Cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, the Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is a delectable dish that’s sure to win the hearts of everyone gathered around the table. This crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole combines crispy bacon or savory sausage with perfectly cooked eggs and cheesy hash browns for an unforgettable flavor experience. Imagine cutting into a golden brown layer of cheese and potatoes, surrounded by fluffy eggs — it’s as comforting as a warm hug on a Sunday morning.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

When I first made this dish for brunch with family, it was an instant hit. The rich, cheesy goodness mixed with the satisfying crunch of hash browns brought everyone together, and the compliments were endless. Fast forward to now, and it’s become my go-to creation for Easter brunch. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it can also serve a crowd effortlessly, making it the perfect solution when you’re entertaining. I wholeheartedly invite you to make this Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) for your next gathering; it’s bound to bring smiles and empty plates!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep and it bakes while you relax.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon or sausage and gooey cheese is simply divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This vibrant casserole looks impressive and is perfect for photo-worthy moments.
Flexible Serving: It’s perfect for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or a cozy weekend treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free or tailored to your preferences; just swap out ingredients as needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 to 16 ounces bacon or sausage: Choose bacon for a crispy texture or sausage for a hearty bite; both add wonderful flavor.
½ cup small diced onion or shallots: Onions add depth; shallots bring a hint of sweetness. Either one works well here.
8 large eggs: The star ingredient! Lightly beaten for a fluffy texture throughout the casserole.
4-5 cups shredded hash browns: Frozen or thawed works, but freaking fresh hash browns give an unbeatable texture.
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): A splash adds a delightful zing without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust according to taste.
¼ teaspoon pepper: A little seasoning for a balanced taste.
¾ cup cottage cheese: This adds creaminess and protein, ensuring this dish satisfies.
¾ cup sour cream: For that extra richness that every great breakfast casserole needs.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, giving that classic cheesy flavor.
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: This adds a nutty depth to the dish and pairs well with the other cheeses.
Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish): For a fresh finish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking; trust me, you’ll want every mouthful to come out smoothly.

Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon or sausage along with the diced onion. Sauté until the meat is fully cooked (bacon should be crispy, while sausage should be browned) and the onion is soft, usually about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 8 lightly beaten eggs, 4-5 cups of shredded hash browns, the optional hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Then, add in the ¾ cup of cottage cheese, ¾ cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Finally, fold in the cooked bacon (or sausage) and sautéed onions until everything is well mixed.

Spread the mixture: Once your mixture is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared pan. If you’re prepping ahead, feel free to cover it and place it in the fridge overnight — this makes for an easy morning!

Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are lightly golden brown, the middle is puffy, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you refrigerated it, may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares. Top with chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole can also be frozen, so if you want to make it ahead, consider portioning it out and freezing individual squares wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees F for around 20-25 minutes or until heated through. While the texture may change a bit after freezing, a quick reheating will help restore its deliciousness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid overly rubbery eggs, be sure not to overbake. Keep an eye on the time as it approaches the end of the cooking process.
Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier texture; if they’re cold, they can affect the baking time.
Feel free to mix in any leftover vegetables you have on hand — bell peppers or spinach would be fantastic additions!
For added flavor, consider using different kinds of cheese or even sprinkling some herbs like thyme or rosemary into the mixture.
Make it a day ahead if you’re pressed for time; just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive for an easy, fresh brunch!

When you gather your friends and family for brunch or a holiday celebration, cozy comfort food like this will undoubtedly be a hit. The rich textures and savory flavors create an experience everyone will cherish. Experiment with different meats and cheeses, or make it vegetarian for a lighter option. Whatever you choose, I guarantee your Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) will rise to the occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. In the morning, it may take a few extra minutes to bake since it’ll be cold when you put it in the oven.

Can I substitute the meat?

Definitely! You can use diced ham, turkey bacon, or just skip the meat altogether for a delicious vegetarian option. The casserole will still be flavorful with just the veggies and cheese.

How do I ensure perfect hash browns?

If using frozen hash browns, you can thaw them but make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing. This step helps in avoiding a soggy casserole. Crispy hash browns are key!

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs well with a fruity salad, fresh muffins, or a selection of pastries. You could even throw together a mimosa bar for the perfect brunch combo!