Ultimate Breakfast Casserole
Let me tell you a secret: the best mornings begin with a dish that’s as comforting as a warm blanket and as satisfying as a weekend hug. Enter my Ultimate Breakfast Casserole—a golden, cheesy, soul-soothing masterpiece that’s guaranteed to turn even the grumpiest early riser into a morning person. Imagine layers of crispy hashbrowns, smoky bacon, velvety eggs, and melted cheese, all baked into one glorious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for busy weekdays, or just craving a breakfast that feels like a celebration, this recipe is your new best friend. Let’s get cooking!
Perfect For
- Family brunches (hello, holidays and Sundays!)
- Meal prep champions (make it ahead, sleep in!)
- Potluck superstars (guaranteed empty dish to take home)
- Comfort food lovers (because sometimes you just need cheesy carbs)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
- Crowd-friendly: Serves 4–6 hungry humans (or 2 very enthusiastic ones).
- Freezer-friendly: Bake now, reheat later—breakfast solved!
Ingredients You Need (for 4–6 persons)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (200g) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 cup (120g) cooked bacon, chopped (or sausage crumbles)
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (60g) diced bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup (50g) diced onion
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions, hot sauce
Ingredient Highlights
- Hashbrowns: The crispy, golden base that holds it all together.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, savory depth (vegetarians, see variations below!).
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection.
Preparation Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Layer the Hashbrowns
- Spread thawed hashbrowns evenly in the baking dish. Press down lightly to form a crust-like layer.
3. Cook the Bacon & Veggies
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, then sauté onions and bell peppers in the bacon fat (or olive oil) for 3–4 minutes until soft.
4. Mix the Egg Base
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Layer cooked bacon and sautéed veggies over the hashbrowns. Pour the egg mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle cheese like you’re decorating a cake.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
Calories per Person
| Serving Size (grams) | Calories |
|---|---|
| 300g | 450 kcal |
How to Serve
- Classic: Serve with ketchup or hot sauce and a side of fresh fruit.
- Fancy-pants: Top with avocado slices, sour cream, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Brunch hero: Pair with mimosas, coffee, and a stack of pancakes.
How to Store
- Fridge: Cool completely, cover tightly, and store for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Additional Tips
- Thaw hashbrowns first: Squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Go veggie: Skip bacon and add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Crispy hack: Broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Southwest style: Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Swap cheddar for pepper jack.
- Bread lover’s twist: Replace hashbrowns with cubed stale bread (hello, strata!).
- Healthy-ish: Use turkey bacon, egg whites, and reduced-fat cheese.
Special Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls + whisk
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this the night before?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed (add 5–10 minutes if cold from the fridge).
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
A: Yes! Grate 2 medium potatoes, rinse, and squeeze dry before using.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, if using gluten-free hashbrowns (check packaging).
Conclusion
Food has a magical way of turning ordinary moments into memories. This Ultimate Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a warm invitation to slow down, gather around the table, and savor the simple joys of a homemade meal. Whether it’s a sleepy Sunday or a hectic Tuesday, this dish promises to make your breakfast (or brunch, or dinner—no judgment here!) a little brighter.
Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Share your experience with us
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
Confused on picture
The cookies are tasty, but do you have the recipe for the actual cookies in your picture? These cookies are certainly not going to be that beautiful purple color. Thanks!
good for a nice dinner
nice
