Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish Recipe
If you’re searching for a satisfying dish that checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing morning meal, look no further than Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish. Imagine layers of golden hash browns, fluffy eggs, creamy cheeses, and savory breakfast meat—all melding together in one dreamy slice. It’s everything you want from a cozy casserole: comforting, filling, customizable, and easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to earn a regular spot at your breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list: each component brings a touch of comfort, richness, or texture that transforms simple pantry staples into something unforgettable. You’ll love how every ingredient complements the others to create layers of flavor and color.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (1 bag, 30 oz, thawed): They form the golden, crispy base, so be sure to thaw them for even baking.
- Large eggs (8): The star binding ingredient—eggs give the casserole its body and signature fluffiness.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps keep the eggs tender and light.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): A secret ingredient for extra richness and tang you’ll taste in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): For that melty, classic cheesy appeal and sharp bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Brings that irresistible gooey stretch factor to the casserole.
- Breakfast sausage or bacon (1/2 lb, cooked and crumbled): Choose your favorite for a boost of savory goodness; both work beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Lends a gentle aromatic sweetness to the egg mixture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A touch adds just enough warmth and peppery bite.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Don’t skip this! It ensures your casserole comes out easily and cleanup is a breeze.
How to Make Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by warming your oven to 375°F—this is the sweet spot for even baking and gorgeous golden edges. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously coat it with nonstick spray so nothing sticks and serving is a cinch later!
Step 2: Layer the Hash Browns
Once the hash browns have thawed (pop them in the fridge the night before or use the microwave for a quick defrost), spread them in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Give them a little fluff with your fingers so no spots are left uncovered—this is your trusty base for the entire casserole.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the creamy, seasoned backbone of your casserole, ensuring each slice is both light and decadent. Whisk until everything is smooth and beautifully blended.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses and Meat
Now for the flavor-packed add-ins: stir the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (or bacon), shredded cheddar, and mozzarella right into your egg mixture. Every scoop adds just the right amount of cheesy gooeyness and hearty, savory bite. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the cheesy egg and meat mixture over the layer of hash browns in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread everything evenly so all the hash browns are cloaked in luscious eggy goodness. Slide your dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is gloriously golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once it’s finished baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes. This quick pause lets everything firm up just enough for clean, beautiful slices. Now you’re ready to serve up a breakfast or brunch that everyone will rave about!
How to Serve Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshness brings this casserole to life! Try chopped green onions, a handful of fresh parsley, or even a few tomato slices. For extra flair, add a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on each serving.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the casserole with lighter, fresh sides like a crisp mixed greens salad, sliced fruit, or a simple bowl of berries. Flaky biscuits, scones, or warm toast rounds out the meal for a truly hearty brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual squares on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of herbed yogurt sauce. Hosting a brunch party? Cut the casserole into mini bites and speared with cocktail picks for fun, easy-to-eat appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days, making busy weekday breakfasts a breeze.
Freezing
If you’ve made extra or want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap portions individually or freeze the whole casserole (well-covered) for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave a single piece for a quick breakfast, though the oven keeps that just-baked taste and edge.
FAQs
Can I assemble the casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as instructed—perfect for stress-free entertaining or lazy weekends!
Can I add vegetables for more flavor?
Yes! Bell peppers, baby spinach, or green onions all make colorful and tasty additions. Sauté veggies first if they’re watery (like mushrooms or spinach) so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Are there other cheese options?
You can mix things up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a bit of heat, or even Swiss for a nutty kick. Just keep the total amount around two cups for ideal melt and texture.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as your hash browns and meats are labeled gluten-free with no added flour or fillers. Always double check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The top should be gloriously golden and the center set. Insert a knife or toothpick into the middle; it should come out clean, with no runny egg mixture. Allowing the dish to cool slightly before slicing helps everything set up nicely.
Final Thoughts
Whether whipping it up for holiday guests or meal-prepping for your own family, Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish is destined to become a beloved tradition. Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and get ready to win hearts (and hungry bellies) at your breakfast table every single time!
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Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish that combines crispy hash browns with a cheesy, savory egg mixture. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead of time!
Ingredients
Hash Browns:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage or bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Others:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Layer hash browns: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella.
- Combine and bake: Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until set and golden brown. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Feel free to customize with bell peppers, green onions, or spinach for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
