Description

A make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring crispy, golden hash browns layered with a rich, eggy custine filled with cheddar cheese and bacon. This freezer-friendly dish is perfect for busy mornings and feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

32 oz frozen shredded hash browns
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 stalks green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Hot sauce to taste (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Thaw frozen hash browns and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss the dried hash browns with melted butter, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Press the seasoned hash browns evenly into the bottom, pressing down firmly to create a compact layer.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, and pepper.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and diced onion into the egg mixture.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown layer. Gently press down on the hash browns with a spatula to help them absorb the egg.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, edges are bubbling, and the center is set.
If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Ensure hash browns are thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent a soggy casserole. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months; add 15-20 minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 450
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 2
Protein: 18

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, crispy hash browns, make-ahead breakfast, freezer-friendly breakfast, brunch recipe, egg casserole