Hash Brown Egg Casserole

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal dish for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch. Packed with crispy hash browns, savory ham, and a cheesy egg mixture, this casserole is as hearty as it is flavorful. With a simple list of ingredients, it’s a dish you can easily prepare in advance, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

The best part about this casserole is its versatility. You can customize it to fit your tastes by adding different vegetables, meats, or spices. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gives it a rich, creamy texture, while the eggs provide a satisfying, protein-packed base. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham, making it both economical and delicious. With minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly, and the result is a delicious, hearty casserole that everyone will love.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this Hash Brown Egg Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this casserole is quick to make and doesn’t require much hands-on time.

2. Perfect for Leftovers

If you have leftover ham from a previous meal, this recipe is a great way to use it up and make something new and exciting.

3. Hearty and Satisfying

Packed with hash browns, ham, eggs, and cheese, this casserole is a filling dish that will keep you satisfied all day.

4. Versatile

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, swap the cheese varieties, or even substitute the ham for bacon or sausage – the possibilities are endless.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it the next morning, making it ideal for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

• Precooked frozen hash brown patties
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Diced leftover ham
• Scallions, diced
• Large eggs
• Whole milk
• Salt
• Dry ground mustard (optional but recommended)
• Garlic powder

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture for an added spice.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for your favorite cheese combinations like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
• Bacon or Sausage: Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Layer the Hash Browns

Arrange the frozen hash brown patties evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You do not need to thaw them beforehand, as they will cook perfectly from frozen.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Scallions

Top the hash browns with the diced leftover ham and diced scallions. This will create the savory filling layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, dry ground mustard (if using), and garlic powder. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it evenly over the ham and hash browns in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously creamy and cheesy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

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

Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to cut into servings.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Frozen Hash Browns: The frozen hash brown patties make the recipe easy and convenient, and they crisp up nicely in the oven. However, you can also use shredded frozen hash browns if that’s what you have on hand.
• Customize with Veggies: If you want to add extra flavor, consider sautéing some bell peppers, onions, or spinach and layering them with the ham and hash browns.
• Don’t Overmix the Eggs: Be sure not to over-whisk the eggs. Just a gentle whisk is enough to create a fluffy texture once baked.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest before serving to give the flavors a chance to meld together and make it easier to cut into slices.

How to Serve

This casserole is a complete meal on its own but can be served with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the richness. For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole in the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual slices of the casserole in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

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

Frozen hash browns are recommended because they crisp up better during baking, but fresh hash browns can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

2. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed.

3. Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute skim milk for whole milk, but the casserole may not be as rich and creamy.

4. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese to the casserole for extra flavor and creaminess.

5. Can I use pre-cooked bacon instead of ham?

Yes, cooked bacon can be used in place of ham for a smoky, crispy flavor.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free hash browns and ensure that the cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone for a different flavor.

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

The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can insert a knife into the center to check if the eggs are fully cooked.

9. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ham and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to make a vegetarian version.

10. Can I freeze the casserole after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer.

Conclusion

This Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With a hearty mix of hash browns, ham, eggs, and cheese, it’s a filling meal that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a great recipe to have in your rotation. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast or preparing it ahead of time for a busy week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

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