Hi, I’m Laura Jennings, a 38-year-old home cook from Asheville, North Carolina. My love for cooking began beside my grandmother, covered in flour, learning how simple ingredients can bring a family together.
This cheesy hash brown casserole with eggs is the kind of cozy breakfast my family loves on slow weekends. It’s creamy, cheesy, and golden on top a warm hug in a dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s easy to prep ahead for holidays or busy mornings when you just want something delicious and effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food.
- Simple ingredients no fancy tools required.
- Great for meal prep or overnight baking.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup for vegetarian)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Optional Swaps:
- Use Colby Jack or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in sour cream, cream soup, melted butter, and onions (if using).
- Add hash browns and 1½ cups of cheese; mix well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and set in the center.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or coffee. For brunch, pair with bacon, sausage links, or a light green salad.
Quick Tips or Variations
- Add cooked sausage, ham, or crumbled bacon for extra protein.
- Mix in diced bell peppers or spinach for color.
- Make ahead: assemble the night before and refrigerate until baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make cheesy hash brown casserole with eggs ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for fresh flavor and perfect texture.
2. What kind of cheese works best in a hash brown egg casserole?
Cheddar melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack or Colby Jack adds extra creaminess.
3. How do I keep my hash brown casserole from getting soggy?
Thaw and drain your hash browns completely before mixing. Avoid overmixing the ingredients.
4. Can I freeze cheesy hash brown casserole with eggs?
Absolutely. Cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
This cheesy hash brown casserole with eggs is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that fits every occasion breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s warm, creamy, and endlessly comforting the kind of meal that makes everyone smile around the table.
