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Crispy Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

crispy cheesy hashbrown breakfast casserole - featured image

A quick and easy breakfast casserole combining crispy hashbrowns with sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella cheeses, bound by eggs and milk, baked to golden perfection with crispy edges and a gooey center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 400g) frozen shredded hashbrowns
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional: 1 cup (100g) cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully blended and slightly frothy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix gently to distribute evenly.
  5. Fold in the frozen hashbrowns without thawing, coating them thoroughly with the egg mixture.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. If using cooked sausage or bacon, add it now.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly, pressing down slightly but not flattening completely.
  8. Brush the top with melted butter to help crisp the edges.
  9. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Around 25 minutes in, check for bubbling edges and golden color; tent with foil if browning too fast.
  10. For extra crispiness, remove foil (if used) and bake another 10-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and slightly crunchy, and center is set but creamy.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Keep hashbrowns frozen until mixing to avoid sogginess. Brush melted butter on top before baking for crispy edges. Bake uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate. Let rest before slicing for easier serving. Adjust cooking time if using a deeper or shallower dish. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Optional meat can be omitted for vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hashbrown casserole, cheesy breakfast, easy breakfast recipe, brunch recipe, crispy hashbrowns, cheesy casserole