Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Jump Into Deliciousness with Hash Brown Egg Casserole
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a game changer in the world of comfort food. Picture a warm, hearty dish that not only brings together crispy hash browns, savory meats, and gooey cheese but is also easy to whip up for breakfast, brunch, or even a satisfying dinner. Having made this dish countless times, I can confidently say it’s guaranteed to fill bellies and warm hearts, making it a staple for busy mornings or lazy weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe stands out for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it for a festive family brunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also impresses your guests without requiring a culinary degree. Eggs, meat, and veggies come together seamlessly, making it a balanced choice that’s kid-approved and satisfying for adults too.
“This casserole is now my go-to for brunch parties! It’s easy to make and disappears within minutes!” – A happy reader
Preparing Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Let’s delve into how simple it is to create this hearty dish. In just a few steps, you’ll learn how to layer your ingredients perfectly and ensure they bake into a golden, flavorful masterpiece.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray for easy clean-up.
- Layer the ingredients starting with the thawed hash browns and finishing with the egg mixture to ensure an even bake.
Gather These Items
To make this scrumptious casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup (240ml) cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced onion
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell pepper
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter or non-stick cooking spray
Feel free to switch the sausage for turkey sausage or add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms to suit your taste!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the thawed hash browns in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled sausage or diced ham on top of the hash browns.
- Layer the diced onion and bell pepper over the meat.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the assembled layers.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the dish.
- Gently shake or tap the dish to help the egg mixture disperse through the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the eggs are fully cooked and the top is golden and puffed.
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by fresh fruit, a side salad, or even some crispy bacon for an extra indulgence. For a brunch spread, serve with coffee or mimosas to elevate the experience!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep this casserole fresh for later, make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave for convenient meals throughout the week.
Pro Chef Tips
- Using Frozen Hash Browns: Thaw them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture; this keeps your casserole from becoming soggy.
- Make Ahead: You can prep this the night before. Just layer everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Bake in the morning for a fresh, hot dish.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole; if it comes out clean, it’s cooked perfectly!
Flavor Swaps
Get creative with your ingredients! Consider adding cooked bacon or even chorizo for a spicy kick. You can also switch up the cheese to mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and add in extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, and then about 45-50 minutes for baking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it will freeze well for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use egg substitutes?
A: Yes, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacers, though the texture might vary slightly.
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings loved ones together, making every gathering feel special. Enjoy creating this recipe and making it your own!
Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the thawed hash browns in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled sausage or diced ham on top of the hash browns.
- Layer the diced onion and bell pepper over the meat.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the assembled layers.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the dish.
- Gently shake or tap the dish to help the egg mixture disperse through the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the eggs are fully cooked and the top is golden and puffed.
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
