If you’re craving a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug from your skillet but is incredibly simple to prepare, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe. Picture all the best parts of a Denver omelet—ham, bell peppers, onions, and melty cheddar cheese—merged with crispy hash browns and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of breakfast that satisfies big appetites and brings smiles all around, whether you’re fueling a busy weekday or hosting a cozy weekend brunch. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you; these ingredients are the heart and soul of this dish. Each element brings its own magic, from the creamy eggs and milk creating that perfect custard base, to the colorful veggies adding freshness and crunch, and the cheese melting into gooey goodness that ties everything together.
- 6 large eggs: The rich, fluffy foundation that binds the casserole together beautifully.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess to create a smooth, tender texture.
- 1 (20-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns (thawed): The crispy, golden base that delivers satisfying bite and comfort.
- 1 cup diced cooked ham: Provides savory, smoky flavor and hearty protein.
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant green color.
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a slightly fruity note.
- ½ cup diced onion: Gives the casserole a mild, aromatic depth.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to create a luxurious, gooey topping and rich flavor inside.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory punch without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warming spice.
- Nonstick spray or butter: For greasing the baking dish to ensure easy serving and clean edges.
How to Make Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish liberally with nonstick spray or butter so the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out in perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix the Eggs and Seasonings
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and well-combined. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; these seasonings will gently enhance every bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
Step 3: Combine Hash Browns and Vegetables
Add the thawed hash browns, diced ham, green and red bell peppers, onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir everything until all the ingredients are evenly distributed—this is where the magic begins as the vibrant veggies and ham harmonize perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top to create that irresistibly golden, bubbly crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is set in the center and the top is beautifully browned and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven—this helps everything firm up just enough for clean slicing while keeping it juicy.
How to Serve Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this casserole from delicious to dazzling. Try sprinkling chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions on top for a burst of color and a touch of fresh, herbal brightness that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple fruit salad, homemade salsa, or warm buttered toast can round out your meal beautifully. For a brunch crowd, adding a side of crispy bacon or fresh avocado slices provides extra indulgence and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices on colorful plates or cut the casserole into bite-sized squares for a festive brunch spread. You can also layer it with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for an exciting flavor contrast that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe keeps really well in the fridge. Store leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container, and they’ll be delicious for up to 3 days. Just pull them out when you need a quick, satisfying breakfast or snack.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover or thawed casserole slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also microwave individual portions for a faster option, but the oven method helps maintain that lovely crispiness on top.
FAQs
Can I substitute other meats for the ham?
Absolutely! Cooked bacon, sausage, or even turkey make fantastic alternatives that keep the savory vibe intact. Just be sure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes can be great additions. Just keep the moisture content in mind to avoid a soggy casserole—sautéing veggies lightly before adding them helps.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but you’ll want to shred and cook the potatoes first to remove excess moisture and achieve the perfect texture. Frozen hash browns help save time and keep things easy.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Good news—this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients, especially the hash browns and seasonings, are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I make this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?
Yes! Prepare it entirely the night before, cover it in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning for a seamless breakfast. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavors that remind you why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, this casserole delivers comfort and joy with every bite. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for busy mornings and lazy weekends alike!
Print
Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Denver Omelet Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that combines classic Denver omelet ingredients with crispy hash browns and a cheesy, baked egg base. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy mornings, this casserole is packed with diced ham, colorful bell peppers, onions, and plenty of cheddar cheese, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
For Preparing the Dish
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Eggs and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 cup of milk until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, whisking to incorporate all the seasonings evenly.
- Combine Main Ingredients: To the egg mixture, add the thawed hash browns, diced cooked ham, diced green and red bell peppers, diced onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so the surface is flat. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the casserole’s center is set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cheese has melted perfectly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set further, making it easier to slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a twist, substitute cooked bacon or sausage in place of ham to suit your taste preferences.
- Add additional vegetables like chopped spinach or mushrooms to increase the veggie content and flavor variety.
- This casserole reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
