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Crispy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Easy Recipe for a Crowd

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A comforting and crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, fluffy cheesy eggs, and optional savory meat. Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mix with Monterey Jack)
  • 8 oz (225g) cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the meat (if using) in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  3. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press down lightly to compact them.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 1 cup (240ml) whole milk until fully combined.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture. Season to taste.
  6. Sprinkle the cooked meat and diced onion evenly over the hash browns.
  7. Pour the egg mixture over everything, making sure it seeps through the layers.
  8. Top with 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until bubbly, golden on top, and eggs are set (check with a knife).
  10. Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to firm up.

Notes

Press hash browns firmly into the dish to get a crispy crust. Thaw hash browns slightly before baking to reduce moisture. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Freeze cheese before shredding to avoid clumps. For vegetarian version, omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days and reheat best in oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, crispy hash browns, cheesy eggs, crowd-pleaser, easy breakfast, make ahead casserole