Hash Brown Egg Casserole Recipe: A Delicious All-Season Comfort

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, isn’t there? I still remember my Nonna (grandmother) making hearty breakfast bakes whenever family came to visit. Though she was a queen of Italian dishes, she loved experimenting with American classics too — and that’s how I fell in love with casseroles like this Hash Brown Egg Casserole. It’s a warm, satisfying dish, perfect for brunch gatherings, cozy weekends, or even a quick dinner on busy nights.

This dish is the ultimate comfort food: crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory breakfast sausage or smoky bacon. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and works beautifully for any season, whether you’re enjoying a sunny spring brunch or a snowy winter morning.

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Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown Egg Casserole

This casserole is incredibly easy to make ahead, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you have guests coming over. It’s highly customizable—you can add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or meats to make it your own. Plus, it feeds up to 8 people, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, and is just hearty enough for winter but still light enough to enjoy during warmer months.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (or bacon), cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a skillet for cooking the sausage or bacon.

How to Make Hash Brown Egg Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cook the sausage or bacon in a skillet over medium heat until browned, drain the excess grease, and set it aside.

Spread the thawed hash browns evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage (or bacon), diced onion, and bell pepper over the hash browns. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the meat and vegetables.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, making sure everything is well coated. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese to create a cheesy, golden topping.

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and serve warm.

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Tips and Variations

If you’d like to make a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a colorful, flavorful twist.
Feel free to swap the cheese—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Swiss for a milder, nutty flavor.
To save time, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
For a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve with Hash Brown Egg Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, homemade buttermilk biscuits, avocado slices, or a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette. These sides lighten up the meal and balance the richness of the casserole beautifully.

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FAQs About Hash Brown Egg Casserole

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes and use them, but make sure to squeeze out all the excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole.

Can I substitute heavy cream for milk?
Absolutely! Using heavy cream instead of milk will make the casserole richer and even more decadent.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
Insert a knife into the center of the casserole—if it comes out clean and the top is golden, your casserole is perfectly cooked.

Related Recipes You Might Love

• Easy Overnight French Toast Bake
• Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
• Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole
• Classic Quiche Lorraine

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch recipe that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this Hash Brown Egg Casserole. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is easy enough for any day of the week. Just like the ones my Nonna used to prepare, it brings family and friends together around the table, filling the room with laughter, good conversation, and the irresistible aroma of home-cooked comfort.
Next time you want to create a meal that feels like a hug from the inside, remember this easy, cheesy casserole—it might just become your new favorite too!

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