before spreading in the baking dish. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures a crispy bottom layer in your casserole.

• Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 1 month.

What’s Great About Hash Brown Bake

• Packed with protein, cheesy goodness, and easy-to-prep ingredients, this casserole transforms ordinary mornings into delightful culinary experiences.
• Swap meats, add different vegetables, or adjust cheese types to match your taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Eliminate multiple cooking steps and cleanup hassles by creating a complete breakfast in a single baking dish that feeds the entire family or group.
• Perfect for weekend gatherings, potlucks, and family brunches, this hearty casserole satisfies diverse palates with its rich, savory flavors and filling texture.

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole brings morning comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending crispy potatoes with savory eggs and melted cheese. Generous layers promise a satisfying start that delivers home-style warmth with each delicious forkful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 8 large Eggs
• 1 cup Bacon (cooked and crumbled (or substitute with sausage, ham, or vegetables))

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Milk (whole or dairy-free alternative)

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 cups Frozen hash browns (about 1 lb or 454 grams)
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers (diced, optional)
• 1/4 cup Green onions (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1–2 tablespoons Butter (for greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Arrange slightly thawed hash browns across the bottom of the dish, pressing down to create a uniform foundation for the casserole.
3. Distribute cooked protein such as bacon, sausage, or ham evenly over the hash brown base, then sprinkle chopped green onions and any desired sautéed vegetables for added depth of flavor.
4. Craft the egg mixture by whisking eggs with milk, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly blended.
5. Integrate shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the seasoned egg mixture, ensuring complete incorporation for consistent flavor distribution.
6. Carefully pour the cheese-infused egg blend over the layered hash browns and protein, gently spreading to cover all ingredients evenly.
7. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden brown and the center sets completely – a knife inserted should emerge clean.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then slice into squares and serve while warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Toast hash browns briefly before layering to enhance their crispy texture and golden-brown color.
• Drain excess moisture from vegetables like bell peppers and onions to prevent a watery casserole.
• Pat protein meats like bacon or sausage with paper towels to remove excess grease and maintain the dish’s overall consistency.
• Consider using gluten-free hash browns or alternative potato products for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg