The Ultimate Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered what breakfast would be like in heaven? Honestly, this hashbrown casserole breakfast might just be it. Cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavour, it's the perfect way to kickstart any day.
Quick Hook
Craving a lazy weekend brunch that doesn't require tons of effort? You're in the right place. Get ready for the ultimate cheesy hashbrown breakfast casserole .
It's savory, creamy, and has a delightful crispy crust.
A Bite of History
This easy breakfast casserole recipe is American comfort food at its finest. It's been gracing tables for decades. This particular take, though, is designed to be extra special.
This recipe takes about 1 hour, and yields 6-8 servings, meaning it is great for families.
The Brunch Casserole Recipes Difference
This make-ahead breakfast casserole isn't just delicious. It's also surprisingly nutritious! Packed with protein from your choice of breakfast meats, it'll keep you full and energized.
And you can get all of the prep work done the day before. Talk about a time saver! Plus, it's absolutely perfect for a holiday breakfast casserole or any special occasion.
What makes this recipe special? Every bite is full of flavor.
Ready to get cooking? Let's take a look at what you'll need.
Ingredients Section
We'll start with the hashbrown base. Then, we'll make that dreamy cheesy sauce. Finally, it's layering time. Then, we'll get it baked! For our creamy hash brown casserole , you will need: hash browns, butter, salt, pepper, onion.
Also, flour, milk, cheddar, mozzarella, your choice of meat (sausage, bacon, or ham), and eggs. Easy peasy!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this epic hashbrown casserole breakfast bake. Don't worry, it’s not rocket science.
Even if you're like me and sometimes set off the smoke alarm, you can totally nail this.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Here's the lowdown on what you’ll need. Precise, but friendly, eh?
- Frozen Hash Browns: 30 oz (850g) thawed. Quality indicator? They should smell fresh and not have freezer burn. Press out the extra liquid!
- Butter: ½ cup (115g) unsalted, melted for the base, 1 tablespoon for the sauce.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper for the base and sauce. A dash of ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg is optional for the sauce it adds a nice warmth.
- Onion: 1 small , finely diced, around ½ cup .
- Flour: ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose, for thickening that gorgeous cheesy sauce.
- Milk: 2 cups (480ml) whole milk for the cheesy sauce, ¼ cup (60ml) for the eggs.
- Cheese: 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar, ½ cup (55g) mozzarella. Go for good quality it makes all the difference.
- Breakfast Protein: 8 oz (225g) cooked sausage, 6 slices bacon, or 8 oz (225g) diced ham your pick!
- Eggs: 6 large .
- Extras: Salt and pepper to taste, because, obviously.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
For essential spice combinations, think salt, pepper, and that hint of nutmeg. It's all about balance, innit? Wanna boost the flavour? A little garlic powder in the hash brown mix is amazing.
Quick sub? If you haven't got nutmeg, a pinch of cinnamon works in a pinch for this cheesy potato breakfast casserole. Don't go overboard, though.
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid
Right, you don't need fancy kit for this easy breakfast casserole recipe .
- 9x13 inch baking dish: The star of the show.
- Large skillet: For cooking your meat, like some delicious sausage hashbrown casserole.
- Medium saucepan: For that glorious cheesy sauce.
- Whisk: No lumps allowed!
- Mixing bowls: Obvs.
Household alternatives? If you don’t have a skillet, a frying pan will do. No whisk? A fork works, just takes a bit more elbow grease.
Just make sure you have a decent size baking dish and you are golden.
Honestly, this hashbrown breakfast bake is so easy, even your nan could make it. It's the ultimate brunch casserole recipes for lazy Sundays.
Plus, you can even make-ahead breakfast casserole the night before. How good is that?. This is a great recipe to make for a holiday breakfast casserole .
If you're veggie, try making a vegetarian hashbrown casserole . You can even use breakfast casserole with frozen hash browns .
Now, go forth and conquer the kitchen!.
Let's Cook! The Ultimate Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Breakfast
Alright, mates, gather 'round! Today, we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of comfort food with a seriously good hashbrown casserole breakfast .
This isn't just any old recipe; this is a cheesy potato breakfast casserole that will blow your socks off! Honestly, I've made this so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep! It's perfect for a lazy weekend, or when you need a crowd pleasing brunch casserole recipe .
Ever since I was a kid, this easy breakfast casserole recipe was always a hit at family gatherings. The smell of it baking brings back so many memories.
My nan used to make it every Christmas a true holiday breakfast casserole !
Prep Like a Pro: The Key to Casserole Success
First things first, let's get our act together. It all starts with mise en place ! Thaw your 30 oz frozen hash browns.
I usually leave them in the fridge overnight. Melt ½ cup of butter. Dice ½ cup of onion. Safety first, kids! Watch those fingers when chopping, or you'll be joining me and many others in the injured chef club.
Time saving tip: Pre-cooked sausage or bacon is your friend. Seriously, save yourself the hassle.
