If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, comforting breakfast that feels like a warm morning hug, look no further than this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. It combines fluffy eggs, crispy hashbrowns, gooey cheese, and savory sausage in a golden baked dish that’s perfect for family mornings, weekend brunches, or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. Each bite delivers layers of creamy and crispy textures that invite smiles all around the table. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create such an irresistible, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. These components are straightforward but thoughtfully selected to give you a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color on top.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (30 ounces): Thawed for the perfect crispy base that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Large eggs (8): The binding magic that makes this casserole delightfully fluffy and rich.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Provides creamy, melty goodness that appeals to every cheese lover’s dreams.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and helps create a silky custard texture between the layers.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle tang and velvety richness to elevate each bite.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Offers a mild sweet and savory crunch to brighten the casserole.
- Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham (1 cup): Infuses the dish with savory, meaty flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the ingredients so the flavors shine through.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just a subtle kick to round out the taste.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Drizzled over the hashbrowns to help achieve that golden, crispy crust everyone loves.
How to Make Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Hashbrowns
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom. Drizzle the melted butter on top so it bakes into the potatoes, giving you that rich, crispy texture that sets this casserole apart.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This creamy custard base is what holds the entire casserole together, creating a luscious, tender bite every time.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the diced onion, cooked sausage or ham, and a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. This is where the casserole gets its rich layers of savory flavor and cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Combine and Top
Pour the egg and meat mixture evenly over the prepared hash browns in your baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes out of the oven; this helps everything firm up just right for slicing and serving.
How to Serve Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives, which add a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced green onions makes for a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves company! Pair it with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for some fresh contrast. If you want more indulgence, crispy bacon strips or warm buttermilk biscuits round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for cute personal portions. Alternatively, sprinkle on some sautéed bell peppers or a dash of smoked paprika before baking for a fun twist on flavor and presentation that’ll wow your brunch guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is a lifesaver for next-day breakfasts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and ready to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze unfried, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. For leftovers, freeze in portions and thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling. A quick broil at the end brings back that crisp, golden cheese topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or ham and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers plenty of flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for frozen hash browns?
If you don’t have frozen hash browns, you can shred fresh potatoes and pat them dry before using. Keep in mind, fresh potatoes may require a slightly longer baking time to get crispy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While cheddar is classic, try mozzarella for gooey meltiness or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Mixing cheeses can add wonderful complexity to the casserole.
Is it possible to prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. This makes busy mornings easier—just bake it fresh the next day.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your sausage and seasonings do not contain hidden gluten. Always verify the labels on processed ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole Recipe has quickly become a go-to favorite for anyone who loves a satisfying breakfast that’s both comforting and easy to whip up. It’s versatile, delicious, and just the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your morning traditions!
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: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Egg Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and delicious breakfast dish featuring layers of tender shredded hash browns, fluffy eggs, savory sausage or ham, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings, it’s simple to prepare ahead of time and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (30 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or diced ham
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup portions)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Hashbrowns: Spread the thawed shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish and drizzle melted butter over them to add richness.
- Mix Eggs and Add-Ins: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the diced onion, cooked sausage or ham, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layer of hash browns, ensuring full coverage. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let it set further and make slicing easier. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon for sausage or omit the meat altogether to make a vegetarian version.
- For additional flavor, add diced bell peppers or a pinch of paprika to the egg mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it great for meal prep.
