Meet your new go-to breakfast star: the **Hash Brown Egg Casserole**. Imagine layers of hash browns topped with melty cheese, tender ham, and fluffy eggs, creating a soul-soothing start to any morning. This versatile dish is perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend brunch, bringing warmth and hearty goodness to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Satisfying: This casserole is a complete breakfast in a single dish—filling and delicious.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before, ensuring a stress-free morning.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s brunch with friends or a family gathering, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you on the right path to creating a dish bursting with flavor. Let’s see how each component adds its unique touch!
- Frozen Hash Brown Patties: These form the crispy base and are super convenient—no need to thaw.
- Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides a melty, cheesy delight that ties everything together.
- Diced Leftover Ham: Adds a savory depth, perfect for using up leftovers.
- Scallions: Fresh and aromatic, they give the casserole a pop of color and flavor.
- Eggs: The custard element that brings a soft and fluffy texture.
- Whole Milk: Ensures a creamy custard for the eggs, enriching the dish.
- Dry Ground Mustard & Garlic Powder: These spices subtly enhance the flavor profile.
Variations
Feel free to make it your own! This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is easy to tweak, whether you’re adjusting for taste, accommodating dietary restrictions, or simply trying out new flavors.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat enthusiasts.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or Gouda to mix up the flavor.
How to Make Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of the dish. This step ensures that your casserole has a crispy, structured base to support all the toppings.
Step 2: Layer the Flavors
Sprinkle the cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, diced ham, and scallions evenly over the hash brown layer. This combination sets up a delightful mix of savory flavors and gooey textures that are hard to resist once baked.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, dry ground mustard, and garlic powder. Pour this savory egg custard over the layered ingredients, ensuring it spreads evenly. The custard will seep in and cook into a beautifully cohesive dish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
Pro Tips for Making Hash Brown Egg Casserole
- Perfect Base: Ensure the hash browns are evenly spread to prevent any soggy patches and give a consistent crispiness.
- Custard Coating: Pour the egg mixture slowly to avoid displacing the toppings, allowing it to fill every nook.
- Even Baking: Rotate the dish halfway through if your oven has hotspots to guarantee an evenly baked casserole.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for a sharp cheese for more flavor, but be mindful of its melting point to get that perfect gooeyness.
How to Serve Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Garnishes
Top your casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of color and an added layer of flavor. A sprinkle of chopped scallions can also enhance the dish’s fresh factor. These garnishes not only elevate the visual appeal but also infuse freshness into each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit. You might also consider serving it alongside a loaf of crusty bread to soak up any leftover eggy goodness. These sides complement the rich flavors and add a light contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, consider cutting the casserole into neat squares and arranging them on a large platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a burst of color. Placing a small reserve of mustard or hot sauce on the side can allow guests to customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This allows you to enjoy delectable breakfasts throughout the week without any extra effort. Remember to cool the casserole completely to prevent moisture buildup in your container.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well for up to two months. To freeze, simply portion it into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before storing in a freezer-safe container. This makes it easy to grab and reheat as needed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture. Heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, which helps retain the casserole’s original texture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash brown patties?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply grate them and squeeze out excess moisture before spreading them in the baking dish to achieve a similarly crispy base.
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What can I substitute for ham to make it vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a savory and flavorful alternative to ham.
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Is it possible to make this casserole spicier for those who love heat?
Absolutely! Add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the egg mixture to give it a spicy kick.
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Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Final Thoughts
The Hash Brown Egg Casserole invites you to gather around the table for a cozy and delightful meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s an adaptable recipe that promises satisfaction with every bite, perfect for your next brunch or leisurely breakfast. Give it a try and let it become a cherished favorite in your home. Enjoy!
Print
Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a hearty, cheesy breakfast dish combining crispy hash browns, savory ham, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy make-ahead meal perfect for weekend brunches or family gatherings, offering a satisfying start to the day with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties (thawing is not necessary)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 & 1/2 cups diced leftover ham (about 3/4 pound)
- 2 scallions, diced
- 9 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease the dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Arrange hash browns. Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer cheese, ham, and scallions. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, diced ham, and diced scallions over the hash browns.
- Prepare the egg custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Pour custard over the mixture. Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered hash browns, cheese, ham, and scallions.
- Bake the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Rest and serve. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cold.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for variation.
- Leftover cooked ham works best, but cooked bacon crumbles can be a tasty alternative.
- This dish is versatile for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
