Hash Brown Egg Casserole: A Quick and Easy Breakfast Delight

If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and fuss-free breakfast or brunch recipe, look no further than this Hash Brown Egg Casserole. With a perfect rating of 4.99 from 103 reviews, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at your next gathering. Whether you’re preparing it the same morning or the night before, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings or lazy weekends.

This recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Using frozen hash brown patties as the base, it’s layered with savory ham, gooey cheese, and a creamy egg custard that bakes to golden perfection. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering Hash Brown Egg Casserole and why it deserves a spot on your breakfast table.

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Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown Egg Casserole

1. Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute meal planning.
2. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
3. Versatile: Swap out ingredients like ham, cheese, or potatoes to create your own unique version.
4. Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or potlucks.
5. Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of crispy hash browns, savory ham, and creamy eggs is pure comfort in every bite.

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Ingredients for Hash Brown Egg Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties: No need to thaw—just layer them straight from the freezer!
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy texture.
• 1 ½ cups diced leftover ham: Use up holiday ham or grab a ham steak for convenience.
• 2 scallions, diced: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• 9 large eggs: The base of the custard that binds everything together.
• 1 cup whole milk: Creates a creamy, fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard (optional but recommended): Adds a subtle tangy depth.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A hint of savory goodness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Layer the Hash Browns

Arrange the 8 frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of the dish. No need to thaw—this recipe is all about convenience!

3. Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced ham, and scallions evenly over the hash browns. This creates a flavorful layer that melds perfectly with the egg custard.

4. Prepare the Egg Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the 9 eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. The mustard and garlic powder add a subtle depth of flavor that takes this casserole to the next level.

5. Pour and Bake

Pour the egg custard evenly over the ham and cheese layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into portions. This helps the custard set and makes serving easier.

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The Versatility of Hash Brown Egg Casserole

One of the standout features of this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or simply want to switch things up, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your needs.

For starters, the base of the casserole—hash brown patties—can be swapped out for other potato options. If you don’t have frozen hash brown patties on hand, Tater Tots make an excellent substitute. Just keep in mind that they may require an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time. Alternatively, you can shred your own potatoes or use refrigerated hash browns. However, fresh or refrigerated potatoes should be pre-cooked to remove excess moisture and ensure they crisp up nicely in the casserole.

The protein in this dish is another area where you can get creative. While the recipe calls for diced ham, you can easily substitute it with other breakfast meats like cooked crumbled sausage or bacon. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat altogether and add sautéed vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These veggies not only add flavor and texture but also boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the flexibility here as well. The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness, but you can experiment with other varieties. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while Gouda or Swiss cheese can lend a more sophisticated flavor profile.

This adaptability makes the Hash Brown Egg Casserole a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch, a weekend family breakfast, or even dinner, it’s a dish that can be tailored to your preferences and pantry staples.

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 Make-Ahead Convenience for Busy Mornings

In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable make-ahead breakfast recipe is a game-changer. This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings when you want a hearty, homemade meal without the hassle.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepared the night before. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as usual. This make-ahead option is ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

The convenience doesn’t stop there. This casserole is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for stocking your freezer with ready-to-bake meals. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

This make-ahead feature is especially helpful for busy families, working parents, or anyone who wants to streamline their morning routine. Instead of scrambling to put together breakfast, you can simply pop this casserole in the oven and enjoy a hot, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Additionally, the Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a great dish for entertaining. If you’re hosting a brunch or holiday gathering, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and focus on spending time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. It’s a stress-free way to serve a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.

 Nutritional Benefits of Hash Brown Egg Casserole

While this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is undeniably delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome choice for breakfast or brunch. Let’s break down the nutritional benefits of this hearty dish.

First and foremost, eggs are the star ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein. Each serving of this casserole contains 23 grams of protein, making it a filling and energizing meal that will keep you satisfied throughout the morning. Eggs are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, and choline, which supports brain health.

The addition of ham adds even more protein, as well as essential nutrients like iron and zinc. If you opt for a lean ham or substitute it with turkey or chicken, you can further reduce the fat content while still enjoying a flavorful dish.

Cheese, while indulgent, contributes calcium and additional protein. The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides 275 milligrams of calcium per serving, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie or fat content, you can use reduced-fat cheese varieties without sacrificing flavor.

The hash brown patties or Tater Tots add a comforting carbohydrate component to the dish. While they do contribute to the calorie count, they also provide energy to fuel your day. For a healthier twist, consider using sweet potato tots or adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the fiber and nutrient content.

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Nutritional Information

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 259kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 262mg
• Sodium: 660mg
• Potassium: 157mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 633IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 275mg
• Iron: 2mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Yes! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, and wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes?

Absolutely! Shred 2-3 medium potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture. Sauté them in a skillet until lightly browned before layering them in the casserole.

What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

This dish pairs well with fresh fruit, a green salad, or toasted bread. For a brunch spread, add muffins, pastries, or a mimosa bar!

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Final Thoughts

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its crispy hash brown base, savory ham, melty cheese, and creamy egg custard, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, its versatility and make-ahead convenience make it a go-to recipe for busy mornings or special occasions.

So, whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, feeding a crowd