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The Ultimate Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser You Can Prep the Night Before
If you’re looking for a hearty, make-ahead breakfast that everyone will devour, this hashbrown breakfast casserole with cheese and bacon is the one. It’s warm, crispy, creamy, and savory—basically everything you want in a weekend or holiday breakfast dish.
With shredded potatoes, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs baked into one golden pan, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining or a lazy Sunday.
Ingredients
- 6 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing dish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the baking dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Spread the hashbrowns
Evenly layer the thawed hashbrowns in the bottom of the baking dish. Pat them down lightly with a spatula.
3. Add cheese and bacon
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the hashbrowns. Top with the crumbled bacon.
4. Mix the egg custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown, cheese, and bacon layers. Tilt the pan gently to ensure even distribution.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and garnish
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great mix-ins.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Swap the meat: Try cooked sausage, turkey bacon, or diced ham.
- No sour cream? Use plain Greek yogurt for a protein-rich substitute.
Nutrition Overview
This casserole is more than just comforting—it’s packed with satisfying macros to power your morning. The combo of hashbrowns, bacon, eggs, and cheese offers the perfect blend of protein, carbs, and fats.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 8 servings):
Estimates vary by brand and toppings used.
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 18% DV
Want to lighten it up? Use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat milk—still satisfying, just a bit leaner.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Bake, cool completely, slice, and freeze. Wrap individual servings and reheat as needed.
How to Scale for a Crowd
This recipe serves 8–10, but it’s easy to multiply:
- Double it: Make two 9×13 pans. Great for 16–20 people.
- Use a deep sheet pan: A 13×18 pan can hold 1.5x the recipe. Make sure the rim is at least 2 inches deep.
- Hosting Tip: Prep multiple pans in advance and bake back-to-back or simultaneously with oven rotation.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, but shred and squeeze out excess moisture first to avoid a watery bake.
Can I bake this in advance and reheat it?
Absolutely. Let it cool, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F until warm (about 20 minutes).
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—just skip the bacon and add extra veggies or a vegetarian meat alternative.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy bacon hashbrown breakfast casserole is a no-fail favorite. It’s easy to prep, feeds a hungry group, and works for everything from Christmas morning to casual weekend brunch.
Try it once and watch it become your signature breakfast casserole.
Looking for more easy make-ahead breakfast ideas to feed your family or wow your brunch guests? This breakfast casserole recipe is just one of 12 crowd-pleasing make-ahead breakfast casseroles featured in our full roundup.
From cheesy sausage bakes to sweet French toast casseroles, each recipe is designed to be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning—perfect for holidays, weekends, or meal prep.
Browse all 12 make-ahead breakfast casseroles here:
https://divahomeinspiration.com/12-make-ahead-breakfast-casseroles-to-feed-a-crowd/
