There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a warm, comforting Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns. This dish is not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the steps to create this delightful breakfast casserole that will surely impress your family and friends.
Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns
A hearty and delicious breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, savory bacon, and melted cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd or a family brunch.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cooked and crumbled bacon (reserve a small amount for topping), sautéed onion and bell pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and reserved bacon over the top, and return to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally with hot sauce or ketchup on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Protein: 20 g
Rate This Recipe
Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)
Facebook Pinterest
To start, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need. You’ll need:
- 1 pound of bacon
- 1 package (30 oz) of frozen hash browns
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Once you have your ingredients ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm-up step is important for ensuring that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Next, I recommend cooking the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the bacon until it’s crispy. After cooking, I place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, I chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. If you’re a fan of less grease, feel free to drain some of it from the skillet, but make sure to save a bit for flavor.
In the same skillet, I add the diced onion and sauté them until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. This adds an aromatic touch to your casserole. If you like, you can also throw in a little garlic powder at this stage for an extra kick.
Now it’s time to assemble the casserole! In a large mixing bowl, I combine the frozen hash browns, sautéed onion, chopped bacon, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. In another bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well mixed. Then, I pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mixture and stir until it’s fully combined.
Next, I prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. I pour the casserole mixture into the dish and top it off with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
After everything is in place, I pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the center is set and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Once it’s ready, I take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to cut into squares.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns! Serve it warm, and watch as everyone’s eyes light up with delight. This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad, making it a versatile breakfast option.
Thus, if you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s easy to make and simple to customize, this casserole is for you. Happy cooking!
