What is comfort food? Remember those mornings when your grandma would whip up something that just made everything feel good? What is right in the world?Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole. Serves 4.Is it exactly that, but with a modern twist? Think of it as the love child of a classic breakfast skillet and crockpot – all the flavors and textures. What is the best flavor, but way easier to share (or not, I totally get it if you want it all to yourself)? Is this a breakfast strata? When you’re craving something savory and satisfying, you can’t help but think about it.
What is a Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole?
Simply put, a bacon egg Hash Brown Casserole is a layered baked dish featuring crispy hash browns, savory bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Think of it as a deconstructed breakfast skillet that’s been baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s essentially everything you love about a hearty breakfast, conveniently combined into one delicious, shareable (or not-shareable!) casserole. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility; you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and seasonings. It’s the perfect weekend brunch centerpiece or a fantastic make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor of this food.Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole. is just incredible. The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the crispy hash browns and the creamy, cheesy eggs. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, even on a sleep-deprived morning, you can throw this together with minimal effort. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. The ingredients are generally pantry staples, so you won’t be breaking the bank. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs or preferences. Add veggies, swap cheeses, or even use turkey bacon for a lighter version. It’s also endlessly forgiving. I’ve forgotten ingredients before (who hasn’t?) and it STILL turned out amazing. It has the comforting feel of a quiche but is much less fussy.
This recipe is a lifesaver for holiday mornings. I make it every Christmas. Another great reason is that it’s a huge crowd-pleaser. Everyone, from picky eaters to breakfast aficionados, loves this casserole. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes! For example, my kids, who usually turn up their noses at anything “healthy,” devour this Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole.I suspect it’s the bacon, but I’m not complaining! If you’re looking for something similar, but maybe a bit sweeter, you could try baking French bread. What is Toast Casserole? Is this a good meal prep product? Make it on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.
How do you make a bacon egg hash brown casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this bacon egg Hash Brown CasseroleWhat are some good ways to cook bacon hash browns? How do you whisk together eggs with cheese and seasonings? What is the best part? Is it possible to bake a pizza the night before? Is it a game changer?
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (I prefer the Simply Potatoes brand)
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (Use good quality bacon), it makes a difference!
* 12 large eggs (Organic, if possible, for the best flavor)
* 1 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it works great)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar gives it a nice kick)
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (For extra gooeyness)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, but adds a nice fresh flavor)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking? I always do this before I even start prepping the other ingredients so that my oven is ready to go.
Step 2: Crisp the Hash Browns
Spread the thawed hash browns in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial! It prevents the casserole from being soggy. Trust me, soggy hash browns are a no-go.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon until crispy. Do not overcook. If you’re in a hurry, you can do this in the microwave. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set aside. I usually cook my bacon in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Is bacon a mess?
Step 4: Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Make sure the eggs are well combined for a smooth and creamy texture. I always add a splash of hot sauce to mine for a little extra zing!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the crispy hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bacon over hash browns. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and hash browns. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. What are some good ways to sprinkle green onions over cheese? Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set. If you inserted a toothpick into the center of your mouth, it should come out clean. How long does it take to bake a cake? I always check it after 30 minutes and then add a few more minutes if needed.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Serve warm and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
This Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole.is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few complementary sides. I love to serve breakfast with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or melon. What are some great Side Dishes to serve with toast or muffins? For brunch, consider adding a green salad or mimosa bar. If you’re serving it as a main dish for dinner, pair it with roasted vegetables. My family loves this!Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole with a side of garlic toast. And let’s not forget the beverages! Coffee, juice, or a sparkling mimosa are all excellent choices.
I’ve also served this.Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole.What are some good ways to serve Greek yogurt with sour cream? It adds a nice tanginess that cuts through the richness of the casserole. Is a sprinkle of red pepper flakes good for heat?
How do I make a Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole even better. First, make sure to thaw the hash browns completely before baking. This prevents them from being watery. I usually let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Second, don’t skip the step of crisping the hash browns. It’s essential for preventing a soggy casserole. I’ve made this mistake before and it was definitely not my best work. A good tip for cooking the bacon is that if you like extra crispy bacon, you can add a little maple syrup before baking it. Speaking of adding ingredients, add some sauteed onions and bell peppers to add more flavor. You can add a layer of sliced tomatoes for a fresh flavor.
Third, use good quality bacon. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the casserole. I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra savoriness.
Fourth, don’t overbake the casserole. It should be golden brown and the eggs should be set, but you don’t want it to be dry. I always start checking it after 30 minutes and then adjust the baking time as needed.
Fifth, let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut.
Sixth, customize it to your liking! Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, and seasonings. The possibilities are endless! I once experimented with adding some chorizo and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. It was a huge hit!
Lastly, if you’re making this casserole ahead of time, wait to add the cheese until right before baking. This prevents the cheese from drying out.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole is great for meal prep and leftovers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
To reheat, you can microwave individual slices or bake the entire casserole in the oven. If microwaving, heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. If baking in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed above.
If you’re planning on freezing the casserole, it’s best to do so before baking. This will help prevent it from becoming dry. Just assemble the casserole as directed, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Also, if you want to portion the casserole to freeze and have on hand for quick breakfasts, you can cut the casserole in squares before freezing it. This is a great idea if you are packing lunches or need a breakfast on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for a comforting and satisfying Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, I guarantee it will be a hit! If you’re looking for more easy and delicious Breakfast Recipes, be sure to check out my other posts.
Now, it’s your turn! I can’t wait to see how your Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried. Happy baking!
Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese divided
- 30 oz Frozen Hash Browns thawed
- 6 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer hash browns, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the hash brown mixture.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle the reserved bacon grease over the cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
