Easy & Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Casserole: The Perfect Breakfast for a Crowd

Looking for a delicious and effortless breakfast or brunch solution that will satisfy everyone? This cheesy baked Hash Brown Egg Casserole is your answer. It’s designed to feed a crowd with ease, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply a hearty weekend meal. Packed with savory cubed frozen hash browns, generous amounts of sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant bell peppers and onions, this casserole offers a comforting start to any day.

This hash brown breakfast casserole truly shines when you need to serve a large group. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout dish, perfect for everything from a casual Sunday brunch to a special holiday morning, like Christmas or Easter. Imagine waking up to the aroma of a freshly baked, bubbling casserole that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful.

While a classic cheesy hash brown casserole is always a hit, this recipe elevates the experience by transforming it into a complete and balanced meal. The addition of fluffy eggs and a medley of colorful vegetables means you get your protein, carbs, and nutrients all in one delightful serving. No need for multiple side dishes when this all-in-one wonder is on the menu!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Casserole

There are countless reasons why this hash brown egg casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Crowd-Pleasing: With generous servings, it’s perfect for large families, potlucks, or entertaining guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning, saving you precious time.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Hearty & Satisfying: A complete meal that will keep everyone full and happy.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses readily available and affordable ingredients.
• Deliciously Cheesy: The sharp cheddar adds an irresistible depth of flavor that everyone craves.

How to Make This Irresistible Hash Brown Egg Casserole

Crafting this savory breakfast casserole is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics for a Flavorful Base

Begin by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook this aromatic mixture until the onion becomes beautifully soft and translucent, which typically takes about 7-10 minutes. This step is crucial for building a deep, savory flavor foundation for your casserole.

While the onions and garlic are gently cooking, take this opportunity to prep your other ingredients. Dice the bell peppers, grate your cheese, and chop the green onions. This efficient multitasking will make the rest of the assembly process a breeze.

We specifically recommend sharp cheddar cheese for this recipe. Its robust and tangy notes perfectly complement the potatoes and eggs, ensuring a rich and satisfying bite every time.

Step 2: Combine the Hearty Hash Brown Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed frozen cubed hash browns. Ensure they are fully thawed to prevent a watery casserole. Add half of your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, the beautifully cooked garlic and onion mixture, and the diced red and green bell peppers. Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. You want an even distribution of all components to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a large 9 by 13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious casserole squares. Carefully transfer the hash brown mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom. A uniform layer promotes even cooking.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until the mixture is light and frothy. Whisking thoroughly ensures the eggs are well incorporated and will bake into a wonderfully fluffy texture throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Pour and Distribute

Gently pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the potato casserole base in the baking dish. Try to ensure it covers the entire surface, allowing the eggs to seep down and bind all the ingredients together as it bakes.

Step 6: The Final Cheesy Topping

Generously top the casserole with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese and the chopped green onions. This final layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, while the green onions add a fresh, pungent finish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your hash brown egg casserole in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) for approximately one hour. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the edges are beautifully browned, the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and melted, and the eggs are set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying breakfast!

What to Serve with Your Hash Brown Egg Casserole

This hash brown egg casserole is quite a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate your breakfast or brunch spread:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory casserole. Berries, melon, and grapes are always a great choice.
• Breakfast Meats: Crispy bacon strips or savory sausage links are classic accompaniments. For our vegetarian friends, plant-based bacon or sausage alternatives are fantastic!
• Condiments: Customize your flavor with a dollop of ketchup for a classic touch or a spoonful of fresh salsa for a zesty kick.
• Warm Cinnamon Rolls: Balance the savory with a touch of sweetness. These no-rise cinnamon rolls are an excellent, easy option.
• Coffee or Juice: A hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of orange juice completes the perfect breakfast experience.

While this recipe is delicious as is, a squeeze of ketchup is a personal favorite for many, adding a tangy counterpoint to the cheesy goodness. This breakfast casserole is not only ideal for special occasions but also excellent for meal prepping. Bake a large batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have convenient and delicious breakfasts ready for several days.

Customizing Your Hash Brown Egg Casserole

The beauty of this hash brown egg casserole lies in its flexibility. While the bell peppers add a wonderful texture and color, feel free to switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Cooked mushrooms, fresh spinach, or even diced zucchini would be great additions. Just remember to sauté watery vegetables like mushrooms or spinach beforehand to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.

You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add cooked and crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to make it even heartier. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this cheesy hash brown casserole to your liking!

Tips for Success & Make-Ahead Options

• Thawing Hash Browns: Don’t skip thawing your frozen hash browns overnight in the fridge. This ensures they cook evenly and helps prevent a watery casserole. If you’re short on time, you can spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until thawed.
• Don’t Overmix: While combining ingredients, stir until just mixed to maintain the hash brown texture.
• Make-Ahead Assembly: To save time on busy mornings, you can assemble the entire casserole (up to Step 6) the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next morning, simply uncover and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked and cooled slices in individual portions, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply want a wholesome and easy breakfast for the week, this cheesy hash brown egg casserole is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Its simplicity, adaptability, and comforting flavors make it an undeniable favorite!