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A Cheesy Egg, Ham, and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for a hearty morning meal or a delightful brunch centerpiece. Packed with protein, rich in flavor, and easy to prepare, this casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a dish loved by all. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or meal-prepping for busy mornings, this recipe is a must-try.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make Cheesy Egg, Ham and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole and explore its delightful variations, serving ideas, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this casserole. With staples like eggs, ham, cheese, and hashbrowns, you’ll create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. - Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe is versatile enough to fit into any scenario—be it a cozy family breakfast, a festive holiday brunch, or meal prep for busy mornings. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table! - Make-Ahead Friendly
Save time on hectic mornings by prepping this casserole the night before. Pop it in the oven the next day, and breakfast is served with minimal effort. - Customizable to Your Tastes
Whether you prefer extra veggies, a different type of protein, or a spicy kick, this casserole is easy to adapt to your preferences. - A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
The combination of cheesy, savory, and crispy flavors makes this dish a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
How to Make Cheesy Egg, Ham and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following:
- Hashbrowns (frozen or fresh) – 3 cups
- Ham (diced) – 1 ½ cups
- Eggs – 8 large
- Milk – 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 2 cups
- Onion (finely chopped) – ½ cup
- Bell peppers (diced, optional) – ½ cup
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Paprika (optional) – ½ tsp
- Butter or cooking spray – for greasing
Instructions to Make Cheesy Egg, Ham and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare the Hashbrowns
- Spread the hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using frozen hashbrowns, ensure they are thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture.
Layer the Ingredients
- Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the hashbrowns.
- Add a layer of finely chopped onions and optional bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Whisk the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the layered hashbrowns, ham, and vegetables.
Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. This creates the irresistible cheesy crust.
Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the eggs are fully set.
Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
Thoroughly Drain Ingredients
- Excess moisture from thawed hashbrowns or veggies can make the casserole soggy. Always pat them dry.
Make It Ahead
Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake it in the morning for a hassle-free meal.
Customize the Flavors
- Add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick. Herbs like parsley or thyme also enhance the flavor.
Test for Doneness
- Use a toothpick or knife to check if the center is fully cooked. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
What to Serve With / Serving Ideas
This casserole is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy casserole.
- Sourdough Grilled Cheese: Perfect for doubling down on the cheesy comfort food vibe. You Must try our Sourdough Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Nutella Puff Pastry: Add a sweet touch to your brunch table. You Must try our Nutella Puff Pastry recipe.
- Coleslaw for Pulled Pork: A tangy side that balances the flavors. You Must try our Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Meat Lover’s Delight: Add cooked sausage or crispy bacon for an extra dose of protein.
- Cheese Mix-Up: Use a combination of mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for diverse flavors.
- Southwestern Twist: Incorporate jalapeños, black beans, and salsa into the layers for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Mini Casseroles: Divide the ingredients into muffin tins for individual servings—a great idea for meal prep or parties.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze the breakfast casserole?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
2. How long does the casserole last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hashbrowns?
Absolutely. Shred fresh potatoes, rinse them thoroughly to remove excess starch, and pat them dry before layering.
4. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
5. Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Of course! Diced turkey or leftover Thanksgiving turkey works wonderfully in this recipe.
Substitutes
- Hashbrowns: Substitute with diced or shredded sweet potatoes.
- Ham: Use cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cheddar Cheese: Try Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free alternative.
- Milk: Almond, soy, or coconut milk are great substitutes.
- Bell Peppers: Zucchini or mushrooms can add a similar texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (serves 8):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
With this detailed guide on how to make Cheesy Egg, Ham and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Be sure to check out our other recipes for more inspiration and delicious ideas!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following:
- Hashbrowns (frozen or fresh) – 3 cups
- Ham (diced) – 1 ½ cups
- Eggs – 8 large
- Milk – 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 2 cups
- Onion (finely chopped) – ½ cup
- Bell peppers (diced, optional) – ½ cup
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Paprika (optional) – ½ tsp
- Butter or cooking spray – for greasing
Instructions
Instructions to Make Cheesy Egg, Ham and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare the Hashbrowns
- Spread the hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using frozen hashbrowns, ensure they are thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture.
Layer the Ingredients
- Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the hashbrowns.
- Add a layer of finely chopped onions and optional bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Whisk the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the layered hashbrowns, ham, and vegetables.
Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. This creates the irresistible cheesy crust.
Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the eggs are fully set.
Let It Rest and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
Thoroughly Drain Ingredients
- Excess moisture from thawed hashbrowns or veggies can make the casserole soggy. Always pat them dry.
Make It Ahead
- Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake it in the morning for a hassle-free meal.
Customize the Flavors
- Add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick. Herbs like parsley or thyme also enhance the flavor.
Test for Doneness
- Use a toothpick or knife to check if the center is fully cooked. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
