If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish, look no further than this Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. It’s a luscious blend of crispy hash browns, creamy cheese, and savory ingredients that come together effortlessly to kickstart your day. Whether it’s for a busy weekday morning or a leisurely weekend brunch, this Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed winner that fills your kitchen with warm, irresistible aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you probably already have, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Family Friendly: Perfect for feeding a crowd, from kids to adults, with flavors everyone adores.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled the night before, making busy mornings stress-free.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to accommodate dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
Creamy and Crispy Texture: Combines soft, cheesy goodness with golden, crunchy edges for the perfect bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is chosen to bring out a perfect balance of flavor, richness, and texture. Simple but essential, these ingredients ensure that every bite is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Frozen hash browns: The foundation that delivers crispy, golden texture without extra prep.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and packing a rich cheesy flavor that ties the dish together.
Eggs: Providing structure and a fluffy texture that holds the casserole nicely.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to elevate the overall flavor.
Milk: Keeps the casserole moist and tender for a perfect bite.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These seasonings bring a savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
Cooked bacon or sausage (optional): Adds a savory meaty kick if you want to make it heartier.
Green onions or chives (optional): For a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens every bite.

Variations for Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This dish is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to personalize and experiment based on your pantry and cravings. Here are some tried-and-true variations that make the recipe your own.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and boost flavor with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a lively, spicy twist.
Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a combination for a milder or sharper taste.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary for an aromatic lift.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream with vegan alternatives to make it allergy-friendly.

Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole to Try Today

How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Thaw the frozen hash browns if needed and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grate your cheese, cook and crumble your bacon or sausage if using, and whisk together eggs, sour cream, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the hash browns, cooked meat, green onions, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Pour into Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup, then spread the mixture evenly. Tap to level the surface and make sure all ingredients are well-distributed.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the casserole is set with golden bubbly edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and make slicing easier.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Use thawed hash browns: This prevents excess moisture in the casserole and helps it crisp up nicely.
Don’t overmix: Gently folding the ingredients keeps the hash browns intact and the texture perfect.
Opt for full-fat dairy: It adds richness and creaminess that really elevate this dish.
Watch your bake time: Overbaking can dry out the casserole, so check frequently towards the end.
Add fresh herbs last: Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving for maximum aroma and flavor impact.

How to Serve Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Top your casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add color and a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy base.

Side Dishes

Pair with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the casserole into small squares and serve as finger food at brunch parties or layer it in a breakfast burrito wrap for a portable, flavorful meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covering tightly helps preserve moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, slice it into portions, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwave reheating works too but may affect texture.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the bacon or sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but be sure to grate and squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes first to avoid a soggy casserole.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as is, just double-check ingredient labels, especially for processed items like sausages or seasoning blends.

How long does it take to bake the casserole?

Baking typically takes 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F, until the top is golden and the center is set, but ovens may vary, so keep an eye on it.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole—it’s a delicious, comforting, and easy way to make mornings more special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy breakfast, this dish is an all-time favorite worth making again and again. Give it a try today and watch it become your new go-to recipe!

Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

A comforting and crowd-pleasing Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole combining crispy hash browns, creamy cheese, and savory ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy-to-make casserole is customizable, make-ahead friendly, and features a delightful creamy and crispy texture.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients

1 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled
¼ cup chopped green onions or chives

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Thaw the frozen hash browns if needed and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grate the cheddar cheese, cook and crumble bacon or sausage if using, and whisk together eggs, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Combine the Mixture: Gently fold the thawed hash browns, cooked meat (if using), green onions or chives (if using), and shredded cheese into the egg mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Pour into Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, tapping to level the surface and ensure all ingredients are well-distributed.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the casserole is set, the edges are golden and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps flavors meld and makes slicing easier before serving.

Notes

Use thawed hash browns to avoid excess moisture and ensure crispiness.
Don’t overmix to keep the hash browns intact and maintain texture.
Opt for full-fat dairy ingredients for richer, creamier flavor.
Keep an eye on baking time to avoid drying out the casserole.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving for extra aroma.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 210 mg

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