Hash Brown Egg Casserole

By
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher is a journalist and food writer who has authored multiple cookbooks.
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Updated on 02/14/22
Breakfast Casserole
D. Homer / Getty Images
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 6 servings

Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this hash brown casserole makes a wonderful breakfast or brunch dish. Frozen hash browns combine with eggs, milk, diced bell peppers and onions, seasonings, cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon, and the casserole is baked until hot and bubbling.

Making the casserole does require you to chop some vegetables and cook the bacon beforehand, but otherwise, it comes together quickly. To really speed up the process, you can use pre-cut peppers and onions and precooked bacon. The recipe calls for two kinds of cheese—cheddar and Colby—but feel free to use all cheddar, or top the casserole with Monterey Jack or even a Mexican cheese blend. If your family loves spice, include a few dashes of hot sauce.

Serve this hash brown casserole for breakfast or brunch during the holidays, special occasions, or bring to a potluck.

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs

  • 2 cups milk

  • 16 ounces frozen or refrigerated hash brown potatoes

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Hot sauce, to taste, optional

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces and cooked, divided

  • 1 cup shredded Colby cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

  4. Fold in the hash brown potatoes, peppers, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, hot sauce (if using), and cheddar cheese.

  5. Stir in half of the cooked bacon pieces.

  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining bacon pieces and Colby cheese.

  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

  8. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.

  9. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting.

  10. Serve and enjoy.

Ways to Cook Bacon

Although the frying pan is often the first thing we grab when cooking bacon, there are actually other ways to cook bacon that don't include the stovetop and create less mess. Cooking bacon in the oven may take longer, but doesn't require your attention—simply place on a sheet pan in the cold oven, set the heat to 400 F, and come back in about 20 minutes to crispy strips. The quickest way to cook bacon is in the microwave, taking just 4 to 6 minutes, but you may not be able to fit more than four or five strips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
668 Calories
45g Fat
33g Carbs
32g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 668
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 45g 58%
Saturated Fat 18g 91%
Cholesterol 326mg 109%
Sodium 1190mg 52%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 32g
Vitamin C 52mg 258%
Calcium 570mg 44%
Iron 2mg 13%
Potassium 715mg 15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)