If you’re on the lookout for a comforting dish that wakes up your taste buds and fills your kitchen with cozy, mouthwatering aromas, this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy eggs, crispy-on-the-edges hashbrowns, gooey melted cheese, and just the right hint of savory seasoning to brighten your morning or brunch hours. Whether you’re feeding hungry guests or just treating yourself, this casserole is an effortless way to serve up deliciousness that feels homemade and indulgent in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create this reliably delicious Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. Each component brings something special to the mix to deliver amazing flavor, perfect texture, and eye-catching color.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 ounces): The crispy, tender potato base that forms the heart of this casserole.
- Large eggs (8): Provide richness and hold the casserole together with a fluffy, satisfying texture.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess that makes every bite smooth and luscious.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Introduces tangy depth and helps keep the casserole moist.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts with savory goodness, creating a golden crust and gooey interior.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Diced bell pepper (1/2 cup): Offers vibrant color and a burst of mild, fresh flavor.
- Cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham (1 cup, optional): Adds smoky, meaty richness if you want a heartier dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a gentle savory note.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that balance and brighten every bite.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Used for greasing the dish to ensure easy serving and a lovely browning on the bottom crust.
How to Make Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Get your 9×13-inch baking dish ready by brushing it with melted butter. This not only helps prevent sticking but adds a bit of buttery flavor to the crust that forms underneath the casserole.
Step 2: Spread the Hashbrowns
Evenly spread your thawed shredded hash browns across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This layer forms the delicious crispy base that you’ll build on top of.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the creamy, flavorful glue that ties the casserole together and keeps it luscious and tender.
Step 4: Combine Cheese, Veggies, and Meat
Fold into the egg mixture 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and if you’re using, the cooked sausage or ham. This combo layers in bursts of melty cheese, fresh crunch, and savory meatiness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hashbrowns, then gently press down to make sure the potatoes soak up those rich flavors. For a finishing touch, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully set center and a golden brown, bubbly cheese crust on top. Once out of the oven, give it about 10 minutes to rest before slicing—this resting time helps it firm up and makes serving neat and easy.
How to Serve Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish can elevate this dish in both taste and presentation. Think chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and subtle oniony brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a scattering of diced tomatoes also adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a star on its own, but you can round out the meal beautifully with crisp fruit salad, toasted English muffins, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. Lighter sides help balance out the richness and keep your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices with individual avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun and modern twist. You can also bake the casserole in smaller individual ramekins for a charming breakfast option that’s perfect for sharing or portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. When ready to eat again, gentle reheating restores that freshly baked taste.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully—wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. It can keep for up to 2 months, making it an ideal freezer meal for busy mornings. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but warming slowly in the oven helps keep the texture crispy instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the sausage or ham and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra veggies to keep things flavorful and satisfying.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! With no flour or breadcrumbs, this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it refrigerated overnight. Just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
While fresh shredded potatoes can work, be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before using to avoid sogginess. The frozen thawed hash browns provide consistent texture with less prep.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is pure breakfast magic—easy to make, comforting, and utterly delicious with every forkful. Whether you want a hearty start to your day or a crowd-pleasing brunch dish, this casserole is a go-to that feels both special and effortless. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved part of your kitchen routine!
Print
Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and delicious breakfast dish featuring tender shredded hash browns baked with a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, sour cream, cheese, and savory seasonings. Perfect for brunch or a make-ahead meal, this casserole combines cheesy goodness, optional breakfast sausage or ham, and colorful diced vegetables for a satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer hash browns: Spread the thawed shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish for an even base.
- Mix egg batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add fillings: Stir 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and the cooked breakfast sausage or ham (if using) into the egg mixture until evenly distributed.
- Combine and pour: Pour this egg mixture evenly over the hash browns in the baking dish, then gently press down with a spatula to ensure the potatoes are coated and everything is settled.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to firm up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered; if baking straight from the fridge, add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Substitute Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor.
