Bacon, Egg & Hashbrown Casserole: A Savory Breakfast Sensation

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and satisfying. This Bacon, Egg & Hashbrown Casserole ticks all the boxes! It’s a classic breakfast casserole that’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a perfect way to start your day. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of classic breakfast flavors and my desire to create a dish that’s both hearty and easy to prepare.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use pre-cooked bacon or store-bought hash browns, I encourage you to embrace the freshness and flavor of homemade ingredients whenever possible. This recipe is simple enough that there’s no need for shortcuts, and using quality ingredients will elevate the taste of your casserole. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a breakfast casserole that’s bursting with savory flavors and satisfying textures. We’re talking crispy hash browns, smoky bacon, creamy eggs, and melted cheese all in one glorious bite. The combination of these breakfast favorites creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this delicious breakfast casserole:

• Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are a convenient and easy-to-use ingredient that provides a crispy texture to the casserole. Be sure to thaw them completely before using.
• Melted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the hash browns and helps them to brown beautifully in the oven.
• Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese: These two cheeses complement each other perfectly, with Monterey Jack adding a mild, creamy flavor and cheddar cheese providing a sharp and tangy bite.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor that’s irresistible in a breakfast casserole. You can use your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut, applewood smoked, or peppered.
• Eggs: Eggs are the foundation of this casserole, providing protein and binding the other ingredients together.
• Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture.
• Seasoned Salt, Kosher Salt, and Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Dry Mustard Powder and Onion Powder (Optional): These spices add a subtle depth of flavor to the egg mixture.
• Green Onions (Optional): Green onions add a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor.

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential tools to whip up this breakfast casserole:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Small bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns
• ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
• 1 ½ cups packed Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups packed cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ to 2 cups bacon, cut into bite-size pieces
• 8 large eggs
• 1 ⅓ cups evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Green onions (optional)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Layer the Hash Browns:

1. Place the frozen shredded hash browns in the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the melted butter evenly over the hash browns.
3. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, kosher salt, and pepper.
4. Stir gently to coat.

Bake the Hash Browns:

1. Bake the hash browns for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden on the edges.

Reduce Heat & Add Cheese:

1. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
2. Layer the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top of the hash browns.
3. Sprinkle the bacon evenly over the cheese.

Mix the Egg Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, mustard powder (if using), onion powder (if using), and a bit more salt and pepper.

Assemble:

1. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and bacon layer, making sure the eggs soak into the casserole.

Bake:

1. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is firm.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Troubleshooting

• Casserole too watery: If the casserole seems watery, you can bake it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. Make sure you’ve used the correct amount of evaporated milk.
• Hash browns not crispy: Ensure the hash browns are thawed completely before using. You can also bake them separately for a few minutes to crisp them up before adding them to the casserole.
• Eggs not cooked through: Make sure the center of the casserole is set and no longer jiggly. You can use a knife to check the doneness; it should come out clean.

Tips and Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• To add more vegetables, you can mix in chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the hash browns.
• For a cheesy twist, try using different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyère, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Bacon, Egg & Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. It pairs well with fresh fruit, toast, avocado, or a side salad. It’s perfect for brunch, potlucks, holidays, or a cozy weekend breakfast with family and friends.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~500
• Fat: ~35g
• Cholesterol: ~250mg
• Sodium: ~1000mg
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Protein: ~30g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Bacon, Egg & Hashbrown Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with sausage, ham, or even ground beef or turkey.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.