Hashbrown breakfast casseroles have long been a staple in American morning feasts, particularly popular in the Midwest where hearty breakfasts are a cherished tradition. This variation, loaded with an abundance of delicious ingredients, takes the standard recipe up a notch, promising to be a hit at any brunch gathering or family breakfast. The combination of textures from the crispy hashbrowns to the creamy cheese, along with the savory punch from the bacon and sausage, makes this dish irresistible. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make meal that offers a warm, comforting start to your day.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to its richness. A side of buttery toast or flaky biscuits would complete the meal perfectly. For a more brunch-like setting, consider serving it alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the flavors. A glass of fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee will round out this delightful breakfast experience.
Ingredients
1 (30 oz) package of frozen hashbrowns, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced onions, diced bell peppers, cooked bacon, and sausage.
Evenly spread the cheese and meat mixture over the hashbrowns in the baking dish.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown and cheese mixture in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped chives, if desired, and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and sausage and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties such as pepper jack for an extra flavor boost. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. In the morning, bake as directed for a convenient, stress-free breakfast.
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