Description
Hearty potato treasure “Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole” delivers morning comfort with golden layers of creamy potatoes and melted cheese. Crisp edges, rich flavors, and simple ingredients combine for a satisfying breakfast that will energize you through the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (30 ounces / 850 grams) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound (454 grams) breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Ensure frozen hash browns are completely thawed, then create an even base layer across the greased baking dish, pressing gently to form a uniform foundation.
- Scatter cooked bacon or sausage crumbles strategically across the potato layer, followed by finely diced onion and bell pepper for textural complexity and flavor depth.
- Season the potato and meat layer with balanced spices – a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of smoky paprika to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Whisk eggs and milk together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated, creating a silky custard-like consistency.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the potato and meat base, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire dish to guarantee consistent cooking.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, allowing it to create a golden, melted blanket that will develop a deliciously crispy top during baking.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a firm center and a beautifully bronzed cheese topping that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest and set for 3-5 minutes, which helps stabilize the structure and makes cutting into clean squares easier.
- Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately alongside complementary breakfast accompaniments like fresh seasonal fruit or crisp toast.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping bacon or sausage with ham, turkey bacon, or vegetarian alternatives like crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
- Boost nutritional value by adding spinach, kale, or diced zucchini directly into the egg mixture for extra vegetables and color.
- Make it crispy by pressing the hash browns slightly into the bottom of the dish and ensuring they’re well-drained to prevent excess moisture and achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before, covering it with foil, and refrigerating. Simply bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves time and maintains delicious flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg