Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake, or as I like to call it, the ultimate crowd-pleaser for brunch gatherings, is exactly what you need for your Easter celebration. This baked casserole combines crispy, golden hash browns with the rich flavors of cheese and your choice of breakfast meat, all enveloped in a fluffy egg mixture. It’s a dish that invites second servings, tends to start conversations, and ultimately leaves everyone satisfied. The combination of textures and flavors here makes it a must-try, whether you’re hosting a big family brunch or enjoying a quiet morning at home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

I still remember the first time I served a cheesy hash brown casserole at a family gathering. The looks of joy as everyone dove in were priceless. The laughter, the stories shared, and the plates being filled again and again made for a lovely morning. This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is the perfect companion when you want to bring comfort and joy to your brunch table. Trust me—this easy, budget-friendly recipe will quickly become a favorite for your celebrations, and it’s simple to put together. So, let’s share the love of food and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delightful breakfast ready to bake.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Swiss cheese creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This baked casserole is visually appealing, making it a stunning centerpiece for brunch.
Flexible Serving: It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s an Easter brunch, holiday gathering, or just a cozy family breakfast.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets with a few simple substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 to 16 ounces bacon or sausage: The choice here adds protein and a delicious savory flavor. For a lighter option, turkey bacon works well.
½ cup small diced onion or shallots: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle sweetness. You can substitute with leeks for a twist.
8 large eggs: The base for our casserole, they create the perfect fluffy texture. Using fresh eggs will yield the best results.
4-5 cups shredded hash browns: Frozen or thawed, they provide the crispy layer that everybody loves. You can also use diced potatoes if preferred.
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): Adds a slight kick and elevates the flavor profile. Try using a milder sauce if you’re serving kids.
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon pepper: A little bit of pepper brings out the savory tones of the recipe.
¾ cup cottage cheese: This adds creaminess without being too heavy, and it helps the casserole bind together.
¾ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and moisture, creating a rich mouthfeel.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor—it’s a classic addition!
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: This provides a mild, nutty flavor that complements the cheddar beautifully.
Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish): They add a fresh burst of color and flavor right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter, setting it aside to prepare for the cheesy goodness.

Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your choice of 8 to 16 ounces chopped bacon or sausage along with the ½ cup small diced onion or shallots. Cook until the bacon is crispy or the sausage is browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 large lightly beaten eggs, 4-5 cups shredded hash browns, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if using for a nice kick), 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¾ cup cottage cheese, ¾ cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese. Mix everything well until it’s completely combined, then fold in the meat and onion mixture.

Spread in Pan: Carefully spread the mixture evenly in your prepared 9X13-inch baking pan. You can cover it and refrigerate overnight if you’d like to prepare it ahead of time—perfect for busy mornings!

Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges and puffy in the center. If you refrigerated it overnight, plan for an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time. A thin knife should come out clean from the center; this is your indication that it’s ready.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to cut into squares. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, colorful touch. Dig in and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake has cooled, you can store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months—just be sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind, the texture may be slightly different after freezing, but a drizzle of hot sauce can help refresh the flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the meat; it will be baked further in the casserole.
For fluffier eggs, make sure to whisk the eggs thoroughly before mixing them with the other ingredients.
If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes once it’s done baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Adjust the amounts of cheese according to your preference, as you can play with different combinations.
If you plan to make it ahead, avoid adding green onions until just before serving for the freshest taste.

Enjoy all the flavors and textures that this dish has to offer. With its comforting base and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for those delightful brunch moments filled with laughter and good company.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just be aware that it may need a bit more time in the oven to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I Use Different Meats in This Recipe?

Of course! Feel free to swap bacon for ham, turkey sausage, or even leave the meat out altogether for a vegetarian version.

What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a light salad, or even warm pastries for a balanced brunch spread.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

After cooling, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven.

Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, and watch the smiles light up the table! Whether for a special occasion or any weekend brunch, this Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is sure to become a staple in your home.

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Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the delightful taste of this Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake. Packed with flavors from bacon, eggs, and assorted cheeses, this casserole is a fantastic choice for breakfast or brunch gatherings, offering a simple prep process that results in a mouthwatering dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 g) bacon, chopped, or sausage
½ cup small diced onion or shallots
8 large eggs, lightly beaten
4–5 cups (567 to 680 g) shredded hash browns, frozen or thawed
1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¾ cup (170 g) cottage cheese
¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
1 cup (114 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (114 g) shredded swiss cheese
chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon or sausage with the onion until thoroughly cooked and crisp. Drain any excess grease.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, hash browns, hot sauce if using, salt, pepper, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and swiss cheese. Stir in the cooked bacon or sausage and onions until well mixed.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan, covering and refrigerating overnight if desired.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, the center is puffy, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If refrigerated, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Garnish with chopped green onions or chives, allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, then cut into squares to serve.

Notes

This casserole can be made a day in advance. Simply refrigerate overnight before baking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
Adjust the type of cheese according to your preference for different flavors.