Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole has been a staple in my home for years, especially during the holidays. I remember my grandmother waking up early to prepare this cheesy masterpiece, filling the house with the irresistible aroma of baked potatoes and savory sausage. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting reminder of family gatherings and laughter around the breakfast table. If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying way to start your day, you’ve found it! This easy hash brown casserole recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a lazy Sunday brunch. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Deliciously cheesy with a perfect golden crust.
- Quick prep time, ready in under an hour.
- Budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and meats.
- Great for meal prep; just reheat leftovers.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
Ingredients for Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Here’s everything you need for this delicious breakfast potato bake:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed – the base of our casserole
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – adds sharpness and flavor
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for gooey texture
- 6 large eggs – binds everything together
- 1 cup milk – for creaminess
- 1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled – provides savory flavor
- 1 small onion, diced – for sweetness and crunch
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional) – adds color and nutrition
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt – to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper – for a little kick
How to Make Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the cooked sausage or bacon. Mix well.
- Step 3: Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown layer in the baking dish.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving.
- Step 9: For added flavor, you can garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
These tricks guarantee success every time:
- For a creamier texture, add sour cream or cream cheese to the egg mixture.
- Experiment with different meats or make it vegetarian by adding spinach or mushrooms.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting; this helps it hold its shape.
What’s the secret to perfect Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
The key is to ensure the hash browns are well-thawed and evenly distributed in the baking dish. This creates a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
Can I make Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for a freshly baked meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
One common mistake is not thawing the hash browns completely, which can lead to an unevenly cooked dish. Also, avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the casserole.
Best Ways to Serve Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Serve this delicious casserole warm out of the oven, paired with fresh fruit or a side salad. You can also enjoy it with hot sauce or salsa for an added kick. It’s a versatile dish that complements many breakfast sides!
Nutrition Facts for Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Per serving (recipe makes 8 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Can I freeze leftovers of Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to wrap individual portions tightly before freezing.
What can I add to make my Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole different?
You can add different vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even jalapeños for a spicy twist!
Is Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and add extra veggies for a delightful vegetarian version.
How do I make a gluten-free Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free hash browns and check your cheese for gluten content.
Variations of Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole You Can Try
Try a vegetarian hash brown casserole by using mushrooms and bell peppers or a gluten-free hash brown casserole by ensuring all your ingredients are gluten-free. You can also make an overnight hash brown breakfast casserole by assembling it the night before and baking it in the morning.
Print
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the cooked sausage or bacon. Mix well.
- Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown layer in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving.
- For added flavor, you can garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
