This hash brown and egg casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Combining the comforting flavors of hash browns, eggs, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's a great way to start your day with a hearty and satisfying meal.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common household staples. However, if you don't usually keep frozen hash browns in your freezer, you will need to pick some up from the supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have shredded cheddar cheese on hand, as it adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
![hash-brown-and-egg-casserole-recipe](https://kitchentricks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hash-brown-and-egg-casserole-recipe-1730975187.jpg)
Ingredients for Hash Brown and Egg Casserole Recipe
Hash browns: These are shredded potatoes that have been frozen. They provide a crispy texture and are the base of the casserole.
Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add protein to the dish.
Milk: This adds creaminess and helps to create a custard-like consistency.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory flavor and melts beautifully in the casserole.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing this hash brown and egg casserole, ensure that the hash browns are thoroughly thawed and drained of any excess moisture. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery and help achieve a perfectly set center. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing the hash browns in a bit of butter until they are lightly browned before mixing them with the egg mixture. This step adds a delightful crispness and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with grated fresh potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, and they can be used directly without thawing.
thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: For a slightly sweeter and more nutritious option, grated sweet potatoes can be used.
eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Commercial egg substitutes can be used for those who are vegan or have egg allergies.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a common vegan alternative.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles.
milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that has a similar consistency to cow's milk.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella can provide a milder flavor and a similar melting quality.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute and may offer a slightly different mineral content.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat without the black specks.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used, but in smaller quantities.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to freeze the casserole, cut it into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
- To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- For reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above. If reheating directly from frozen, increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes, ensuring the center is hot.
- For a quick reheating option, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
- To maintain the casserole's texture, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the amount you plan to consume immediately.
- If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or changes in texture, it's best to discard the casserole to ensure food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover hash brown and egg casserole in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top crisp up again.
Microwave Method:
- Cut the casserole into individual portions for even heating.
- Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
- If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the casserole slices in the skillet.
- Cover with a lid to help heat through evenly.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden and the center is warm.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the casserole slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If necessary, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the top is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Large mixing bowl: Essential for whisking together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and for combining all ingredients.
Whisk: Handy for thoroughly mixing the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper to ensure a smooth consistency.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt and black pepper precisely.
Baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole mixture is poured and baked.
Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Spatula: Useful for stirring in the hash browns and cheese into the egg mixture.
Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving, ensuring even cooling and easier handling.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Prep the night before: Mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, just stir in the hash browns and cheese.
Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.
Thaw hash browns quickly: Thaw frozen hash browns in the microwave to save time.
![hash-brown-and-egg-casserole-recipe](https://kitchentricks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/hash-brown-and-egg-casserole-recipe-1730975187.jpg)
Hash Brown and Egg Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Frozen Hash Browns thawed
- 8 Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in hash browns and cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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