Ultimate Hash Brown and Egg Casserole Recipe: A Complete Breakfast Guide

Looking for a hearty, satisfying breakfast that will please a crowd? This Hash Brown and Egg Casserole combines the best breakfast ingredients into one delicious dish. With crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, planning a family gathering, or simply want to meal prep for busy weekday mornings, this versatile recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this breakfast casserole special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The hash browns create a crispy base, while the eggs and cheese bind everything together into a satisfying, protein-rich meal. Best of all, you can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, making it ideal for those occasions when you want to enjoy time with your guests rather than spending it in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown and Egg Casserole

This breakfast casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s practical too! Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation:

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or when you have overnight guests.
• Complete Meal: Contains protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables all in one dish.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create this hearty breakfast casserole:

• 1 (2 pound) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 1 pound pork sausage (breakfast or Italian style)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet for browning sausage
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Hash Brown Base

The key to a delicious breakfast casserole starts with properly preparing the hash brown base. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. If your hash browns are frozen, make sure to thaw them completely. You can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a colander and run cool water over them until thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing down slightly to form a solid base.

Preparing the Meat and Vegetables

The savory meat and vegetable mixture adds incredible flavor to this casserole:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. If using sausage links, remove the casings first.
2. When the sausage is about halfway cooked (after about 3-4 minutes), add the diced onion and continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 more minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
4. Evenly distribute the sausage and onion mixture over the hash brown layer in the baking dish.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

The egg mixture brings everything together into a cohesive, delicious casserole:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
2. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to the egg mixture and whisk again to incorporate.
3. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, making sure it distributes evenly.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Baking Instructions

Now that your casserole is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake the covered casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
4. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean (no raw egg), the casserole is ready.
5. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
6. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Make-Ahead Options

One of the best features of this Hash Brown and Egg Casserole is that it can be prepared in advance, making your morning routine much simpler. Here are two make-ahead options:

Overnight Method

This method is perfect for holidays or when you have overnight guests:

1. Follow all the preparation steps above, but do not bake.
2. Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats.
5. Remove the plastic wrap (if used) and cover with aluminum foil. Bake as directed above, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if the casserole is still cold from the refrigerator.

Freeze for Later

This method is great for meal prepping or planning ahead for busy periods:

1. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake.
2. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed above, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Customization Options

This versatile breakfast casserole can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Meat Options

• Bacon: Substitute 8-10 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for the sausage.
• Ham: Use 1-1.5 cups of diced ham instead of sausage.
• Turkey Sausage: For a leaner option, use turkey breakfast sausage.
• Vegetarian: Omit the meat entirely and add extra vegetables.

Vegetable Add-ins

Add any of these vegetables (about 1/2 to 1 cup total) along with the onions:

• Diced bell peppers (any color)
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
• Diced tomatoes (seeds removed)
• Chopped broccoli florets

Cheese Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheese options:

• Monterey Jack for a milder flavor
• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
• Swiss for a nutty flavor
• Gruyere for rich, complex flavor
• A combination of your favorites!

Herb and Spice Enhancements

Add extra flavor with these herbs and spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs (chives, thyme, or rosemary)

Serving Suggestions

Complete your breakfast or brunch spread with these complementary dishes:

• Fresh fruit salad or a platter of seasonal fruits
• Yogurt parfaits with granola and berries
• Freshly baked biscuits or croissants
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links (for meat lovers)
• Simple green salad for a brunch option

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This casserole makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigerator Storage

1. Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely.
2. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers.
3. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Storage

1. For longer storage, cut the cooled casserole into individual portions.
2. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe containers.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Methods

Choose the method that works best for your needs:

• Microwave (for individual portions): Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Oven (for larger portions): Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C), cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Toaster Oven: A great option for reheating 1-2 servings without heating up your kitchen.

Nutritional Information

While this casserole is designed to be a hearty, satisfying meal, it’s helpful to have an idea of its nutritional profile. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings from the recipe):

Note: This is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

A: Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and grate about 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then rinse them well and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel. Season with a little salt and pepper before adding to the baking dish.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also add plant-based meat substitutes designed to replace breakfast sausage.

Q: Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

A: Yes, you can substitute 2 egg whites for each whole egg (so you’d need 10 egg whites total). The texture may be slightly different, but the casserole will still be delicious.

Q: What’s the best way to know when the casserole is fully cooked?

A: The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set (not jiggly in the center) and the cheese on top is bubbly and starting to brown. You can also insert a knife into the center – if it comes out clean without raw egg mixture, it’s done.

Q: Can I make individual portions of this casserole?

A: Absolutely! Divide the mixture among greased muffin tins or ramekins. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes total (15 minutes covered, 5-10 uncovered).

Tips for Success

Master this recipe with these helpful tips from experienced cooks:

• Drain well: Make sure to drain the cooked sausage thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Thaw completely: Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to achieve the best texture.
• Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them cook more evenly.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final minutes of baking – eggs can quickly go from perfectly set to overcooked.
• Rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving makes it easier to cut neat portions.

This Hash Brown and Egg Casserole is sure to become a staple in your breakfast recipe collection. With its make-ahead convenience, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s perfect for everything from holiday brunches to weekday breakfast meal prep. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to make this versatile dish your own!

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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