Hash Brown Egg Casserole

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty, savory meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Combining crispy hash brown patties with melty cheese, savory ham, and fluffy scrambled eggs, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort to prepare. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made ahead of time and is easily customizable to fit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick family meal, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare, using mostly pantry and fridge staples. With no complicated steps or special techniques, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

2. Hearty and Filling

The combination of hash browns, eggs, cheese, and ham makes this casserole a satisfying and filling meal that can keep everyone satisfied for hours.

3. Perfect for Leftovers

If you have leftover ham, this casserole is a great way to use it up! It’s a delicious, resourceful dish that helps reduce food waste.

4. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can swap out the ham for bacon, sausage, or vegetables, and experiment with different cheeses or seasonings.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it an ideal dish for busy mornings or preparing for a big gathering. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients

• 8 precooked frozen hash brown patties (thawing is not necessary)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 & 1/2 cups diced leftover ham (about 3/4 pound)
• 2 scallions, diced
• 9 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Meat Swap: Substitute the ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a unique taste.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Hash Browns

Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You may need to break or overlap them slightly to cover the entire surface.

Step 3: Add the Ham, Scallions, and Cheese

Top the hash browns with the diced ham, scallions, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese, spreading them out evenly.

Step 4: Whisk the Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, ground mustard (if using), and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of hash browns, ham, and cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is done.

Step 7: Let it Cool Slightly

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the casserole into squares and serve while warm. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Frozen Hash Browns: The frozen hash brown patties add a crispy texture and save you time, but you can also use fresh grated potatoes if preferred.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of paprika, onion powder, or even some hot sauce.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake and dry out. The eggs should be fully set, but still moist.

How to Serve

This casserole is best served warm and can be paired with fresh fruit, a side of toast, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner option. Leftovers can easily be reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick meal later on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing

You can also freeze this casserole. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven to retain the crispy texture of the hash browns. If using a microwave, cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh grated potatoes, but make sure to cook them beforehand until they’re golden and crispy, as they won’t crisp up as much in the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole without ham?

Yes, you can skip the ham and add more vegetables or use a different type of protein like sausage or bacon.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

4. Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes if you need to make the recipe egg-free, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the eggs are set, and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap out the cheeses. Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack would also work well in this recipe.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking it. Just ensure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for freezing.

8. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or soy milk) in place of the whole milk, but the texture might vary slightly.

9. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger baking dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you make a larger batch.

Conclusion

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is the perfect meal for any time of day. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using up leftovers or just need a quick, hearty meal, this casserole has you covered. It’s a great make-ahead option and a comforting dish that everyone will love. Enjoy it as a family breakfast, a brunch centerpiece, or even a cozy dinner!

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