Description
This hearty Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Featuring crispy hash browns, savory cooked sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and eggs baked together in a creamy custard, this casserole is flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare ahead. Optional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or green onions can be added for extra nutrition and color. Enjoy it fresh from the oven garnished with fresh chives for a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage (or crumbled bacon/diced ham)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced bell peppers
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Green onions
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Hash Browns and Sausage: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked breakfast sausage—or your choice of crumbled bacon or diced ham—over the hash browns for a flavorful base layer.
- Add Cheese and Optional Vegetables: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat layer. If using, add optional diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or green onions at this point for added flavor and nutrition.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or half-and-half), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed and covers all components.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired to add a fresh and colorful touch.
- Serve: Cut into 8 portions and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can make this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking for convenient morning preparation.
- Substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer casserole or use a lower-fat milk for a lighter option.
- Feel free to swap sausage for bacon or ham depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or green onions boosts the nutritional content and flavor variety.
- If using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Ensure the baking dish is greased well to avoid sticking and make serving easier.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
