Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole – creamy, make-ahead breakfast with bacon, cheese & crispy hash browns. Perfect for feeding a crowd! Ready in 1 hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients
- 16 ounces diced bacon
- 1 medium diced onion
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
- Step 2: Sauté the Onions Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes. The onions should smell sweet and look translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for your casserole.
- Step 3: Create the Egg Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using) until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and evenly seasoned. Add the cottage cheese and whisk until just combined – don’t overmix.
- Step 4: Combine the Base Gently fold the thawed and drained hash browns into the egg mixture, followed by the cooked bacon and sautéed onions. Mix carefully to avoid breaking up the hash browns while ensuring even distribution.
- Step 5: Add the Cheeses Reserve 1 cup total from the combined cheddar and Swiss cheeses for topping. Fold the remaining cheese into the hash brown mixture until evenly distributed throughout. The cheese should be well-incorporated but not melted.
- Step 6: Assemble and Bake Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Note: If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow 10-15 extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the structure to set properly and makes slicing much easier. The surface should be golden and slightly crispy, with a creamy interior.
Find it online: https://www.kitchenmomy.com/easy-hash-brown-breakfast-casserole/