Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
When it comes to an unforgettable brunch centerpiece, few dishes can compete with the comforting and delicious Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole). Imagine a golden-brown, bubbling casserole packed with crispy bacon or sausage, perfectly baked eggs, and a gooey cheese blend that simply melts in your mouth. This delightful dish strikes a balance between hearty and comforting, making it the perfect choice for gatherings, especially during Easter celebrations.
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I first made this casserole for a family gathering, and the moment I pulled it out of the oven, the warmth and aroma filled the room, drawing everyone toward the kitchen. Almost instantly, it became a hit. Paired with fresh fruit or a light salad, it turns a casual brunch into a feast. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just a relaxing Sunday morning, this recipe is not only easy to assemble but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, your friends and family will be reaching for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep time is just 20 minutes, making it an easy way to whip up a delicious breakfast.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage delivers a rich, hearty flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole emerges from the oven golden brown, emitting divine aromas that will impress everyone.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even as a breakfast-for-dinner treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily substitute with turkey bacon or plant-based sausages for lighter or vegetarian versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 to 16 ounces chopped bacon or sausage: This is your protein base, bringing lots of flavor and heartiness. Feel free to use turkey bacon or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots: They add a hint of sweetness and depth to the casserole. You can swap in shallots for a milder flavor or omit them entirely if you prefer.
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs are the star here, acting as a binder while providing a rich texture. Try to use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best results.
- 4-5 cups shredded hash browns: These can be frozen or thawed, providing a convenient base that crisp up beautifully in the oven. Freshly shredded potatoes can also work but require more preparation.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): This adds a gentle kick that elevates the overall flavor. Adjust based on your spice preference; omit if desired.
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Essential for flavoring the dish. You can substitute with sea salt, adjusting the amount to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A dash of black pepper adds warmth and complexity. Consider fresh cracked pepper for an aromatic lift.
- ¾ cup cottage cheese: This lends creaminess and richness to the casserole. Feel free to swap with ricotta for a different twist.
- ¾ cup sour cream: It enhances the casserole’s texture, making it wonderfully creamy. You can use Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that familiar cheesy goodness. Choose sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, or mix it up with another cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: This melts beautifully and complements the cheddar perfectly. You can replace it with your favorite melting cheese.
- Chopped green onions or chives for garnish: They bring a fresh, vibrant finish to the casserole. Feel free to sprinkle on extra for added flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly puffed.
Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 8 to 16 ounces of chopped bacon or sausage along with ½ cup of small diced onion or shallots. Cook them together until the meat is crispy and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming too oily.
Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 8 large eggs, 4-5 cups of shredded hash browns, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, ¾ cup of cottage cheese, ¾ cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir in the bacon (or sausage) and onions until they’re well mixed. The mixture will be rich and creamy, with bits of savory goodness throughout.
Prepare the baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking pan. If you want to make it ahead, this is a great time to cover it and refrigerate overnight—so you can bake it fresh and hot in the morning.
Bake the casserole: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, and the center looks puffy. A toothpick or thin knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If you refrigerate the casserole prior to baking, expect to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
Garnish and serve: After pulling it from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps it set further, making cutting into squares easier. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions or chives for that burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two hours, but for longer storage, refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will maintain its best quality for about three months. To reheat, simply pop it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave it until warmed through. Be mindful that the texture may slightly change after freezing, but it remains delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid sogginess by ensuring your hash browns are properly drained if using frozen ones.
- Use room temperature eggs and sour cream for better blending and a fluffier texture.
- If your casserole isn’t as golden as you’d like towards the end of baking, broil it for 1-2 minutes—watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Experiment with different cheeses to create your ideal flavor combination!
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutrient boost and added color.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare everything the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) truly has it all—comfort, flavor, and impressive presentation. It’s not only easy to make, but it also allows you to enjoy more time with loved ones gathered around the brunch table. Try this mouthwatering dish at your next gathering, and unleash a wave of joy as everyone digs in! Don’t be surprised when requests for the recipe start rolling in.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a delicious warm-up, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.
What can I substitute for the bacon or sausage?
If you’re looking for lighter options, turkey bacon or chicken sausage work nicely. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown, the edges puff up, and a toothpick or thin knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It should be fragrant, and the cheese should be bubbly around the edges.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is a delightful choice for any brunch. It features crispy bacon or sausage, creamy cheeses, and hearty hash browns, making it a crowd favorite for gatherings. Quick to prepare, it’s destined to impress your guests with its warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 g) bacon, chopped, or sausage
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4–5 cups (567 to 680 g) shredded hash browns, frozen or thawed
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup (170 g) cottage cheese
- ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded swiss cheese
- chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan; set it aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon or sausage along with the diced onion until everything is crisp and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, shredded hash browns, optional hot sauce, salt, pepper, cottage cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and shredded Swiss cheese. Stir in the cooked meat and onions until fully mixed.
- Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. If needed, this can be covered and stored in the fridge overnight.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, the center is puffy, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If refrigerated, add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
- After baking, garnish with chopped green onions or chives, and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight before baking.
Feel free to substitute the bacon or sausage with your preferred protein or make it vegetarian by leaving it out.
For added flavor, consider using spicy or herbed cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
