Discover a delightful breakfast favorite with our Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole recipe. Loaded with savory flavors of hashbrowns eggs cheese and your choice of veggies or meat this easy-to-make casserole is a crowd pleaser perfect for any morning gathering or brunch occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) frozen hashbrowns
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham or bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1/ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2/ In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened, about 5 minutes. If using, add chopped ham or bacon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3/ Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked onion, pepper, and meat mixture on top of the hashbrowns.
4/ In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5/ Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6/ Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown.
7/ Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
8/ Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious hashbrown breakfast casserole!
Some Tips and Tricks to Make a Delicious Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Pre-cook Ingredients: If using ingredients like onions, peppers, or meats such as bacon or ham, consider sautéing or cooking them lightly before adding them to the casserole. This ensures they’re cooked through and adds more flavor to the dish.
Properly Grease the Dish: Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking. You can use butter, oil, or a non-stick cooking spray to coat the dish evenly.
Thaw Hashbrowns: If using frozen hashbrowns, thaw them before assembling the casserole. This helps them cook more evenly in the oven.
Mix Ingredients Evenly: Ensure an even distribution of hashbrowns, vegetables, meat, and cheese layers for a balanced taste in every bite.
Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or different types of cheese to personalize the casserole to your taste.
Let it Rest: Once the casserole is baked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. This way, you can simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Check Doneness: Ensure the casserole is fully cooked by checking that the center is set and the top is golden brown before removing it from the oven.
Garnish Creatively: Add a touch of freshness and color by garnishing with chopped parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on individual servings.
Serve with Sides: Consider serving the hashbrown breakfast casserole with sides like fresh fruit, a simple salad, or toast to complete the breakfast experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Not Thawing Hashbrowns: Using frozen hashbrowns straight from the freezer without thawing them can result in uneven cooking and a longer baking time. Thaw them beforehand for better results.
Overcrowding the Casserole Dish: Avoid overcrowding the casserole dish as it can prevent even cooking. Ensure the ingredients are spread evenly in the dish for proper baking.
Skipping Greasing the Dish: Failing to grease the baking dish properly may lead to the casserole sticking, making it difficult to serve. Grease the dish well to prevent this.
Using Excessive Liquid: Adding too much milk or other liquids to the egg mixture can make the casserole too watery. Stick to the recommended measurements to maintain the right consistency.
Underseasoning: Forgetting to season the casserole adequately can result in a bland dish. Ensure to season each layer with salt, pepper, and other desired spices for a flavorful outcome.
Overbaking: Baking the casserole for too long can lead to a dry or rubbery texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove the casserole from the oven once it’s set and golden on top.
Not Allowing Rest Time: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set properly.
Using Too Much Cheese: While cheese adds flavor, using an excessive amount can overpower the dish.
Adding Wet Ingredients: Adding watery ingredients, such as tomatoes or overly juicy vegetables, directly to the casserole without draining them can make the dish soggy. Drain excess liquid from such ingredients before use.
Not Personalizing the Recipe: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to suit your preferences, but be mindful of the overall balance of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Facts Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
The nutrition facts for a hashbrown breakfast casserole can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 1/8th of a 9×13-inch casserole) using common ingredients:
- Calories: Around 300-350 calories per serving
- Total Fat: Approximately 18-22 grams
- Saturated Fat: Roughly 7-9 grams
- Cholesterol: About 200-250 milligrams
- Sodium: Varies, but roughly 600-800 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Around 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1-3 grams
- Sugars: Varies based on added ingredients, generally low
- Protein: Around 15-20 grams
These values are estimations and can significantly differ based on ingredient choices, variations in recipes, and portion sizes. It’s advisable to calculate the nutritional information based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe if precise nutritional data is needed.
FAQs About Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Q: Can I make a hashbrown breakfast casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This allows for easy baking in the morning. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if the dish is chilled when it goes into the oven.
Q: Can I freeze a hashbrown breakfast casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze a fully cooked hashbrown breakfast casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then tightly wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How can I customize a hashbrown breakfast casserole?
A: You can customize it by adding various ingredients such as different types of cheese, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, and proteins like sausage, bacon, or diced ham. Adjust seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
Q: Can I make a hashbrown breakfast casserole without eggs?
A: While eggs are a common ingredient in this dish, you can try substituting eggs with a mixture of silken tofu blended with a bit of dairy-free milk or using commercial egg substitutes for a similar texture without eggs.
Q: What can I serve with a hashbrown breakfast casserole?
A: You can serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, toast, or even a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
Q: How do I reheat a leftover hashbrown breakfast casserole?
A: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated to your liking.
