Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Looking for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying? You’ve just landed on the perfect recipe to make your next brunch an absolute hit! This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is like a cozy hug on a plate, featuring layers of crispy hash browns, rich cheeses, and savory bacon or sausage. It’s a scrumptious way to start your day, combining all your breakfast favorites into one unforgettable casserole.
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The first time I whipped this up for a family gathering, I was a bit nervous. Would everyone love it? To my delight, I could barely keep up with the servings as my loved ones piled their plates high. It’s not just a casserole; it’s an experience! The ease of preparation and the ability to toss it together ahead of time makes this dish a go-to for any occasion, especially Easter brunch when you want to indulge without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to want to try this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time and one hour in the oven, you’ll be on your way to brunch bliss in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy hash browns and two types of cheese, along with crispy bacon or sausage, creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A golden-brown top with bubbly cheese underneath makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner when you want something hearty and comforting.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets or modify the meats to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 to 16 ounces bacon or sausage, chopped: Choose bacon for a crispy texture or sausage for a more savory flavor. You can even go meatless with mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie version!
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots: Adds a sweet yet savory flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the egg bake.
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten: This is the base of the casserole, giving it structure and protein. Room temperature eggs mix better, so let them sit out for a bit.
- 4-5 cups shredded hash browns (frozen or thawed): These provide a wonderful, crispy layer. Frozen works just fine, but thawing helps with even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Just a dash adds a nice kick if you’re up for it!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Kosher salt is my go-to for seasoning; it dissolves easily and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked pepper elevates the overall taste.
- ¾ cup cottage cheese: Adds moisture and a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¾ cup sour cream: For richness; it makes this bake extra creamy and nutritious.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Preferably sharp cheddar for that bold flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish: Brighten up your dish with a fresh, colorful garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Greasing a 9X13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or a bit of butter ensures that your casserole slides out easily later.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your chopped bacon or sausage along with the diced onion. Sauté until the meat is cooked through and crispy, which takes about 10-12 minutes for bacon. Drain the excess grease and set the skillet aside.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 lightly beaten eggs, 4-5 cups of shredded hash browns, hot sauce (if you’re using it), 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, ¾ cup of cottage cheese, and ¾ cup of sour cream. Fold in your cooked meat and sautéed onions. Make sure everything is evenly combined for consistent flavor throughout.
Spread and Chill (if desired): Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Here’s a nifty trick: if you need to prepare this in advance, you can cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Bake: Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown, and the center should be puffed and firm. To check for doneness, insert a thin knife in the center; it should come out clean. If you refrigerated the casserole, just add an additional 10-15 minutes to your baking time.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. It’ll be hot, bubbly, and inviting! Garnish generously with chopped green onions or chives before cutting it into squares.
Storing & Reheating
After enjoying your Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake, store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer to the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will keep fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Note that the texture might slightly change, but a quick sprinkle of cheese on top helps refresh its cheesy goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid an overly soggy casserole, make sure to drain any excess moisture from the cooked bacon or sausage.
- For an even more flavorful dish, you can mix in roasted garlic or other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- If you’re short on time, try using pre-cooked bacon bits or deli-style sausage to speed things up.
- Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes; every oven is different, so don’t hesitate to adjust the time if needed!
- If you plan to make the casserole ahead, just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Looking for a delicious and easy breakfast option? This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake truly delivers! It’s packed with flavor, customizable for your crowd, and can be made in advance, so you’re free to enjoy your brunch instead of busting out pots and pans. Whether you serve it at Easter or any day of the week, it’s sure to impress!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole a day ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating overnight. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I use instead of bacon or sausage?
Feel free to substitute the meat with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian version, or use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
How do I know if the casserole is cooked through?
Check the center with a knife; it should come out clean. The edges should be lightly golden, and the middle should be puffed and firm, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake features a delightful combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and fluffy eggs, making it a go-to brunch option that is simple to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for gatherings and family breakfasts!
Ingredients
- 8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 g) bacon, chopped, or sausage
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4–5 cups (567 to 680 g) shredded hash browns, frozen or thawed
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt (coarse kosher salt recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup (170 g) cottage cheese
- ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded swiss cheese
- chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon or sausage with the onion until crisp. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs, hash browns, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and swiss cheese. Stir in the cooked bacon or sausage and onions.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. If desired, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the casserole is lightly golden on the edges, puffy in the center, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean (add 10-15 minutes if previously refrigerated).
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
Feel free to add any additional cheese for extra flavor!
This casserole is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
