Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a chilly Sunday morning, the kind where you just want to stay snuggled under the covers. When the smell of bacon and cheesy potatoes starts wafting through the house, and then, the aroma of crispy bacon begins to linger. When you wake up, you’re wide awake. What is the magic of my life?Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole.Is it easier than making individual omelets? What are the best frozen breakfast sandwiches you find in the store? Is this a game changer? Think of it as a breakfast strata, but with the satisfying crunch of hash browns and the tang of kale. Is bacon irresistible? Is it really one of those recipes that just makes everything better?
What is a Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole?
So, what exactly *is* a Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole.What is a classic breakfast dish? What are some easy to make casseroles? Think of it as a breakfast lasagna, but instead of pasta, we’re using crispy hash browns as our base. What are the layers of savory goodness? Hash browns, crispy bacon, a creamy egg mixture, and more. What is a good cheese? What is the beauty of this dish? Can you customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and meats? Breakfast is a masterpiece The name itself is pretty straightforward – it describes exactly what you get! What are some of the best recipes for sharing?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons why this is so?Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole is a winner in my book. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! The combination of salty bacon, crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, and melted cheese is simply divine. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can whip this up with minimal effort. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, cheeses, or meats. Need to feed a crowd on a budget? This casserole is surprisingly cost-effective. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and it feeds a lot of people. Plus, leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day. It’s also perfect for meal prepping! I often make it on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy breakfasts. I’ve tried so many breakfast casseroles, but this one is special because it uses frozen hash browns which, to be honest, makes my life so much easier. This one is a total time saver! If you are looking for other recipes you might like, try my Sausage and Gravy Breakfast Casserole..
How do I make Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole. is easier than you might think! Essentially, you’ll start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy and then set it aside. Next, you’ll prepare the egg mixture with cheese and seasonings. Then, you’ll layer the hash browns, bacon, and egg mixture in a baking dish. Finally, you’ll bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly. The key is to use frozen hash browns for convenience and to ensure that they’re evenly distributed throughout the casserole. This is a fantastic option because it tastes like you’ve spent hours, but it just takes a few minutes to throw together.
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
- 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. I prefer the kind without any added seasoning, so I can control the flavor.
- 1 pound bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Don’t skimp on the bacon! I usually use thick-cut bacon for extra deliciousness.
- What’s the best quality of eggs you can find? What is the best way to make a casserole?
- 1 cup milk. I’ve used everything from skim to whole milk, and they all work well. If you want a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or even heavy cream. I even tested this with almond milk, and it actually made it even creamier!
- 1 teaspoon salt. Adjust to your taste.
- What is the best way to ground black pepper?
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a nice savory touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika. For a hint of smokiness and color.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. What is a good pepper jack, or Monterey Jack?
- I always add chopped green onions to my salad. Is this healthy?
What are the steps for
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I find that butter gives it a slightly better flavor, but cooking spray works just fine. Make sure to grease the dish well to prevent the casserole from sticking. This step is crucial!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. I always steal a few pieces while I’m crumbling – can’t resist! Don’t drain ALL the bacon grease. Save a little for flavor later!
Step 3: Prepare Hash Browns
In a large bowl, toss the thawed hash browns with 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease. Set aside. (optional, but highly recommended! ) This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven. What is the recipe for hash browns? Spread half of it evenly in the prepared baking dish. This will be your base layer.
Step 4: Layer Ingredients
Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheese over the hash browns. This is where the magic starts to happen! Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly for the best flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Spread hash browns over the bacon and cheese layer. If you have leftover bacon and cheese, top with hash browns. We’re creating layers of deliciousness!
Step 6: Prepare Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. What is the secret to a creamy casserole?
Step 7: Pour Egg Mixture
In a baking dish, pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, bacon, and cheese. Gently press down on the hash browns with a spatula to ensure that they are submerged in the egg. How do you bake a cookie?
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. I always check it around the 40-minute mark to make sure it’s not getting too dark.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
What are some ways to remove a casserole from the oven and let it cool before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. What are some of the best breakfast casseroles? What are some good leftovers?
What should I serve it with?
This Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole. Serves 10.What are the best side dishes to serve with your meal? What are the possibilities?
For Breakfast:Pair it with fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes. Is it better to drink hot coffee or orange juice? I love serving it with a side of crispy toast or English muffins for dipping in the creamy egg.
For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch casseroles to serve alongside other brunch favorites? Mimosas, quiche, or salad. I like to arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs and edible flowers for showcasing.
As Dessert: I’m not going to lie, sometimes I crave this for dessert! It’s savory enough to be a main meal, but the creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it the perfect snack for a sweet tooth. I sometimes make a small version as my after-dinner treat!
For Cozy Snacks: This can be served as a great snack in the afternoon, or even later at night. Pair it with some hot chocolate, and you’re good to go. My family and I have been known to eat this while watching movies together. It’s a real crowd pleaser!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole from good to amazing. Here are my top tips for perfecting your casserole:
Hash Brown Prep: Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely before using them. This will help them cook evenly and prevent the casserole from being soggy. I usually thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Bacon Crispiness: Don’t be afraid to cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy. The crispy bacon adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the casserole. Nobody likes limp bacon!
Egg Mixture Consistency: Whisk the egg mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This will ensure that the casserole is creamy and evenly textured. I like to use a whisk instead of a fork for this step.
Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious! I sometimes use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Baking Time Adjustment: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed.
Add-Ins: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the casserole. Onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach are all great additions. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the casserole.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have bacon on hand, you can substitute it with sausage, ham, or even cooked vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time or enjoying leftovers. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or frozen.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to slice it into individual portions before storing it for easy reheating.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Glaze Timing Advice: The great thing about this is there is no glaze! So you can store it without worrying!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Egg Hash Brown Casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for a weekend brunch or easy weeknight dinner. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable to your personal preferences. The crispy hash browns, savory bacon, and creamy egg mixture make for a satisfying and comforting meal that everyone will love. And if you’re looking for other breakfast or brunch recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you tried it!