Banging Breakfast Bake: Let's Layer It Up!
Now, for the magic:
- Mix the thawed hash browns with melted butter, diced onion, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Press it into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- If you want a sausage hashbrown casserole , cook the sausage (or bacon/ham) and crumble it.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan. Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for 1 minute . Slowly add 2 cups milk and whisk until thickened. Season with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella until melted.
- Spread your chosen meat over the hashbrown base. Pour that glorious cheesy sauce on top.
- Whisk 6 eggs with ¼ cup milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the casserole.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 40- 45 minutes , until golden and bubbly. Internal temp must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Cool slightly before slicing.
Expert Level Casserole Skills
Pro Tip 1: For extra crispy hash browns, bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the toppings. Pro Tip 2: Don't overbake! Nobody likes a dry casserole.
Pro Tip 3: You can totally make-ahead breakfast casserole . Assemble it, cover it, and keep it in the fridge overnight.
Add 15 minutes to the cooking time.
This breakfast casserole with frozen hash browns is a game changer. You know? Honestly, it's one of the best brunch casserole recipes you'll ever make.
And if you want a vegetarian hashbrown casserole , just skip the meat and load up on veggies! The possibilities are endless with this creamy hash brown casserole recipe.
Right, off you pop and get cooking. Let me know how it goes. If you burn it, don't blame me.
Now, if you excuse me, I am going to make another hashbrown breakfast bake . Cheerio!
Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Alright, so you're ready to tackle this awesome hashbrown casserole breakfast recipe. Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your life easier and your casserole even tastier.
Honestly, these are things I've learned the hard way, usually involving a slightly burnt casserole and a grumpy family. Let's avoid that, shall we?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? Don't just plonk a slab of cheesy potato breakfast casserole on a plate. Think about the visual appeal.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even just a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate your plating game.
Serve alongside a vibrant fresh fruit salad to balance the richness, or maybe some Greek yoghurt with berries for a lighter touch.
And if you're making this for a special occasion, a Mimosa or Bloody Mary is a must! It is the perfect brunch casserole recipe .
Storage Savvy: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy breakfast casserole recipe is great the next day. Just pop it in the fridge, covered, for up to three days.
If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil.
It'll keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated casserole, microwave individual portions or reheat the whole thing in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Frozen casserole needs to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Remix Time: Variations to Suit Every Taste
This recipe is super versatile. Need a vegetarian hashbrown casserole ? Easy! Just skip the meat and load it up with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Sorted!
Watching your waistline or having dietary restrictions? Use gluten-free flour for the sauce. For dairy-free options, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. You can even make sausage hashbrown casserole with turkey sausage.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Fueling Your Day
Each serving of this breakfast casserole with frozen hash browns (based on 8 servings and including sausage and cheddar) packs about 450-550 calories.
You're also looking at around 25-30g of protein, 30-35g of fat, and 30-35g of carbs. Remember, these are estimates. Actual numbers depend on your exact ingredients.
Think of it as a creamy hash brown casserole power up for the morning. It’s a great way to start your day, especially on a holiday breakfast casserole .
Honestly, though, the best part is the joy this hashbrown breakfast bake brings to the table. So go on, give it a go.
You might just surprise yourself! I find if I make-ahead breakfast casserole , it gives me more time to socialize in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hashbrown casserole breakfast ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with cling film and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add 15-20 minutes to the baking time, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Think of it as your ace in the hole for a stress free Sunday brunch, less hectic than a Bank Holiday Monday.
How do I prevent my hashbrown casserole breakfast from being watery?
The key to a perfect, non-watery casserole is properly thawing and draining your hash browns. After thawing, squeeze out any excess moisture using paper towels. Nobody wants a soggy bottom a la "Great British Bake Off," so don't skimp on this step!
Using the right cheese can help too; cheddar cheese can stop the casserole from getting too watery.
What are some good variations for this hashbrown casserole breakfast recipe?
The possibilities are endless! For a vegetarian option, add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper or using pepper jack cheese.
Or, for a real treat, substitute some of the milk in the cheesy sauce with sour cream for a tangy twist, just like your nan used to make... maybe!
How should I store leftover hashbrown casserole breakfast?
Leftover hashbrown casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave, but for the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. That way you retain the crispiness winning!
Is this hashbrown casserole breakfast healthy?
While delicious, this casserole is definitely a treat. You can lighten it up by using reduced fat cheese, lean breakfast sausage, and adding more vegetables. The calorie count really depends on the ingredients you use, so always check the labels if you're counting.
Remember, everything in moderation, even a cracking hashbrown casserole!
Can I use a different type of cheese in this hashbrown casserole breakfast?
Of course! While cheddar and mozzarella provide a classic flavour and texture, feel free to experiment. Gruyere or Swiss cheese would add a nutty richness, while Monterey Jack will deliver a smoother, creamier melt.
Just avoid anything too overpowering that will mask the other flavours of the hashbrown casserole breakfast.
The Ultimate Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserol
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
