The Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This crowd-pleasing Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning meal solution that combines crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and savory meat in one delicious dish. It’s incredibly simple to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or when you’re hosting overnight guests. The best part? While it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, the actual hands-on preparation takes just minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep this casserole the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning – perfect for busy mornings when you want a substantial breakfast without the fuss.
• Customizable Comfort: Use your family’s favorite breakfast meats and cheeses to make this recipe truly your own – it’s like a canvas for your breakfast creativity!
• Feeds a Crowd: This generous casserole serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or when you want delicious leftovers for the week ahead.
• All-in-One Meal: With protein, carbs, and plenty of flavor packed into each serving, this complete breakfast eliminates the need for multiple dishes or complicated side preparations.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen Hash Browns: The crispy foundation of this casserole – no need to thaw them first! They create the perfect potato layer on the bottom.
• Eggs: These provide structure and richness as they bake up into a fluffy, custard-like texture throughout the casserole.
• Half and Half: Adds wonderful creaminess and richness that makes every bite luxurious without being too heavy.
• Seasoned Salt: This flavor powerhouse adds depth to the dish with multiple seasonings in one simple ingredient.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings that classic sharp, tangy flavor and wonderful meltability that we all love in breakfast dishes.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a gentle heat and incredible meltiness that creates those irresistible cheese pulls when serving.
• Breakfast Meat: Whether you choose ham, sausage, bacon, or a combination, this ingredient adds savory, salty notes that complement the other flavors perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: These kitchen staples enhance all the other flavors in the casserole – don’t skip them!

Variations

Want to customize your breakfast casserole? Here are some delicious options:

• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and onions for a veggie-packed version.
• Southwest Style: Add a can of drained green chiles, swap the cheeses for Mexican blend, and serve with salsa, avocado, and sour cream on top.
• Italian Inspiration: Use cooked Italian sausage, add sundried tomatoes, and swap one of the cheeses for mozzarella. Sprinkle with Italian herbs before baking.
• Loaded Potato: Add crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top after baking for a loaded baked potato vibe.

How to Make the Best Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish. You don’t need to thaw them first! Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to create a flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Create the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Add the half and half and seasoned salt, then whisk again until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Stir in both cheeses and your chosen meat until evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time is crucial as it allows the eggs to begin soaking into the potatoes, creating a more cohesive casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the foil from the casserole and bake uncovered for 60-75 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The casserole should have a slight jiggle in the center but shouldn’t be liquid.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the eggs to fully set and makes for neater servings. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Thaw the Hash Browns: Using them frozen helps prevent the potatoes from getting mushy during the long baking time.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a knife in the center – if it comes out mostly clean with just a bit of moisture, your casserole is perfectly baked.
• Full Fat Dairy Works Best: The richness of full-fat half and half creates the best texture. If substituting, use whole milk rather than skim.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
• Even Distribution: Make sure your cheese and meat are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.

How to Serve

This versatile breakfast casserole pairs beautifully with many accompaniments to create a memorable meal:

Morning Feast

Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries for a complete brunch spread that will impress any guest.

Savory Additions

Add a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or avocado on top of each serving for extra flavor and creaminess.

Sweet Complement

Balance the savory casserole with something sweet like maple syrup drizzled over the top or a side of cinnamon rolls.

Beverage Pairings

Coffee, mimosas, or a spicy Bloody Mary make perfect drink companions for this hearty breakfast dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two servings especially delicious!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Cut cooled leftovers into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes).

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can! Shred fresh potatoes, then rinse them well and pat completely dry with paper towels to remove excess starch. This prevents them from turning gray and helps them crisp up better during baking. Keep in mind that the cooking time might need slight adjustment.

Can I prepare this casserole more than one day in advance?
While the recipe suggests refrigerating for at least 2 hours or overnight, you can actually prepare it up to 48 hours in advance. The flavor develops nicely during this time, but I wouldn’t go longer than 2 days as the eggs may start to break down the potatoes too much.

What’s the best way to know when my breakfast casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole should be golden brown on top with set edges. The center may have a slight jiggle but shouldn’t be liquid. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a bit of moisture. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F.

My family has different meat preferences. Can I make this with separate sections of different meats?
Absolutely! Prepare the egg mixture without meat, then pour it over the hash browns. Sprinkle different sections with different meats before baking. Just make sure each serving gets some of your delicious protein options. You could even create a “meat map” if serving to guests with different preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Casserole has been my go-to for countless family gatherings and holiday mornings. There’s something magical about having a delicious breakfast ready to go into the oven when you wake up – especially on busy mornings when you’d rather be enjoying coffee with your loved ones than standing over the stove. The combination of crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory meat creates a breakfast experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to make morning memories without the morning stress!

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