Name: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces Diced bacon (Can also use ham, sausage, or veggies for variation.); 1 medium Onion, diced; 8 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 teaspoon Hot sauce (Optional.); 4 cups Frozen hash browns, thawed; 8 ounces Shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 6 ounces Shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese; 16 ounces Small curd cottage cheese (Either 4% or 1% works well.)

Jump to Recipe

Fluffy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a dish that can make any morning instantly brighter. If you’re searching for a meal that combines comfort-food flavors with a crispy, savory finish, look no further! There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of bacon, cheese, and sizzling hash browns coming together in one luscious casserole. I first fell in love with this recipe when I needed a simple and hearty dish for a family brunch—it was a runaway hit, and now it’s a staple in our household. If you’ve enjoyed my Cheesy Breakfast Strata, you’ll recognize that same savory satisfaction in this dish—only this one comes together even faster and is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want to treat your family, this casserole is quick, versatile, and sure to become a favorite comfort food in your kitchen. Give it a try and bring some extra cheer to your table!

What is Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?

Ever wondered what happens when breakfast classics like hash browns, eggs, cheese, and bacon decide to throw a party? The answer is Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole! With a name like that, you might expect a snazzy French title, but honestly, sometimes we just call it like it is. I’ve always thought of it as “breakfast happiness in a pan.” Why is it called this? Well, when you layer crispy hash browns with all your favorite morning fixings and bake them together, there’s no mystery—just pure, stomach-pleasing joy. After all, as the old saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (and this casserole knows the way!). Go on, give it a whirl—you’ll see what all the cheesy fuss is about.

Why You’ll Love This

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole stands out for its creamy, cheesy decadence and effortless prep. The hero here is the marriage of melty cheese, savory bacon, and those ever-so-satisfying hash browns—each bite is a comforting blend of farmhouse flavors. Making this at home is budget-friendly, especially compared to picking up individual breakfast sandwiches or grabbing a brunch to-go. Not only do you save money, but you’ll also stretch a few simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal. From gooey cheddar to the subtle nuttiness of Swiss or Gruyere cheese, the flavor profile is unbeatable, and adding your favorite veggies or swapping bacon for ham lets you make this casserole truly yours. If you loved the Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos on the blog, prepare to be equally delighted with this casserole’s easy prep and hearty payoff. Invite your family to the table and enjoy a home-style breakfast that delivers every time—try it out!

How to Make

Quick Overview

What makes this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole a perfect breakfast or brunch option? For starters, it’s delightfully simple: just mix, bake, and serve. The rich blend of cheeses, a hint of salty bacon, and a creamy texture from cottage cheese create a dish with both flavor and heartiness. From start to finish, you’ll need just about an hour—most of which is hands-off baking time—making this a dish that delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, you’ll love how easy and satisfying this recipe is.

Ingredients

16 ounces diced bacon (can also use ham, sausage, or veggies for variation)
1 medium onion, diced
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
16 ounces small curd cottage cheese (either 4% or 1% works well)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent. Remove from heat and drain the mixture on a paper towel to remove excess grease.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, and if using, the hot sauce.
Add the thawed hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese, cooked bacon, and onions to the egg mixture.
Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top, if desired.

What to Serve With

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. For a fresh contrast, serve it with a simple mixed green salad or a platter of sliced fruit like oranges, berries, or melon. Add toasted English muffins or warm biscuits for extra comfort. If you like, offer a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice or a batch of mimosas to elevate your brunch. For a savory twist, try it alongside sautéed greens or roasted tomatoes. However you serve it, this casserole is sure to be the shining star of your meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Swap the meat: Use cooked sausage, diced ham, or make it vegetarian by substituting mushrooms, spinach, or sautéed peppers for the bacon.
Cheese choices: Feel free to try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Time-saver: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate; just bake it in the morning for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
Don’t overbake: Baking too long can dry out the casserole. Check for doneness near the minimum time.
Hash brown tips: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and squeeze out excess water to avoid a soggy casserole.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover casserole should be cooled, then covered tightly with foil or transferred to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cut into portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20 minutes if reheating a larger amount. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays best when reheated in the oven vs. the microwave, but both methods work well.

FAQs

Can I make this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Simply assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed. Add extra bake time if needed since it will be cold.

What are some good vegetarian options for this casserole?
Swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, diced bell peppers, or even roasted broccoli. The cheese and egg base pairs nicely with almost any veggie.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely—use 4 cups of shredded fresh potatoes. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing into the casserole.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure your hash browns and other processed ingredients are labeled gluten-free; the remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is there a way to reduce the calories or fat in the recipe?
Yes. Use turkey bacon or lean ham, low-fat cheeses, and reduced-fat cottage cheese. You can also increase veggies and decrease the meat for a lighter dish.

Conclusion

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast lovers who crave hearty flavors without hassle. With crispy hash browns, plenty of melty cheese, and savory bacon baked right in, this dish is perfect for family brunches, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week. The recipe is endlessly flexible, allowing you to use ingredients you already have and making it budget-friendly as well as crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re serving it with a fresh salad, fruit, or a steaming cup of coffee, this casserole is sure to earn a spot in your regular breakfast or brunch lineup. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to check out more tasty breakfast inspirations on the blog—and happy cooking!