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Hey friend! Ready to up your brunch game with a killer breakfast casserole that everyone will rave about? If you’ve ever scrambled to find Easy Breakfast Ideas or needed Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd, this Bacon & Hashbrown Brunch Bake is your new go-to. I stumbled on this gem when hosting a chaotic “brunch potluck” last winter—trust me, nothing says comfort like bacon, cheese, and crispy hashbrowns all baked into one glorious dish.
I love how this bake hits all the right notes: it’s a breeze to prep, a dream to reheat, and yes, it even qualifies as a Healthy Breakfast Casserole if you swap in turkey bacon and Greek yogurt. Ever tried a Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead for an overnight gathering? That’s right, you can line up your ingredients the night before—your future self will thank you.
Whether you’re craving a twist on Egg Casserole Recipes, hunting for Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns, or seeking Brunch Casserole inspo for a Sunday family feast, this recipe ticks all boxes. And hey, FYI, it doubles as one of the easiest Breakfast Basket stunners you can bring to a potluck. So grab your skillet and let’s make magic happen—no fancy techniques required 🙂
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen hashbrowns, thawed (shredded or diced)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (turkey bacon works, too!)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or a non-dairy alternative)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—non-stick spray works wonders if you don’t want scrubbing later.
- Sauté Veggies: Heat a skillet on medium. Toss in diced onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until they soften. This little step amps up flavor big time.
- Layer Hashbrowns: Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly in your greased dish. Press down gently to form a uniform base—this is your crispy crust.
- Scatter Bacon & Veggies: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the hashbrowns, then layer the sautéed onions and peppers on top. Feel free to add extra bacon if you’re feeling decadent 😉
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered base.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over everything. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs set and the top turns golden. If you love a crispy top, broil for an extra minute or two—just don’t wander off!
- Rest & Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps it slice cleanly. Top with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve & Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve hot. Pair with a side salad, fresh fruit, or even some Easy Tater Tot Casserole if you’re feeling extra lazy. Seriously, who’s judging?
Variations
Want to shake things up? Here are a few Breakfast Casserole Ideas that’ll make you feel like a brunch ninja:
- Veggie Delight: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach to create a Healthy Breakfast Casserole that even skeptics will love.
- Tortilla Quiche Bake: Line the dish with corn or flour tortillas instead of hashbrowns. This twist brings a Tex-Mex vibe worthy of any Brunch Casserole.
- Mini Quiche Recipes: Portion the mixture into muffin tins for grab-and-go servings—perfect for a Breakfast Basket or lunchbox treat.
Serving & Tips
Icing on the cake? These tips turn a solid dish into a showstopper:
- Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake straight from the fridge—no extra prep needed.
- Storage Hacks: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave—both work fine, but the oven keeps that crispy edge.
- Seasonal Twists: Fall brunch? Add roasted butternut squash and sage. Summer backyard party? Toss in fresh cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Brunch Potluck Pro Tip: Keep your casserole warm in a slow cooker on “warm” mode. It’s a lifesaver if everyone shows up late or right on time (because chaos!).
Final Thoughts
Phew! That was fun, right? This Bacon & Hashbrown Brunch Bake definitely takes the crown among Easy Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns recipes I’ve tried. IMO, it beats a classic Egg Frittata when you need to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Remember that time my sister declared it “better than my grandma’s”? Yeah, she said it.
I love how this recipe fits into any morning scenario—whether it’s a cozy Sunday with family or a banging Brunch Potluck at your friend’s house. No matter your style, you’ll impress without turning your kitchen into a total disaster zone. So next time you ponder Breakfast Casserole Overnight options, reach for this dish and thank me later. 😉
Happy brunching!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it into a cold oven, set to 375°F, and bake for about 40–45 minutes. Your morning self will adore you 🙂
How do I make this dish healthier?
Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon, use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, and replace half the cheese with grated Parmesan for extra flavor with fewer calories. You can also toss in more veggies—think kale, spinach, or broccoli—for added fiber and nutrients.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cut cooled casserole into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What sides go well with this brunch bake?
I love serving it with a fresh fruit salad, mixed green salad, or even a batch of fluffy pancakes for a classic brunch spread. For a savory touch, offer some homemade salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream on the side.
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