Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Bacon Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s packed with comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, look no further than this Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Bacon Recipe. It’s a golden-layered, cheesy delight that combines crispy bacon, tender hash browns, and rich eggs all baked into a luscious casserole perfect for weekend brunches or special mornings. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a warm hug on a plate that invites everyone to gather ‘round and dig in together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple staples transforms this breakfast casserole into a spectacular dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the smoky crispiness of the bacon to the creamy melted cheese, while the hash browns add texture and the eggs bring everything together with a silky custard finish.

• Bacon (16 ounces): Provides a smoky, salty crunch that’s essential for flavor depth.
• Thawed hash browns (3 cups): Brings a crispy, comforting texture reminiscent of classic breakfast potatoes.
• Small onion, diced (1): Adds natural sweetness and aromatic warmth once sautéed.
• Bread, cubed (6 slices): Absorbs custardy goodness and helps bind the casserole while offering a soft crumb.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully, adding richness and sharp flavor.
• Milk (2 cups): Creates a creamy base for the egg custard to set softly.
• Eggs (6): The backbone that holds everything together and sets the casserole into a satisfying, firm bake.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds savory umami complexity that elevates the taste.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle tang to balance the richness.
• Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the other flavors.

How to Make Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish

Start by greasing a 9×13 casserole dish thoroughly to ensure your masterpiece doesn’t stick. This simple step makes for easy serving later and keeps every bite intact.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until it is golden and crisp. You might want to work in batches to avoid overcrowding which prevents that perfect crunch. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and cool. When cool enough, chop it into bite-sized pieces ready to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Carefully drain most of the bacon grease from your skillet but leave a little behind for flavor. Add the diced onions and cook them gently until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and enhancing the casserole’s aroma and depth.

Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients

Now, it’s time to assemble the stars of the show. In your greased casserole dish, toss the chopped bacon, thawed hash browns, sautéed onions, bread cubes, and shredded cheddar cheese together with care. Each ingredient brings its unique texture and taste, creating a harmonious mix that will bake into a scrumptious base.

Step 5: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth. This mixture will become the custard that binds the casserole, adding creaminess and a hint of tang.

Step 6: Pour and Cover

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the combined casserole ingredients, letting it soak through the bread and hash browns for maximum flavor. Once floated atop, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.

Step 7: Refrigerate Overnight

For best results, refrigerate your casserole overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the custard fully absorbs into the bread and hash browns, delivering a perfect texture every time.

Step 8: Bring to Room Temperature and Preheat Oven

Remove the casserole from the fridge an hour before baking to let it come to room temperature—about 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, set your oven to 375º F, creating the ideal environment for baking this hearty breakfast casserole.

Step 9: Bake and Finish

Bake your casserole covered with foil for 40 minutes, allowing the custard to set gently. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to develop a golden, bubbly, and inviting top layer. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before slicing—it helps everything settle and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions adds a burst of color and a gentle sharpness that lifts the rich flavors beautifully. You can also offer a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love an extra kick in their breakfast.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands superbly on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens to offer a refreshing counterpoint. Consider serving alongside your favorite morning pastries or a simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to complete the table setting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering individual portions in clear ramekins for a charming presentation that shows off all the casserole’s colorful layers. For a festive brunch, top each serving with a sunny-side-up egg or scatter crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of extra cheddar just before serving to add texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze pre-baked or uncooked casserole. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and then a layer of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake after freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the baking instructions as usual.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through, or pop leftovers into a preheated oven at 350º F covered with foil to keep moisture, until hot and bubbly again. This casserole maintains its texture and flavor beautifully even after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen hash browns directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw the hash browns first to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water, which could make the casserole soggy.

Is there a substitute for the Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, a few drops of soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can offer a similar depth of umami flavor.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra savory notes and texture.

What type of cheese works best besides cheddar?

Cheddar is classic, but you can also try pepper jack for a mild kick or Monterey Jack for a creamy melt that complements the other ingredients well.

How long does it need to rest after baking?

Allowing the casserole to rest about 5 minutes after baking helps it set fully and makes slicing neater and easier.

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Bacon Recipe is a reliable go-to when you want a warm, satisfying meal that fills the room with irresistible aromas. Its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that overnight prep ease will make it your new favorite for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying leftovers with morning coffee. Don’t wait to try it—it’s more than a recipe; it’s a tradition in the making.

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