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Ever faced the dreaded morning scramble, trying to feed a hungry crowd? I’ve been there—juggling eggs, flipping pancakes, and still missing half the toppings. That’s when I discovered this Bacon & Hashbrown Brunch Bake, the ultimate breakfast casserole that saves your sanity and delights every taste bud. Whether you’re hunting for Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd or craving a Healthy Breakfast Casserole, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it doubles as a Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead dream—just assemble, chill overnight, and bake when you wake up. 😏
Seriously, what’s not to love? Crispy bacon weaves through a layer of fluffy eggs, roasted onions, and melty cheddar, all nestled on a bed of golden hashbrowns. Imagine an Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns that practically cooks itself while you sip your coffee. This isn’t some boring egg bake—this is a Tortilla Quiche Bake’s cooler cousin, with more crunch and a punch of savory flavor. IMO, it beats a Mini Quiche Recipes platter or an Egg Frittata any day when you have a crowd to feed.
I first dreamed up this Brunch Casserole for a lazy Sunday brunch, right when I needed Easy Breakfast Ideas that felt indulgent without the fuss. It impressed guests so much that it earned a permanent spot on my menu for Brunch Potluck sessions. Got a Breakfast Basket teeming with scones and fruit? Slide in a slice of this savory delight, and watch it disappear. And if you’re thinking, “Can I really make this ahead?” —FYI, you can. This casserole stays happily in the fridge for up to 24 hours, ready to bless your kitchen when you’re ready to bake.
If you love versatility, this dish fits right in with Breakfast Casserole Recipes you can tweak any way you like. Want to swap hashbrowns for sweet potatoes? Go wild. Thinking of adding spinach or bell peppers for a twist? I got you. Looking for Omlet Breakfast Ideas? Picture folding these components into a pan—except this time, it’s a one-and-done bake, not a juggling act at the stove. Ready to impress your family, host a crowd, or just treat yourself to a next-level Savory Breakfast? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Before we dive in, let’s gather everything you need for this epic brunch casserole. Feel free to source organic bacon or switch cheeses to keep it Healthy Breakfast Casserole level.
- 6 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup diced bell pepper or spinach for extra veggies
Instructions
Alright, let’s get this breakfast casserole in the oven. Follow these steps for a foolproof bake every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the dish. Press them down lightly to form a base.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon, diced onion, and minced garlic over the hashbrowns. Add bell pepper or spinach if using.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is smooth—no rogue eggshells allowed.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered hashbrowns and bacon. Tilt the dish to help it settle evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it out so you get a golden crust on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers hold together.
- Serve warm and watch it disappear faster than you can say “easy tater tot casserole.”
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few Breakfast Casserole Ideas to shake things up:
- Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, cilantro, and swap cheddar for pepper jack. Serve with salsa.
- Veggie Delight: Fold in mushrooms, zucchini, and baby spinach for a nutrient-packed twist.
- Meaty Feast: Swap bacon for crumbled sausage or add diced ham for extra protein.
Serving & Tips
This Bacon & Hashbrown Brunch Bake shines as a star in any Brunch Casserole lineup. Slice into squares and serve on a platter alongside fresh fruit, muffins, or toast. To store, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or pop back into a 350°F oven until warm. Hosting a Brunch Potluck? Make this Breakfast Casserole Overnight by assembling and covering it the night before—bake it straight from the fridge in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a one-pan wonder that takes the headache out of hosting and elevates any morning meal. Personally, I love how this recipe doubles as both a breakfast casserole and a late-night snack after a weekend party. It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and let’s be honest—it’s basically happiness in a baking dish. Next time you need a lineup of Easy Breakfast Ideas, remember this Bacon & Hashbrown Brunch Bake. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you!
Bacon & Hashbrown Brunch Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk again to mix evenly.
- Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Press down gently to form a base.
- Layer chopped bacon over the hashbrowns, followed by bell pepper and onion.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients. Adjust toppings to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is set and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it from cold—just add 5–10 extra minutes.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes for hashbrowns?
Yes! Roasted or shredded sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients. Just ensure they’re cooked or thawed.
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your bacon and seasonings contain no added gluten. Always check labels to be safe.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Pop individual slices in the microwave for 45–60 seconds, or warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
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