Description

A forgiving, crispy, and hearty breakfast casserole that uses frozen hash browns and eggs. It is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or brunch, offering a diner-style taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

32 ounces frozen shredded hash browns
8 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1 cup diced ham (optional)
1 medium bell pepper, diced (optional)
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
2–3 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Break up frozen hash browns into loose shreds. Toss with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter in a large bowl.
Optional: Sauté diced onions in remaining 1 tablespoon butter until soft. Add bell peppers if using, and cook until tender. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, cream/milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs until uniform and frothy.
Spread hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter onions/peppers and bacon/ham over the top. Sprinkle cheese evenly.
Pour egg mixture over everything. Use a spatula to gently press down, ensuring eggs soak into the hash browns.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown, edges are bubbly, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving with green onions.

Notes

[‘Do not thaw frozen hash browns; cook straight from frozen to prevent sogginess.’, ‘If using fresh potatoes, grate them and squeeze out all moisture with a towel.’, ‘Resting for 5 minutes is crucial for the eggs to set properly.’, ‘This dish does not freeze well after baking due to dairy separation; freeze unbaked if necessary.’, ‘Adjust salt based on the saltiness of bacon and cheese used.’]

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash browns, egg casserole, meal prep, weeknight dinner, brunch, comfort food, easy breakfast