Description
This hearty Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a comforting breakfast dish perfect for family gatherings or a weekend brunch. Featuring crispy hash browns, melted cheddar cheese, and savory ham or bacon, all baked together with a seasoned egg and milk mixture, this casserole is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped cooked ham or cooked bacon, optional
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
Additional
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Mix Hash Browns and Vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped ham or bacon (if using), diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Mix all ingredients well until evenly combined.
- Spread Mixture in Baking Dish. Evenly spread the hash brown mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Prepare Egg Mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground mustard until the mixture is smooth and all seasonings are well incorporated.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Hash Browns. Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown layer in the baking dish, making sure to cover all the hash browns completely.
- Press Down the Mixture. Use a spatula to gently press down the mixture to help it settle and combine properly for an even bake.
- Bake the Casserole. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top turns lightly golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean.
- Cool Before Serving. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy. Slice the casserole into portions, serve warm, and enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ham or bacon with cooked sausage if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Make sure hash browns are fully thawed to ensure even cooking.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before—assemble it, cover tightly, and bake the next morning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
