If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines potatoes, cheese, and eggs in a luscious way, this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine waking up to a warm, cheesy casserole packed with shredded hashbrowns, veggies, and savory sausage or ham, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a hearty brunch, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and savory goodness that comes through in every bite.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: Thawed hash browns form the starchy backbone, adding a tender crispness after baking.
- Large eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent, holding all the components together while adding rich protein.
- Whole milk: This creates a creamy texture and helps set the casserole without drying it out.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided to melt into the mix and form a golden cheesy crust on top.
- Diced yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Diced bell pepper: Provides a pop of color and mild crunch.
- Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham (optional): For an extra punch of savory richness.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: The perfect seasoning trio to enhance the natural flavors.
- Butter, melted: Poured over the top to help brown the cheese and add richness.
How to Make Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and gets that perfect crust on the outside while staying moist inside.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is fully combined. This mixture will infuse the casserole with rich flavor and create a custard-like base that holds the hash browns and other ingredients together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Ingredients
Gently fold in the thawed hash browns, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and your choice of cooked breakfast sausage or ham if using. Next, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to mix that cheesy goodness right into the dish. Make sure everything is evenly combined so every slice has a balanced flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese across the top. Drizzle melted butter over the cheese to encourage a beautiful golden crust as it bakes. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is light golden brown.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets everything set nicely, making it easier to cut into perfect portions and helping the flavors meld even more.
How to Serve Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slices with fresh chives or chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa also complements the cheesy, savory flavors surprisingly well and adds a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad for a touch of sweetness or crispy bacon strips for extra savory crunch. If you’re aiming for a full brunch spread, consider serving it alongside a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings that look impressive and keep everyone’s portion just right. You can also add layers of sautéed mushrooms or spinach inside the casserole to sneak in some veggies without changing the crowd-pleasing character of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover servings of this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover them well to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this casserole freezes well. Bake as directed, cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve that crisp top and creamy interior. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage or ham, and consider adding vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar works best for its meltability and flavor, but Monterey Jack or Colby cheese are delicious alternatives that maintain that creamy, cheesy texture.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and hearty option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge—no need to let it come to room temperature first.
What can I serve with this casserole for brunch?
Consider fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a leafy green salad to balance out the richness. Freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa also pairs beautifully for a complete brunch experience.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is one of those cherished dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its effortless preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it ideal for any weekend breakfast or brunch. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough — once you do, it will surely become a mainstay in your kitchen rotation, delighting family and friends alike with every bite.
Print
Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish featuring tender shredded hashbrowns, eggs, cheese, and savory sausage or ham. Perfect for brunch or a make-ahead meal, it bakes to golden perfection with melty cheddar and flavorful veggies, making mornings deliciously simple.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (20 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Hashbrowns and Vegetables: Stir in the thawed shredded hash browns, diced yellow onion, diced bell pepper, and the optional cooked sausage or ham.
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture for a rich cheesy flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to the edges.
- Top with Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then drizzle the melted butter evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole’s center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for cheddar to vary the flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, covered with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerated until ready to bake in the morning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
