Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Name: Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs hash browns; 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

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By: Maria
Posted: 07/27/2025

Okay, let’s be real, sometimes mornings are just…chaotic. Why can’t I have an amazing breakfast? What’s your secret weapon for feeding a hungry crowd? What is a lazy weekend brunch? Think of it as the savory, eggy cousin of a French toast bake – but with crispy crispy edges. Hashbrowns instead of bread? My grandmother used to make something similar, and it’s just pure comfort food, guaranteed that it will make a lot of people happy. Is everyone happy? What are some good ways to prep a meal the night before? What are some of the best breakfast recipes you’ve ever had? What’s the best way to cook in the kitchen?

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What is hashbrown breakfast casserole?

Think of it as a warm hug on a plate. A Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is basically a baked dish featuring layers of golden, crispy hashbrowns, a creamy egg mixture loaded with cheese and your favorite breakfast meats. It’s essentially a giant, shareable breakfast, perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying as a hearty, comforting meal on a chilly morning. The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. You can customize the fillings to your liking – add different cheeses, vegetables, or meats. The name is pretty self-explanatory, right? It’s a casserole… made with hashbrowns… for breakfast! But trust me, the simple name belies the amazing flavor packed into every bite.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is how incredibly versatile it is. Need something to feed a crowd during the holidays? This is it. Craving a hearty breakfast that’s easy to throw together on a busy week morning? Look no further! And let’s not forget about the *flavor*. The combination of crispy hashbrowns, creamy eggs, melted cheese, and savory sausage is just… *chef’s kiss*.

* **Flavor Explosion:** Seriously, the salty sausage, the cheddar cheese, the slightly sweet peppers… it all just works so perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
* **Unbelievably Simple:** Don’t let the deliciousness fool you – this is one of the easiest breakfast casseroles you’ll ever make. You basically layer everything in a dish and bake it. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are all pretty common and affordable. You probably already have most of them in your fridge and pantry. Even if you don’t, it won’t break the bank to buy them.
* **Customizable to Your Heart’s Content:** This recipe is more of a template than a strict set of rules. Don’t like sausage? Use bacon! Prefer pepper jack cheese? Go for it! Want to add some veggies? The sky’s the limit!

It’s similar to a quiche, but without the fussy crust. It’s also like a frittata, but baked and easier to serve. I’ve made a similar sausage breakfast casserole before, but this one, the *hashbrowns*… they take it to a whole other level. And honestly, I’ve even made it for dinner sometimes when I’m craving comfort food. It’s *that* good. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again.

How do I make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole?

Quick Overview

What are some of the best breakfast casserole recipes? You’ll basically cook your sausage, whisk together your eggs and cheese, and layer everything in a bowl. I like to make this. What is the best baking dish for hashbrowns? What is the best part about baking? Can you bake it in the morning and assemble it the night before? What is the best way to impress a crowd?

Ingredients

For the main battery:
* 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed – I always let mine sit out for about 30 minutes to thaw slightly, it makes them crispier.
* 12 large eggs – Use the best quality eggs you can find, it makes a difference!
* 1 cup milk – I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great.
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a nice little kick.

For the Filling:
* 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled – I like to use spicy sausage for extra flavor. * 1 green bell pepper, diced – Adds a nice sweetness and crunch. * 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds color and sweetness! * 1 medium onion, diced – I always sauté my onion before adding it to the casserole. * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar is my go-to.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also grease it with butter or oil. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your pan? Make sure the pan is well-greased.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage & Veggies

In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside. How do you drain off grease? Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a casserole?

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside. What are the streaks of egg yolk? What should be the base of a casserole?

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage mixture over the hashbrowns. Top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining hashbrowns, sausage mixture, and cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. I like to gently press down on the hashbrowns to make sure they’re submerged in the egg mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set. If you inserted a toothpick into the center of your mouth, it should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Is it necessary to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving? How do I keep my thigh in shape?

What is the best way to serve it?

What is a breakfast casserole?For Breakfast:Serve it with fresh fruit, like berries or melon. What are some good side dishes to serve with toast or muffins? What is the best way to start the day?For Brunch:What’s your brunch spread? Serve it with a mimosa bar or juice. Add smoked salmon, bagels, and cream cheese for a more sophisticated brunch experience.As Dessert:Okay, maybe not as dessert, but you could definitely follow it up with a light and refreshing dessert. What are the best desserts to serve with a fruit salad?For Cozy Snacks:I love this casserole. It’s so filling! What’s a better way to enjoy hot chocolate with milk? My family always makes salsa with it. What is the best way to serve it? I know it’s a weird tradition, but it totally works! What is the best way to add a little sour cream?

How do I make a Hashbrown breakfast casserole?

What are some tricks to make this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole even better?Hashbrown PreMake sure your hashbrowns are thawed before you start cooking them. How do I cook a potato? I like to spread them out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.Sausage Selection: SaWhat type of sausage do you use in a casserole? I prefer to use breakfast sausage, but you can also use Italian sausage or chorizo.What are the best cheeseCan you use other cheeses for this casserole? Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.What are some of theIf you like, add other vegetables to the casserole, such as spinach, or diced tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.Egg Excellence: What doesDon’t overbake the casserole, or the eggs will become dry and rubbery. If you inserted a toothpick into the center of an egg, it should come out clean, but the eggs should still be slightly browned.Make-Ahead MagicWhat is a good casserole to make ahead of time? What is the best way to store a bag in the refrigerator overnight? What are some easy ways to bake a pancake in the morning?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! How do you store and reheat them?Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.

Refrigerator Storage: How Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it might not be as crispy.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since this casserole doesn’t have a glaze, this isn’t applicable!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free hashbrowns and sausage. Most shredded hashbrowns are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. As for the sausage, many brands offer gluten-free varieties. You may also want to avoid adding bread. You might not miss it at all!

Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to cook them first. Peel and shred about 4 cups of potatoes. Then, sauté them in a skillet with some oil until they’re softened and slightly browned. This step is important to ensure that the hashbrowns are fully cooked in the casserole. Frozen is definitely easier, but fresh is delicious too!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Just substitute the sausage with your favorite vegetarian sausage or other plant-based protein. You could also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

Can I add a layer of bread?

You can absolutely add cubed bread, but I suggest toasting the bread slightly before adding it to the casserole. This will help to keep the bread from getting soggy. If you add bread, reduce the hashbrowns by one cup, or it may become overly filling.

How can I prevent the hashbrowns from getting soggy?

The key is to remove as much moisture as possible from the hashbrowns before adding them to the casserole. I like to spread them out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and press down on them to absorb any excess moisture. You can also pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My go-to Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a brunch with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other breakfast casserole recipes! And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear your variations and tips! Happy cooking!