Name: Easy Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe-Breakfast Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 1/2 cups diced leftover beef; 2 scallions, diced; 9 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Hash Brown Egg Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a weekend warrior’s dream, a brunch MVP, and frankly, a weeknight lifesaver when you crave something comforting and ridiculously easy. Imagine this: layers of crispy, golden hash browns mingling with a creamy, cheesy egg mixture, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug from the first bite. What makes this Hash Brown Egg Casserole so utterly irresistible? It’s that magical combination of textures and flavors – the slight crunch from the potatoes, the savory richness of the eggs and cheese, and the delightful simplicity of assembling it all in one pan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere for good reason. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this guaranteed winner!

Ingredients:

8 precooked frozen hash brown patties
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
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

Preparing the Casserole Base

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Let’s get our oven nice and hot for this delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This temperature is perfect for ensuring the casserole cooks through evenly without burning. While the oven is preheating, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. A greased baking dish is crucial to prevent any sticking, ensuring a clean release of your beautifully baked casserole. You can use butter or cooking spray for this. Simply spread a thin, even layer across the bottom and up the sides of the dish. This step might seem small, but it makes a big difference when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Layering the Hash Browns and Ham

Now, let’s build the foundation of our casserole. Take those 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties and arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if there are small gaps; they will fill in as they cook. Over the hash browns, evenly distribute your 1 1/2 cups of diced leftover ham. Using leftover ham adds a wonderful savory depth, but you could also use diced pre-cooked ham steak if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to ensure the ham is spread out so every bite gets a good portion of it.

Step 3: Adding the Cheeses and Scallions

The next layer brings in the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this Hash Brown Egg Casserole so irresistible. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the ham. Then, follow with 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Combining these two cheeses gives a fantastic melt and a delightful flavor profile. The sharp cheddar provides a tangy bite, while the Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamy contrast. Finally, scatter the 2 diced scallions over the cheese layer. The scallions will add a fresh, oniony brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham.

Creating the Custard and Baking

Step 4: Whisking the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, we’re going to create the rich custard that binds everything together. Crack your 9 large eggs into the bowl. To these eggs, add 1 cup of whole milk. The milk will help create a lighter, fluffier texture for the casserole. Now, for the seasonings that elevate the flavor. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and if you’re using it, 1/2 teaspoon of dry ground mustard. The dry mustard, even in a small amount, adds a subtle tang and complexity that complements the cheese and ham beautifully. Whisk everything together vigorously until the yolks and whites are completely combined and the mixture is a uniform pale yellow. You want to ensure there are no streaks of egg white remaining for a smooth, consistent custard.

Step 5: Pouring and Baking the Casserole

Carefully and slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Try to get an even pour so the custard saturates all the layers. Gently tilt the baking dish if needed to help distribute the liquid into any pockets. Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the eggs are set in the center and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the center is set, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. Once baked, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this delicious Hash Brown Egg Casserole! This recipe is a fantastic way to start your day, whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch. The combination of crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, savory cheese, and your favorite add-ins creates a truly comforting and satisfying meal. It’s incredibly versatile and a definite crowd-pleaser.

For serving suggestions, this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is excellent on its own, but I also love to pair it with a fresh side salad, some sliced avocado, or a dollop of salsa for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re looking for variations, don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add cooked bacon, sausage, diced ham, sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all wonderful choices. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Hash Brown Egg Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of hash browns are best for this casserole?

For this Hash Brown Egg Casserole, frozen shredded hash brown potatoes work wonderfully. They provide a great crispy texture and are convenient. Make sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole dish to prevent a soggy bottom.