The best breakfast casserole is your perfect answer to easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing morning meals. Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or prepping ahead for a busy weekday breakfast, this savory dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Made with hearty hash browns, a rich egg mixture, and plenty of gooey cheese, this casserole is fully customizable with your favorite meats. Get ready to discover why this recipe has become a family favorite and go-to for holiday mornings, potlucks, and everything in between.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is a total winner because it’s easy to make in advance, ideal for serving a crowd, and incredibly flexible. Whether you’re craving savory meats, a blend of flavorful cheeses, or a touch of veggies, this dish can be adapted to suit your taste. It turns out beautifully every time with a golden, crispy top and a soft, cheesy interior. Plus, it stores and reheats perfectly, making it a great option for busy schedules.
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 cups chopped cooked meat (choose from ham, sausage, bacon, or a mix)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Breakfast Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Spread the frozen hash browns in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, and seasoned salt until smooth.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and your chosen chopped meat.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layer of hash browns.
- Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 60-75 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- Always let the casserole sit after baking to ensure it sets up nicely.
- Grating cheese from a block gives better melt and flavor than pre-shredded.
- Great use for leftover meats like ham or cooked sausage.
- Begin checking at the 60-minute mark, especially if your oven tends to cook quickly.
Substitutions And Variations
- Swap in milk for the half-and-half to cut down on richness.
- Try other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Include vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or onions for added nutrients.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using extra veggies.
- Add a little spice with diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 237mg
- Sodium: 727mg
- Potassium: 306mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 282mg
- Iron: 2mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit or a crisp green salad.
- Pair with toasted bread or buttery biscuits.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh avocado slices on top.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of juice for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Definitely! It’s perfect for prepping the night before and baking the next day.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking? While baking first is best for texture, you can freeze it unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Which meats work best in this recipe? You can use ham, sausage, bacon, or even a combination depending on what you have.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, just make sure they’re shredded and well-drained of moisture.
What’s a good substitute for half-and-half? Combine equal parts milk and cream to replicate it easily.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this delicious breakfast casserole recipe! It’s one of my favorite dishes because it’s simple to prepare, incredibly tasty, and always a hit with friends and family. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen too. The creamy eggs, hearty hash browns, and melted cheese make every bite satisfying and comforting. Whether for a special holiday brunch or a regular weekend breakfast, this dish brings people together around the table. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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The Best Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Best Breakfast Casserole loaded with eggs, hash browns, cheese, and meat. A hearty, make-ahead favorite perfect for any morning. Try it now!
Ingredients
1 (24-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups chopped cooked meat (ham, sausage, bacon, or a mix)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Spread hash browns evenly in dish. Season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, and seasoned salt.
Stir in cheeses and chopped meat.
Pour egg mixture over hash browns.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Bake uncovered for 60–75 minutes until set and golden.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let casserole rest after baking for clean slices.
Customize with your favorite meats or vegetables.
Grate cheese fresh for best texture.
Perfect for holidays, brunch, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 302
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 19g