There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole that makes any morning feel special. I remember the first time I made this for a brunch gathering with friends; it was a rainy Sunday, and we all needed a hearty, satisfying dish to kickstart the day. The aroma of crispy hash browns mingling with eggs and melted cheese filled the kitchen, and soon enough, everyone was eagerly digging in. Trust me, this casserole is the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast table, bringing everyone together for a delicious start to the day!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole is super straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package frozen hash browns (30 oz): No need to thaw; just grab a bag from the freezer section. These will give you that crispy base.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to mix in your favorite cheese.
- 1 cup diced cooked ham: Leftover ham works great here, or you can pick up some pre-cooked ham from the deli. Just make sure it’s diced small for even distribution!
- 6 large eggs: Fresh eggs are key for that fluffy texture. Go for the best quality you can find!
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk gives it a creamier consistency, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A must for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust to your taste if you’re watching sodium.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best to pack a bit of heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor; trust me, don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a hint of garlic goes a long way in this dish.
With these ingredients ready to go, you’ll be all set to whip up this delicious casserole that’s perfect for any breakfast gathering!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Dish
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole cooks evenly and comes out just right. While the oven is heating up, grab a baking dish—about 9×13 inches works perfectly—and give it a good greasing with some butter or cooking spray. This will help to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on!
Mixing Ingredients
Now onto the fun part—mixing! In a large mixing bowl, toss together the frozen hash browns, diced ham, and half of that delicious cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is combined well so each bite is packed with flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until it’s nice and frothy. This step is important because it ensures the eggs mix in smoothly without any clumps when you pour it over the hash browns.
Assembling the Casserole
Let’s layer it all up! Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. Then, pour that lovely egg mixture right over the top, making sure it covers everything. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top—oh my goodness, can you smell it already? This cheese layer will melt into a gorgeous, bubbly topping!
Baking the Casserole
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is beautifully golden brown. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting for breakfast. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set up a bit more, making it easier to slice into perfect squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 15 minutes to get it in the oven!
- Hearty ingredients that keep you full and satisfied all morning long.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd; this recipe yields 8 generous servings.
- Versatile—swap out the ham for bacon or sausage, or even add some veggies!
- Great make-ahead option; prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.
- One-dish wonder that simplifies cleanup—less mess means more time to relax!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, always use fresh ingredients; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you can, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes after baking—it’ll set up nicely and make slicing easier. Also, don’t be shy about experimenting with different cheeses or add-ins like bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. And remember, this dish is just as delicious reheated, so leftovers are a win-win!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of your cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole can be super helpful, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or just keeping an eye on your diet. Here’s what you can expect per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 14g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredient choices and portion sizes. It’s a comforting, filling dish that balances hearty ingredients with a good amount of protein, making it a great start to your day!
Variations
One of the best things about this cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole is how versatile it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the diced ham for cooked bacon or crumbled sausage for a smoky twist. You can also mix it up with different cheeses; Monterey Jack or pepper jack add a delightful kick! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You can even switch it to a meatless version by using just veggies and maybe a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy essence. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole is a breeze! Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast fix. When it’s time to reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes—this way, it’ll get that lovely crispy top back! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge; it might need a few extra minutes to bake.
What can I substitute for the ham?
If you’re not a fan of ham, feel free to swap it out for cooked bacon or sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze slices of this casserole! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’re looking for the eggs to be set in the center and the top to be golden brown. A knife inserted should come out clean. It’s always best to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking!
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh hash browns work well too! Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from getting soggy.
Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: 5 Cozy Servings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, eggs, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen hash browns (30 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, ham, and half of the cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Grease a baking dish and spread the hash brown mixture evenly in it.
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage.
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cracked out hash brown breakfast casserole
