This casserole is delicious and versatile. Swap out the bacon for ham or sausage, use different types of cheese, or add vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra nutrition and color. You can even omit the bacon and use a meat-free protein, like tofu.

It can be made ahead of time for prepping for events like Christmas morning breakfast or just for weekly meal planning. Assemble it the night before, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Leftovers reheat really well, making breakfasts for busy mornings a breeze.

 Why you’ll love this recipe

Easily customizable based on taste preferences and what you have on hand.Straightforward ingredients you may already have on hand.Can be prepped in advance and baked the next day.Great for meal planning — leftovers store really well.Made in just over an hour.

 Ingredients

 How to make this hash brown breakfast casserole

This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the bacon out and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.Whisk Eggs: To a large mixing bowl, add eggs, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until eggs are beaten.Prepare Egg Mixture: Add bacon, frozen hash browns, shredded cheddar, cottage cheese, and any optional ingredients like onions and bell peppers to the bowl of beaten eggs. Stir together until well combined.Transfer Egg Mixture To Baking Dish: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly using a rubber spatula. Add Cheese: Optionally, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar on top.Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly golden brown. Optionally, transfer the baking dish to the top rack of the oven under the broiler and broil for about 30-60 seconds, watching carefully to avoid burning.Cool Then Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing it with green onions or chives, then serving.

 Ingredient substitution suggestions

Bacon: Substitute with turkey sausage, pork sausage, turkey bacon, or diced ham. For a vegetarian option, use tofu. You can also altogether omit the bacon.Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack will all work.Cottage Cheese: Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or ricotta cheese.

 Variations

Include more veggies in the egg mixture like spinach, mushrooms, and/or tomatoes.Mix fresh herbs into the egg mixture, like parsley, thyme, or chives, for a fresh flavor.Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for added heat.Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and/or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.

 How to serve

Salad — Pair with creamy dill cucumber salad, Caesar salad, or mixed greens with vinaigrette.Brunch — Serve as part of brunch with bacon egg and cheese breakfast sliders, cinnamon dolce latte, and keto coffee cake.

FAQs