This Crack Breakfast Casserole Hashbrown is a warm and cozy dish that combines crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and savory cheese. It’s perfect for starting your day right!
I love how you can easily throw it together and feed a crowd. Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? It’s like a breakfast hug in every bite! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns make this dish super easy, but you can use fresh grated potatoes if you prefer. Just soak them in water, then squeeze out excess moisture before using to avoid sogginess.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of your favorites would work great.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be good substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option. Cream cheese also melts beautifully, so consider that when swapping.
Bacon: While crispy bacon is a classic choice, turkey bacon or veggie bacon can be tasty alternatives if you’re cutting down on pork. You could also use sausage if that’s more your style!
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Baked?
Proper baking is crucial for a great breakfast casserole. Follow these tips to ensure it’s baked to perfection:
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for even cooking. Greasing it helps prevent sticking.
- Cook uncovered to allow the top to brown nicely, which adds flavor and texture.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center. It should come out clean when the casserole is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to cut into squares.
With these pointers, you’ll have a scrumptious casserole that everyone will love!
Crack Breakfast Casserole Hashbrown
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake, making a total of about 1 hour for a delicious breakfast casserole that’s perfect for family gatherings or breakfast meal prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your casserole comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 eggs and whisk them until they’re frothy. Add the softened cream cheese to the eggs and mix well until it’s nicely combined and creamy.
3. Add the Creamy Ingredients:
Next, stir in the sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Hashbrowns and Other Ingredients:
Now it’s time for the star of the show! Fold in the thawed hashbrowns, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon bits. Ensure everything is mixed well and distributed evenly.
5. Pour and Spread the Mixture:
Pour your cheesy hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks evenly in the oven.
6. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the casserole, creating a deliciously cheesy and savory layer.
7. Bake It:
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and golden brown on top.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once fully baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help it firm up. Garnish the top with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy, and bacon-filled goodness of your Crack Breakfast Casserole Hashbrown!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hashbrowns, just grate potatoes, soak them in water for about 30 minutes, and then squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole to avoid a soggy texture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while preheating the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If it’s looking a bit dry, add a splash of milk to help re-moisten!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be used instead of cream cheese. Just keep in mind that these substitutes might slightly change the texture and flavor, but they will still provide creaminess!
