If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that will please a crowd, look no further than this Hash Brown Egg Casserole. Combining crispy hash browns, eggs, cheese, and a variety of savory seasonings, this casserole is easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal. The best part? It’s fully customizable to suit your taste. Whether you prefer sausage, bacon, or a vegetarian version, you can tweak the recipe to match your preferences. This dish is not only delicious but also comforting and filling, making it ideal for feeding a family or serving at a holiday brunch. Whether you’re prepping it for a weekend gathering or as a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare

With minimal prep work, this casserole comes together quickly and bakes in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining guests.

2. Versatile Ingredients

You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or extra cheese to make it your own.

3. Hearty and Filling

Packed with protein and potatoes, this casserole is a filling dish that will keep you satisfied throughout the morning.

4. Make-Ahead Option

This casserole can be assembled the night before, saving you time in the morning. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

5. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

With its large serving size, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Frozen hash browns
Eggs
Milk
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Cooked sausage or bacon (optional)
Onion
Bell pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika

Variations

Meat-Free Version: Omit the sausage or bacon and add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Add More Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss for a richer, creamier flavor.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based substitute for eggs, such as tofu, and swap dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns

Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you’re using fresh potatoes, shred them and sauté briefly before adding them to the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Meat (Optional)

If you’re using sausage or bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain the grease and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables (Optional)

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they’re softened and fragrant. You can also add any other vegetables of your choice at this stage.

Step 5: Mix the Eggs and Milk

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the cooked meat and vegetables (if using), then pour the mixture over the hash browns in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife in the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Step 8: Let it Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to slice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Frozen Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns work best for this recipe, as they hold their shape better and provide a nice crispy texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Casserole: If you add too many ingredients, it may not cook evenly. Stick to a balanced amount of eggs, meat, and vegetables.
Add Cheese Last: For a golden, melty top, sprinkle the cheese on just before baking.
Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake it as usual, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Check for Doneness: Make sure the eggs are fully set before removing the casserole from the oven. If necessary, bake for a few extra minutes.

How to Serve

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a light salad for a balanced meal. Serve it with some hot coffee or fresh juice for an indulgent breakfast or brunch experience. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or avocado on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, you can either microwave individual servings or place the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes! Shred fresh potatoes and sauté them for a few minutes to cook off excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole without meat?

Absolutely! Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.

3. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the egg mixture to give the casserole a spicy kick.

5. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

6. Can I freeze the casserole before baking it?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.

7. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.

8. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free hash browns. Be sure to check the ingredients in your hash browns to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

9. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

10. Can I add other veggies to the casserole?

Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes would all work great in this casserole.

Conclusion

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a busy breakfast, weekend brunch, or as a simple dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. With its versatility, hearty ingredients, and make-ahead option, this casserole is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own!