There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cheesy breakfast bake fresh from the oven, and this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole brings all the cozy morning goodness you could ever want. It combines crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage or bacon, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and simple seasonings to create a hearty dish perfect for weekends, holidays, or feeding a hungry crowd. Every slice delivers creamy, cheesy richness with delicious breakfast flavors in each bite.
The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With affordable ingredients and easy prep, you can create a filling, satisfying breakfast that feels homemade and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing a brunch spread, serving guests, or looking for a make-ahead breakfast that reheats beautifully, this casserole fills your kitchen with warm, comforting smells and your table with a dish everyone will love.
If you enjoy cozy, flavorful breakfasts that are easy to make and always crowd-pleasing, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole will quickly become a regular favorite. It’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
✔ Loaded with creamy, cheesy hashbrowns
✔ Perfect mix of eggs, sausage or bacon, and melty cheese
✔ Easy to prep ahead of time and bake later
✔ Ideal for holidays, brunch, weekends, or potlucks
✔ Feeds a crowd with very little effort
✔ Customizable with vegetables, meats, and cheese blends
✔ Reheats beautifully for quick breakfasts
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This casserole turns simple ingredients into a warm, comforting breakfast that tastes homemade and satisfying. The hashbrowns bake into a creamy base, the cheese melts into every layer, and the eggs bind everything together into a perfectly baked casserole. It’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving guests or prepping breakfast for the week, this casserole delivers reliable, delicious results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Layer
• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, diced (optional)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
Egg Mixture
• 8 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella or Colby Jack (optional)
• Chives or parsley for garnish
How to Make Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Hashbrowns
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the thawed hashbrowns in an even layer and dot with butter.
Step 2: Add Sausage or Bacon
Sprinkle cooked sausage or bacon over the hashbrowns. Add onions or bell peppers if using.
Step 3: Mix the Eggs
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of cheddar and mozzarella over the sausage and hashbrowns.
Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Gently shake the dish so the liquid spreads.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice, garnish with chives or parsley, and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
✔ Thaw hashbrowns fully so the casserole cooks evenly
✔ Cook sausage or bacon until crispy for the best texture
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
✔ Add extra seasonings like paprika or ranch for more flavor
✔ Let the casserole rest before slicing
✔ Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers
✔ Substitute half the cheese for pepper jack for a spicy boost
Variations & Substitutions
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes
• Replace sausage with ham
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version
• Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce
• Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gouda, or pepper jack
• Use tater tots instead of hashbrowns
• Add a layer of cream cheese for extra richness
What to Serve With Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
• Fresh fruit platter
• Pancakes or waffles
• Biscuits or toast
• Bacon or sausage links
• Salad greens
• Orange juice or coffee
This casserole pairs perfectly with sweet breakfast sides and fresh fruit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not thawing the hashbrowns — causes uneven baking
• Adding too much liquid — can make the casserole soggy
• Skipping the resting time — makes slicing harder
• Using pre-shredded cheese — doesn’t melt as smoothly
• Overbaking — can dry out the eggs
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To Store
Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
To Freeze
Freeze baked or unbaked (without the egg mixture) up to 2 months.
To Reheat
Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in slices. Add foil to prevent drying.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of melted cheese, soft hashbrowns, savory sausage or bacon, and perfectly baked eggs creates a breakfast that’s comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting brunch or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers every time.
Recipe FAQ’s
1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble it and refrigerate overnight.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes? Yes, shred and squeeze out moisture first.
3. Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, omit the meat or add veggie sausage.
4. Can I add cream cheese? Yes, dot pieces throughout for extra richness.
5. Can I use egg whites only? Yes, but texture will be lighter.
6. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze in slices for easy reheating.
7. Can I double the recipe? Yes, use two baking dishes.
8. Why is my casserole watery? Hashbrowns were not fully thawed.
9. Can I add cottage cheese? Yes, for protein and creaminess.
10. Can I use almond milk? Yes, but the casserole will be slightly less creamy.