This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the heartiness of hash browns with the richness of eggs and cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, this casserole can be prepped in just minutes. With the convenience of frozen hash brown patties, you can whip this up quickly, making it a go-to recipe for busy mornings or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time.
- Versatile Meal: Suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dinner; enjoy it whenever you want a hearty meal.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gives a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Use Leftovers: A great way to use up leftover ham and avoid food waste while creating something delicious.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly cooking your casserole and allows for easy serving.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for whisking together your ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth custard mixture by incorporating air into the eggs.
Ingredients
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is so quick and easy using frozen hash brown patties! Prepare it the same morning or the night before. Great recipe for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
For the Base
- 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties (thawing is not necessary)
For the Filling
- 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)
For the Custard Mixture
- 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
How to Make Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Hash Browns
Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of your greased baking dish.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Ham
Sprinkle both cheeses, diced ham, and scallions evenly over the top of the hash brown layer to create a flavorful base.
Step 4: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, dry ground mustard (if using), and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Layers
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ham and cheese layers in your baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until golden edges appear and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Serve
Allow cooling for about 5-10 minutes. Cut into portions and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole with friends or family!
How to Serve Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or having a cozy family breakfast, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Seasonal Fruits: Serve slices of fresh seasonal fruits like berries, melons, or oranges for a refreshing contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds color and sweetness to your plate.
Add a Green Salad
- Simple Side Salad: Toss together mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a crisp and healthy side.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
Include Breakfast Meats
- Crispy Bacon: Serve alongside crispy bacon for an indulgent touch that pairs well with eggs.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add heartiness to your breakfast spread.
Top with Salsa or Hot Sauce
- Fresh Salsa: Enhance flavors with fresh salsa for a zesty kick.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish for spice lovers.
Serve with Toast or Biscuits
- Buttery Toast: Simple buttered toast is great for soaking up any leftover egg mixture.
- Flaky Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits make your breakfast feel extra special.
How to Perfect Hash Brown Egg Casserole
For the best Hash Brown Egg Casserole, following these tips will ensure delicious results every time.
- Use Frozen Hash Browns: Skip thawing; using frozen hash browns saves time and keeps the texture perfect.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for added flavor or mozzarella for creaminess.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit after baking enhances flavor and makes cutting easier.
- Bake Until Golden: Ensure the edges are golden brown before removing from the oven for the best texture.
- Customize Protein Options: Substitute ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even veggies for a vegetarian version.
Best Side Dishes for Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Completing your meal with delightful side dishes can elevate your Hash Brown Egg Casserole experience. Consider these options:
- Crispy Hash Browns: Double up on potatoes by serving traditional hash browns as a crispy side.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing sweet side.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Fluffy pancakes or waffles bring a classic breakfast feel that everyone loves.
- Oven-Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting brings out natural sweetness in tomatoes, creating a savory complement.
- Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl offers freshness and nutrients while being visually appealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Hash Brown Egg Casserole can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Boldly skip thawing: Many assume frozen hash browns need thawing, but they don’t! Using them straight from the freezer ensures a crispy base.
- Boldly ignore seasoning: Failing to season the egg mixture can lead to bland results. Always add salt and optional spices for flavor enhancement.
- Boldly overbake: Cooking too long can dry out the casserole. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a knife.
- Boldly forget the foil: Not covering the dish initially can result in uneven cooking. Use foil for the first part of baking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Boldly skip resting time: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Hash Brown Egg Casserole
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Hash Brown Egg Casserole
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about Hash Brown Egg Casserole:
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook them slightly before layering them in the casserole.
How do I make this Hash Brown Egg Casserole vegetarian?
Simply omit the ham and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a delicious twist.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before and bake it in the morning.
What other cheeses work well in this casserole?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free hash browns, this casserole is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Give it a try and enjoy making it your own!
Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that features the delightful combination of crispy hash browns, rich eggs, and creamy cheese. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this casserole is quick to prepare and can easily be made ahead of time. With minimal prep work and the use of frozen hash brown patties, it’s a go-to recipe for busy mornings and family gatherings. Enjoy layers of flavor with tender ham and scallions complementing the cheesy goodness. This versatile dish satisfies everyone at the table, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 ½ cups diced leftover ham
- 2 diced scallions
- 9 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle cheeses, diced ham, and scallions over the hash browns.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, dry mustard (optional), and garlic powder.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden and set.
- Allow cooling for 5–10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
