Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
There’s something truly heartwarming about a breakfast casserole, especially one that’s brimming with comfort and flavor. Let me share a delightful recipe for a Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) that’s not only a breeze to throw together but also hits all the right notes during a festive gathering. Picture this: golden, crispy edges hugging a soft, cheesy center filled with beautiful memories of laughter, joy, and togetherness. This dish is a vibrant, enticing centerpiece that’ll have everyone flocking to the breakfast table.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon a similar casserole recipe during a family Easter brunch many years ago, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of seasoned hash browns, creamy cheeses, and your choice of bacon or sausage creates a delicious harmony that leaves you craving more. And even when the gathering is over, you’ll find yourself nibbling on leftovers—if there are any left! With just a little prep time and some straightforward cooking, this casserole is bound to bring warmth and smiles to your kitchen. You’ll just have to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep means you can whip this up in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sharp cheddar, creamy cottage cheese, and savory bacon or sausage makes every bite a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its golden top and bubbly edges make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack, this casserole fits in anywhere.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize with gluten-free hash browns or dairy-free cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 to 16 ounces bacon, chopped (or sausage): Choose bacon for a smoky flavor or sausage for a heartier taste, depending on your mood.
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots: Adds a fragrant base layer for your casserole.
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten: The binding agent that gives the casserole its fluffy texture.
- 4-5 cups shredded hash browns (frozen or thawed): Provides that classic casserole base—use frozen for convenience or fresh for extra texture.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional: A little kick elevates the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the casserole.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Just a hint of spice to balance the creaminess.
- ¾ cup cottage cheese: Creamy texture that adds richness.
- ¾ cup sour cream: Introduces a tangy note and lovely moisture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp): For a bold cheesy flavor that everyone loves.
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds complexity.
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor on top.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures a perfectly cooked casserole. While that’s heating, you can prep your baking dish.
Grease the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and achieve those golden, crispy edges everyone will be looking for.
Cook the Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 8 to 16 ounces of chopped bacon or sausage along with ½ cup of small diced onion or shallots until the meat is fully cooked and crispy. This glorious combination will fill your kitchen with savory aromas. Make sure to drain any excess grease before moving on.
Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 8 lightly beaten eggs, 4-5 cups of shredded hash browns (frozen or thawed), 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¾ cup cottage cheese, ¾ cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup shredded swiss cheese. Toss in your cooked bacon (or sausage) and the sautéed onions, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Spread in the Pan: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. If you’re prepping ahead, feel free to cover this and refrigerate overnight—just know that you’ll need to adjust baking time.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, the center is puffy, and a thin knife comes out clean. If you used a refrigerated mixture, plan for an extra 10-15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes so it can set a bit before you cut into squares. You want it to maintain its structure for serving!
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they might vanish quickly!), store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months—just cut it into individual portions for easy reheating. To reheat, pop it in your oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. It might lose a little texture, but a quick refresh in the oven works wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To prevent a soggy base, ensure your hash browns are well-drained.
- For the best results, use room temperature eggs to help them beat together smoothly with the other ingredients.
- If you’re in a hurry, skip the overnight refrigeration but know that letting it rest gives flavors more time to develop.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations—pepper jack or gouda can add a fun twist to your casserole.
- If desired, boost the flavor with additional herbs like parsley or dill for fresh notes.
There’s a rich excitement that fills the air when all your loved ones gather around the breakfast table, and the kicker? A satisfying serving of cheesy goodness at the heart of it all. The Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) is an experience, not just a recipe. It’s comforting, versatile, and oh-so-delicious, perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to play with flavors and ingredients, making it your own. Enjoy every cheesy bite and the company that surrounds you!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Just remember to add a little extra baking time if it’s coming directly from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese for a slightly sweeter, creamier alternative. This will still give you that rich texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or sausage and consider adding sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How do I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
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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 blend of crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and fluffy eggs, making it a perfect choice for brunch gatherings. Its straightforward preparation ensures that you can have this crowd-pleaser on your table without hassle, providing a satisfying and flavorful dish that appeals to all ages.
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, coarse kosher salt recommended
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup (170 g) cottage cheese
- ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded swiss cheese
- chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon or sausage with the onion until fully cooked and crispy. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, hash browns, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, cottage cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheeses. Fold in the bacon or sausage with onions until well mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. If desired, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is puffy, checking with a knife to ensure it comes out clean. If refrigerated, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives, allowing to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute bacon with sausage or consider adding vegetables for extra flavor.
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance for easy prep on the day of serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
