Description
This hearty Hash Brown Egg Casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make breakfast dish combining crispy hash browns, savory sausage or ham, fresh vegetables, and rich cheddar cheese all baked together with eggs and milk for the perfect morning meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 lb (450g) frozen hash browns, thawed
Meat
- 1 cup (240ml) cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham
Vegetables
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced onion
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced bell pepper
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
Seasonings & Fat
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter or non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Hash Browns: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
- Add Meat: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham evenly over the hash browns for a savory flavor boost.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the diced onion and bell pepper evenly across the dish to add freshness and texture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the veggies and meat, contributing richness and meltiness.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it seeps through all layers.
- Distribute Evenly: Gently shake or tap the baking dish to help the egg mixture distribute evenly and settle within the layers.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the eggs are fully set, and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with diced ham or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
- For a lower fat option, use egg whites or a milk alternative and reduced-fat cheese.
- Additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight; bake in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
