Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe

Hash brown egg casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. This hearty dish combines crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, and savory cheese into one satisfying casserole. What makes this recipe special is its versatility and ease—it’s a one-pan meal that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this flavorful casserole, tips for customizing it to suit your tastes, and how to store and serve it for maximum enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hash brown egg casserole is the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and cheesy all in one dish. The crispy hash browns form the perfect base for the creamy eggs and melted cheese, creating a deliciously indulgent breakfast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable add vegetables, sausage, or bacon to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

This dish is not only flavorful but also filling, with the hash browns providing a satisfying texture and the eggs adding protein. The cheese binds everything together, giving the casserole a rich and creamy finish. Whether you’re cooking for a large group or just looking for an easy breakfast to prepare in advance, hash brown egg casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Details

Hash brown egg casserole is a simple yet delicious dish made by layering crispy hash browns with a savory egg mixture and cheese. The casserole is baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. The base of the casserole is made from hash browns, which provide both texture and flavor, and the eggs create a creamy, custard-like filling that binds everything together.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: frozen or fresh hash browns, eggs, cheese, and some seasonings. The versatility of the recipe allows you to add in a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, or include sausage or bacon for an even heartier meal. The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated overnight, and baked in the morning for an easy and stress-free meal.

The key to a successful hash brown egg casserole is getting the right balance of flavors. The hash browns should be crisp and slightly browned on the bottom, while the eggs should be creamy without being too runny. The cheese should melt perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful top layer that holds everything together. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week for breakfast or brunch.

Nutritional Information

Hash brown egg casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal, but it can be rich in calories. A typical serving contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. The hash browns provide carbohydrates, while the eggs offer protein and fat. The cheese adds additional fat and calories, but it also contributes to the creamy texture of the dish.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can make some substitutions. Use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter dish. You can also use egg whites or a lower-fat milk alternative to cut down on fat and calories. For a healthier version, try adding more vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms, which will add fiber and nutrients without significantly changing the flavor.

This casserole is a good source of protein, thanks to the eggs and cheese, and it also provides some fiber from the hash browns and vegetables. It’s a filling and balanced dish that can keep you full for hours, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage (optional)

For Customizing:

• 1/2 cup cooked spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish

These ingredients create a balanced, hearty casserole that’s packed with flavor. The frozen hash browns are convenient and create a crispy base, while the eggs form a creamy custard-like filling. The cheese adds richness, and the seasonings provide just the right amount of flavor. The optional add-ins, like vegetables, bacon, or sausage, allow you to personalize the dish to your tastes.

Equipment Needed

To make hash brown egg casserole, you will need:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish (for assembling the casserole)
• A large mixing bowl (for preparing the egg mixture)
• A whisk (for beating the eggs)
• A spatula (for mixing in the ingredients)
• A knife (for chopping vegetables or bacon)

The 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for holding all the ingredients and baking the casserole to golden perfection. A large mixing bowl is necessary to combine the egg mixture, while a whisk helps to beat the eggs smoothly. The spatula ensures that the ingredients are evenly mixed, and the knife is used for chopping any add-ins like vegetables or cooked bacon.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Use Crispy Hash Browns: For the best texture, make sure your hash browns are crispy on the bottom. You can pre-cook the hash browns by baking them in the dish for a few minutes before adding the egg mixture to ensure they crisp up nicely.
2. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté the vegetables beforehand to remove any excess moisture.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: When adding ingredients like sausage or bacon, be careful not to overload the casserole with too many fillings. A balanced ratio of hash browns, eggs, and toppings will ensure a well-baked dish.
4. Rest the Casserole Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to set and make it easier to slice.
5. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp blue cheese for a different twist.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Hash Browns: Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you want extra crispy hash browns, bake them for 10-15 minutes in the preheated oven before adding the egg mixture.
3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you’re adding vegetables, bacon, or sausage, stir them into the egg mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with toast or a side salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Hash Brown Egg Casserole: Skip the meat and load the casserole with more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, for a hearty vegetarian option.
2. Spicy Hash Brown Egg Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to the egg mixture to spice things up.
3. Bacon and Cheddar Hash Brown Egg Casserole: For a richer flavor, use crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. The smokiness of the bacon adds depth to the casserole.
4. Gluten-Free Hash Brown Egg Casserole: Use gluten-free hash browns and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage Instructions

Hash brown egg casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you want to make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Hash brown egg casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a lighter breakfast, serve it with a side of mixed fruit or a light salad. If you want a heartier meal, serve the casserole with crispy bacon, sausage, or even a side of avocado toast for extra richness. You can also drizzle hot sauce or serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.
2. Can I use frozen hash browns?
   Yes, frozen hash browns work well for this recipe. You can also use fresh hash browns if you prefer.
3. How can I make this casserole spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicier version of the casserole.
4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute dairy-free milk and vegan cheese to make this casserole dairy-free. You can also use egg substitutes if you want to make it vegan.
5. Can I freeze the casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze hash brown egg casserole. Assemble it and freeze it before baking, or freeze leftovers after baking. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

Hash brown egg casserole is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With a variety of options for customization, you can tailor this dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Print