Description
This hearty Hash Brown Egg Casserole combines crispy hash browns, savory sausage or ham, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese all baked together in a fluffy egg mixture. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to prepare in just under an hour and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 lb (450g) frozen hash browns, thawed
Meat
- 1 cup (240ml) cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced onion
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon butter or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer hash browns: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
- Add meat layer: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham evenly over the hash browns to distribute the savory protein throughout.
- Layer vegetables: Evenly distribute the diced onion and bell pepper on top of the meat layer to add flavor and texture.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the vegetables to create a rich, melty top layer.
- Mix eggs and milk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish to bind everything together.
- Distribute evenly: Gently shake or tap the baking dish to help the egg mixture settle evenly throughout the layers and avoid air pockets.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked, the top is golden brown, and the casserole is slightly puffed.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage or ham with cooked bacon or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to make a lighter version of the casserole.
- If using frozen hash browns, be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
