Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful gathering of flavors and textures that can elevate your next brunch. This casserole combines crisp, golden hash browns with fluffy eggs, creamy cheeses, and the savory touch of bacon or sausage. Not only does it offer a warm and comforting experience, but it also makes for quite the centerpiece on any brunch table. With a perfect mixture of creamy and crunchy, every bite feels satisfying and indulgent, making it an appealing choice for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

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)

The first time I discovered this scrumptious casserole was during an Easter brunch at a friend’s house. As I reached for a serving, I marveled at the sight of the bubbling cheese and crispy edges. It was a joyful moment when I took my first bite — a burst of comforting flavors enveloping my taste buds. Each mouthful took me back to warm family breakfasts, and now I proudly share this recipe with my loved ones. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, the Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is indeed a recipe worth trying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can enjoy this delicious casserole in just over an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy hash browns, creamy cheese, and savory bacon or sausage creates a mouthwatering dish.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole is not only tasty but also looks impressive when served, making it the star of any brunch table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy breakfast, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this dish by using turkey bacon or swapping in non-dairy cheese for a lighter, healthier version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 to 16 ounces bacon or sausage: Chopped bacon adds a crispy, savory flavor. You can also use sausage or even veggies for a meatless option.
½ cup small diced onion or shallots: These add sweetness and depth to the flavor; shallots offer a milder taste if preferred.
8 large eggs: Lightly beaten, they provide the protein base for the casserole. Make sure they are at room temperature for even cooking.
4-5 cups shredded hash browns: Frozen or thawed, these create a crispy bottom layer. Choosing high-quality hash browns will enhance the texture.
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): This brings a subtle kick to the dish. For those sensitive to spice, you can skip it entirely.
1 teaspoon salt (coarse kosher salt recommended): This enhances the flavors throughout the casserole.
¼ teaspoon pepper: A small sprinkle adds a pop of flavor; freshly cracked pepper is always best.
¾ cup cottage cheese: Creamy and delicious, this ingredient adds moisture and a subtle tang.
¾ cup sour cream: It gives a rich, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: A generous handful of this cheese creates a deliciously melty top layer.
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Known for its nutty flavor, this cheese complements the cheddar beautifully.
Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish): A bright touch when sprinkled on top, adding a fresh look and mild flavor.

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 the casserole cooks evenly from the get-go. While your oven heats up, you can prepare your baking dish.

Prepare the baking pan: Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan. A non-stick spray or a drizzle of olive oil will keep your casserole from sticking, making it easy to serve later.

Cook the protein and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon or sausage and the ½ cup of small diced onion until everything is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain excess grease before moving on to the next step, ensuring your casserole doesn’t become greasy.

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the 8 lightly beaten eggs, 4-5 cups shredded hash browns, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¾ cup cottage cheese, and ¾ cup sour cream. Stir in the cooked bacon or sausage mixture. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure every slice has a bit of everything.

Spread in the baking pan: Pour the egg and hash brown mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. At this point, if you want to make this a day ahead, you can cover it and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to add some extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Bake to perfection: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for the edges to be lightly golden, the center to puff up, and use a thin knife to check that it comes out clean. If you refrigerated it overnight, it may take an additional 10-15 minutes to bake through.

Garnish and serve: Once done, sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh burst of flavor. Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares. This resting time makes slicing easier and helps the dish set up a bit.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers at room temperature, keep them out for no more than 2 hours after baking. For longer storage, place cooled portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you prefer to freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to 3 months. For reheating, pop it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through—just note that the texture might be slightly different, so consider adding a splash of cream for moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook your bacon or sausage in the skillet; you want that perfect crispy texture, not burnt ends.
Use room temperature eggs to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients and cook uniformly.
Timing is key: If you prepare this dish the night before, adjust your baking time accordingly by adding the extra 10-15 minutes.
For a fluffier texture, make sure to not overmix your egg mixture. A few lumps from the cottage cheese can work wonders in the texture.
Experiment with other cheeses! You can substitute pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even feta for something tangy.
Make-ahead options are a great time-saver. You can bake it in advance and reheat it just before servings.

The Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is not only a delightful dish that will bring smiles to your brunch table, but it also allows room for experimentation based on your individual tastes. You can add different proteins, cheeses, or spices to tailor it to your liking. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven or as tasty leftovers, this casserole is sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering. Enjoy the process of making the dish, and don’t forget to savor its deliciousness with every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add some extra time to the baking process if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh hash browns can be a great option, just make sure to get them crispy before mixing them with the eggs and other ingredients to maintain the texture.

How can I modify this recipe for a vegetarian option?

You can easily omit the bacon or sausage and add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavors and add more nutrition.

What should I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a green salad, or your favorite breakfast pastries for a complete and satisfying brunch experience.

More Breakfast Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake offers incredible flavor and easy prep. With crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and hearty hash browns, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 cup (114 g) shredded swiss cheese
chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon or sausage with the onion until crisp. Drain excess grease.
In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, hash browns, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, cottage cheese, sour cream, and the cheeses. Stir in the bacon and onions.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan (this can be refrigerated overnight if covered).
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden on the edges, fluffy in the center, and a knife comes out clean from the center (if refrigerated, bake an additional 10-15 minutes).
Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

You can substitute bacon or sausage with other cooked meats, if preferred.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.