If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and comfort all in one, this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is just what you need! A perfect medley of crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, and savory ham, this dish is sure to become your go-to for weekend brunches or special holiday mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This casserole requires minimal prep work, letting the oven do most of the magic.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty dish that everyone around the table will enjoy, both young and old.
- Make Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy mornings, you can prepare it the night before and bake when needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is in its simplicity — each ingredient complements the others perfectly while holding its own unique taste and texture. Let’s delve into the essentials that make this dish a winner.
- Hash Brown Patties: These form the crispy base of your casserole, bringing a satisfying crunch.
- Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: A duo that ensures a creamy, gooey layer of cheesy goodness in each bite.
- Diced Ham: A great way to use up leftover ham, adding a hearty and savory flavor.
- Scallions: Their subtle onion flavor gives a nice freshness and a pop of color.
- Eggs: The key binding ingredient that holds everything together while adding protein.
- Whole Milk: Ensures the eggs are fluffy and moist.
- Spices: Salt, dry ground mustard, and garlic powder provide a touch of seasoning that amplifies the flavors.
Variations
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. You can easily tweak it to suit dietary needs or personal preferences. Let’s look at how you can give this dish your personal twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s full of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, include some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
How to Make Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking, and arrange your hash brown patties at the bottom. This forms a crispy base that pairs beautifully with the soft eggs.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle the shredded cheeses, diced ham, and diced scallions evenly over the hash browns. This layering ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, mustard, and garlic powder. Pour this custard over your layered ingredients, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let it cool, and voilà—your delectable casserole is ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Hash Brown Egg Casserole
- Customized Flavors: Feel free to adjust the spices in the custard to fit your palate—experiment with nutmeg or paprika!
- Perfect Layering: Ensure even layers for a uniform taste and texture throughout the casserole.
- Testing Doneness: Insert a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready!
- Cheese Choices: Use a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor profile—try adding Gruyère or Fontina for an upscale touch.
How to Serve Hash Brown Egg Casserole
Garnishes
Dress up this savory delight with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, which add a burst of color and a hint of freshness that elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs excellently with a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast or some toasted English muffins to soak up all the delicious flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at brunch gatherings. It not only looks elegant but keeps servings neat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra servings of your Hash Brown Egg Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be kept frozen for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your casserole portion in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. For a quicker option, use the microwave on medium power.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
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What other cheeses can I use in this casserole?
Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Gruyère, mozzarella, or even feta can add delightful new dimensions to the flavors.
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Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Definitely! Simply omit the ham and add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach to create a delicious vegetarian version.
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Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a convenient and flavor-packed breakfast.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making a Hash Brown Egg Casserole yet, you’re in for a delightful surprise! It’s a comforting and delicious meal that greets you with warmth and flavor, each bite a delightful balance of textures. Gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy every mouthful of this wonderful dish.
PrintHash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a hearty and savory breakfast dish combining crispy hash browns, melted cheeses, leftover ham, and fluffy eggs. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Hash Browns
- 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties (thawing is not necessary)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups diced leftover ham (about 3/4 pound)
- 2 scallions, diced
Egg 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Arrange hash browns: Place all 8 frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of the dish, covering the entire surface.
- Add toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheeses, diced ham, and diced scallions over the hash browns to ensure each serving gets a good mix of flavors.
- Make egg custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, ground mustard, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
- Pour custard: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered hash browns, ham, and cheese, ensuring coverage across the casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to set the eggs.
- Finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures a perfectly cooked interior.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using fresh cheese or additional herbs can elevate the flavor further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg